The Obama administration's decision to alter course on missile defense was the right choice. Those who claim it is a capitulation to Russia are wrong, and it plays into Russia's hands to portray the decision in that manner. But the change of course will have to be complemented with new, more appropriate initiatives to reassure NATO's East European members that the U.S. commitment to their security remains steadfast.
Missile defense was never intended to protect Eastern Europe from a Russian threat. It was about defending Europe from the threat of Iranian missiles. As countless analysts have pointed out, the interceptor and radar installments in Poland and the Czech Republic were always inadequate for defense against a Russian missile strike.
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