[INST] Was Barack Obama right to remove the Polish missile shield? [/INST]

The decision to remove or not remove the Missile Defense System in Poland, also known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), is a complex political and security issue with various perspectives. Here are some arguments from different viewpoints:

Obama Administration’s perspective: During his presidency, Barack Obama argued that the EPAA was expensive and ineffective. He believed that it could provoke tensions with Russia instead of deterring them. Therefore, he proposed to reset US-Russia relations and focus on other strategic priorities. As a result, he aimed to renegotiate the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) and reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles. In this context, the decision to suspend the EPAA was part of his broader strategy to improve US-Russia relations and save resources for other defense priorities.
Polish Government’s perspective: The Polish government expressed disappointment and concern over the suspension of the missile shield. They viewed it as a breach of NATO commitments to protect their eastern allies from potential threats, particularly from Russia. Poland saw the EPAA as an essential component of their security and a symbol of US commitment to their defense.
Russian perspective: Russia considered the EPAA a threat to its national security due to its proximity to its borders. Moscow argued that it was a violation of the INF treaty and could trigger an arms race in Europe. The suspension of the EPAA was seen as a concession to Russia, which could potentially improve US-Russia relations.
Security experts’ perspective: Some security experts argue that the EPAA is essential for European security, especially given the current geopolitical situation. They point out that Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine and its military buildup near NATO borders make the missile shield even more crucial. Others believe that the EPAA is not effective against modern threats, such as cruise missiles or cyber-attacks, and that other defense priorities should take precedence.
Political considerations: The decision to remove the Polish missile shield also had political implications. Some argue that it was a strategic mistake, as it sent a signal of weakness to Russia and undermined US credibility with its allies in Europe. Others believe that it allowed President Obama to focus on other foreign policy priorities, such as the Iran nuclear deal and the normalization of relations with Cuba.

In conclusion, there is no clear answer to whether Barack Obama was right or wrong to remove the Polish missile shield. The issue is complex and depends on various perspectives and considerations, including national security, diplomacy, and politics. Ultimately, it is essential to balance the need for effective defense against potential threats with the cost and feasibility of implementing such measures. [end of text]

@thendrix If we had let Russia into NATO, this wouldn't be a problem. Also the control of the Northern Hemisphere would be useful.