White House warming to Russia with missile shield stance

The recent White House decision to scrap missile shield plans in Poland and the Czech Republic reflects a realization of the imminent troubles Iran and North Korea will bring. Both countries have shown belligerent intentions including renewed pursuit of nuclear weapons. For Washington to achieve leverage and success in diplomacy with those countries, it needs to cater to Russia. Therefore, the White House took a step back on a relatively unimportant theatre - missile defence over Europe - in order to take a step forward on relations with Russia, whose support will be crucial in any future bargaining with Iran and North Korea. It is well-known that relations between Moscow and Washington have been lukewarm, with the missile shield over Europe a particular cause for disagreement. But other geopolitical concerns are more important now, notably Iran and North Korea, which makes the missile shield concession a relatively cheap price to pay. Republicans have criticized this move, and claim that the missile shield and containment of Iran are connected, but it is implausible that Iran would concern itself with far-away Europe or even have the capacity to launch a long-range weapon in the near future. Overall, the move by the White House carries much potential for its increasing its bargaining and geopolitical position with an important ally, and in a far more important theatre of concern.