Missile Defence: Shield Against Rogues

At the dawn of the new millennium, and throughout this US Presidential election year, the American security agenda will be dominated by one issue: the future security of the United States against long-range missile attack from ‘rogue states’ such as North Korea, Iran and Iraq.

The World Today
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In June, President Bill Clinton will decide if the time is right to deploy a limited national missile defence system to provide some protection by 2005.

The president’s decision will be based on an evaluation of whether the threat has developed sufficiently to warrant deployment. It will also consider assessments of current technical feasibility, the likely cost and wider strategic implications. In this latter category, the Clinton administration is seeking to re-negotiate with Russia the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, which strictly limits the type, location and number of strategic missile interceptors deployed by both sides.

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