But that doesn't alter the fact that the Obama administration never made a move to remove the missile defense system. They merely moved it.
As far as the threat of Russia it depends upon whose point of view you take during the conflict last year. Namely did Russia instigate the Georgia bombing of South Ossetia or did Saakashvili? Most people pointed their finger at Russia. Those individuals very much find Russia to continue to be a military threat in Eastern Europe. Add on top of that the issue of the pipeline as well and I'm sure many Eastern Europeans disagree with your sentiment. However, given it's most likely Saakashvili that started the whole conflict and the US was seen as pure hypocrites in slamming Russia during that conflict remains the most reasonable analysis of the situation.
Given the poor relations between Iran and Turkey, not to mention the fact that while everyone speaks of a marked improvement of US favorability around the world that improvement does not apply to the Middle East, I fail to see how this administration essentially continuing a policy of the former administration is considered good for them but bad for the last administration. That's nothing more than biased perception.
Of couse, it still may be that the whole plan is scrapped but if it is it's appears it will be a NATO decision and not a US one.
I am afraid I find that all a bit of a ramble.
The key point about the shield is that the new arrangement was made after discussion with Russia not simply imposed. The chances are, what remains of it will never be implemented.
Russia is an economic threat to the whole of Europe, because all of us have become Dependant on its continuing supply of liquid natural gas. ( up to 30% in the case of the UK )
We are far less fearful of its Arms as their use would gain it nothing.
The Georgia incident, was not an unexpected spat, it was almost an inevitability.
I would say Obamas initiative in the middle east are causing some alarm in Israel, and some provisional welcome amongst the Muslim factions, who have , in the light of experience, expressed some doubt about its likely success.
Turkey is not directly threatened by Iran, I can think of no country who would willingly fight against the Turks. They have, long held, serious disputes, that in other countries would have led to war.
