The European Debate

The support of the people and governments of Europe is vitally important to US plans to develop a National Missile Defense (BMD) system.  Aside from the diplomatic need to maintain good relations with its allies, the United States must also ensure unity within NATO. Considering European concerns over the unilateralism of  the current U.S. administration, President Bush must move carefully so as to avoid creating further tension. In the post September 11 security climate this caution has become even more crucial in order to maintain the alliance against terror. 

The need for agreement among the allies is also a practical consideration, since the United States plans to forward deploy radars at sites within Europe.  The sites it has earmarked are in Greenland and the United Kingdom.  Without these radars, the planned BMD system would be unable to operate as it would be 'blind' to missile attacks from across the Atlantic.  

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