Quote Originally Posted by Hanren View Post
From what i've read, the missile defense system is like trying to shoot a moving bullet with another moving bullet. There was only one successful test of this system (intercepting an incoming missle with another missle) but previous tests failed.
That's why there's a need to deploy them closer to the suspected launch sites of rogue ballistic missiles.

Quote Originally Posted by Hanren
Hot topic ito sa G8 summit in Germany. I think Russia will still try to assert themselves in the world stage given their new found economic power. Yung mga interviews ng Russian officials sa international news media is proof that they are not backing down on their stance.

IMO, Russia fears that the shield will actually cover their territory. But if you read between the lines, its not much about territorial issues. Its about playing politics in the international arena.

Many hardliners in Russia still dreamt of that old Soviet might. That's where pressure comes in. Putin has to pacify these people and at the same time, show the world that it still is a force to contend with. Just my 2cents.
Putin is just rattling his saber before the elections next year IMO. Some Russian officials have even acknowledged that this missile system doesn't pose a threat to their nuclear arsenal.