U.S. to Shelve Nuclear-Missile Shield in Europe

The White House will shelve Bush administration plans to build a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic, according to people familiar with the matter, a move likely to cheer Moscow and roil the security debate in Europe.

The U.S. will base its decision on a determination that Iran’s long-range missile program has not progressed as rapidly as previously estimated, reducing the threat to the continental U.S. and major European capitals, according to current and former U.S. officials.

The findings, expected to be completed as early as next week following a 60-day review ordered by President Barack Obama, would be a major reversal from the Bush administration, which pushed aggressively to begin construction of the Eastern European system before leaving office in January.

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2 Russian Blackjack Bombers Land in Venezuela

Two Russian strategic bombers landed in Venezuela on Wednesday as part of military maneuvers, the government said, announcing an unprecedented deployment to a new ally at a time when both nations are involved in tense relations with the U.S.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said the two Tupelov-160 Blackjack Bombers flew to Venezuela on a training mission. It said in a statement carried by the Russian news wires that the planes will conduct training flights over neutral waters over the next few days before heading back to Russia. Read more

Beyond Diplomacy – Russia Warns of Response To Missile Shield

Russia is lashing out at the U.S. over a deal signed with Poland to place a missile defense facility in the former Soviet satellite state.

Russias Foreign Ministry says the U.S. missile shield plans are clearly aimed at weakening Russia and that Moscows response to any development beyond the current plans will go beyond diplomacy. Read more