Threat of another Prague Spring

By Douglas Hanson

On the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, Russian General Yuri Baluyevsky told Czech deputy defense minister, Martin Bartak that it would be a "big mistake" to host elements of the US missile defense shield. Not only that, but the General said the Czechs should delay any decision until after the next US presidential election. He said,

"I and my Russian colleagues simply ask that that process continue through to October-November of 2008, and I think you can all guess why."

Asked by a reporter to clarify, he said: "I do not exclude that a new administration in the United States will re-evaluate the current administration's decisions on missile defense."

So there you have it, folks. This is proof positive that Democrats led by politicians like Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher, California Democrat, have sided with Putin by delaying the implementation of the strategically important missile shield as long as possible. At least until a Democrat President comes along to take credit for deploying the system - or not, if they buckle to Putin's wishes.

Both intimidation and irony are rich in General Baluyevsky's threat during remarks commemorating Soviet tanks putting down the attempt at liberal reform in 1968, which was known as the Prague Spring. Coming from Russia's military chief, the implication is that something similar may happen if the Czech government decides to continue construction of the radar sites.

Practically speaking, this is beyond the current capabilities of the Russian military. It is struggling to maintain even a shadow of its former power structure outside of Russia proper. But this is typical Russian behavior. Since the US, in the person of SecDef Robert Gates, told Putin to pound sand about the missile shield, Russia has no choice but to pick on the little guy.

I wait for Rep.Tauscher and the rest of the Democrats to comment on the theat to the Czechs.