Obama's Weakness in Nuclear Policy

So, there are a number of issues that I have with the Obama administration, and at times I have tended to agree at least somewhat with some of the administrations international policies (ie: Afghanistan, China) but the decision to stand down on the Eastern European Nuclear Defense Shield is just ludicrous.

Here is the deal, the Administration (and many) would lead you to believe that the nuclear defense shield in Poland is a strategic defense against Iranian nuclear missiles and can wait (cause Iran just isn't progressing on their nukes as fast as expected) .....but in reality it is a statement to Russia that Eastern Europe is important to the US, important enough for the US to defend it OUTSIDE of NATO. So, what the Obama administration just did, in "changing its plans to create a more cost effective system" (aka one that would not even be considered for implementation until 2015) is say 'Sorry Russia, here you go, bully Eastern Europe at your own whim'.

Bully Eastern Europe - but aren't we 20 years out of the Cold War - is Russia really a threat? Yes, bully Eastern Europe - need we be reminded of the continuous gas pipeline cut off to Eastern Europe that happens just about every winter.... Yes, we are outside of the Cold War, and yet, we aren't. Did the Soviet Empire collapse? Yes, but I still contend that there will always be enemies, that nuclear armaments allow countries a "seat at the table" and that they are still used to threaten others. Is Russia a threat? Yes, and No - Does Russia have the military capabilities to crush the US in a conventional war? Not really...but does Russia have the political capital with countries such as Iran and Syria to create greater issues for the US - ABSOLUTELY.

So essentially - in pulling back on the nuclear defense shield - we said to Russia - "Don't worry - Eastern Europe you can still have....its just not that important to us....appeasing you, Russia, is more important, because we trust you Putin." Anyone else see a Hitler, Churchill, Poland situation circa 1937 happening here? Just sayin' its something to consider....the US is a bully, but perhaps, in situations with Russia, she shouldn't stand down.