MANY Americans probably would be puzzled to learn some congressional Democrats are in the employ of Russian President Vladimir Putin. That's how it looks, anyway, with U.S. politicians erecting obstacles to the Bush administration's plan to put missile defense systems in Eastern Europe.
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The Washington Post reports the Senate likely will join the House in reducing funds for construction of 10 interceptor missile sites in Poland and deployment of radar systems in the Czech Republic. Last month, the House cut $40 million from a bill that would've paid for site preparation in Poland.
Senate Democrats said there are technical problems with President Bush's plan, but they also voiced foreign policy concerns — evidence of Putin's influence over Congress. If this keeps up, he may have to register as a lobbyist!
Putin claims Bush's plan would upset strategic balances. That Russia is stung by deploying systems in countries that once belonged to the Soviet bloc was clear in Putin's threat to aim Russian missiles at Western Europe if the plan progresses.
Things are calmer since Putin met Bush in Maine earlier this week. Putin suggested Russia host the missile systems instead of Poland and the Czech Republic, but Bush rightly demurred. The best way to guard against missile attacks from the Middle East is to stick with the original blueprint. One reason is planning already has begun; changing things will force delay. Another reason is Russia. Candidly, few know where it is headed, especially given Putin's lust for restoring to Russia the influence it enjoyed during the Soviet era.
Share technology with Russia, make it a full partner in deterring attacks from Iran or terrorist groups. But don't do it as a substitute for plans already started. Meantime, congressional Democrats should leave foreign policy to Bush and the State Department and remember they work for the American people, not Vladimir Putin.
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