Russia Considers Preemptive Strike Against U.S.-Led Missile System in Europe

Our national security's in the very best of hands.

In March, President Obama told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that "after my election I have more flexibility."

Well here comes the news that Moscow couldn't care less.

At the Los Angeles Times, "Russia says preemptive strike on NATO missile system is possible":

MOSCOW — Russia may consider a preemptive strike on a missile defense system in Europe if the U.S.-led NATO project continues as planned, a top official said Thursday.

Russian Chief of General Staff Nikolai Makarov, in a sign of the tension between Russia and the United States over the missile defense plans, said during an international conference that a strike by his country might be possible.

"A decision to use destructive force preemptively will be taken if the situation worsens," Makarov said.

Makarov's remark followed a statement by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, who said Russian and U.S. consultations on the subject were "close to a dead end."

"This will mean that the U.S.A. and NATO intend to develop the ABM [anti-ballistic missile] system without taking Russia's concerns into consideration," Serdyukov said. "Now our countries are faced with a dilemma: We will either pass a cooperation test and jointly react to new missile challenges and threats or will be obligated to take up military-technical measures given the realization of anti-missile plans."

Well, no doubt they're just rattling sabers for domestic consumption.

Nothing to worry about at all. Move along now. Nothing to see here.