If the S-300 Sale is Allowed, Obama’s Russian “Reset” Policy Has Failed
Ariel Cohen /
According to The New York Times, the Obama administration has agreed that Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missiles will be allowed for sale to Iran under the UN Security sanctions proposal. This loophole will be allowed under the “defense weapons sales” which Moscow demanded as a concession in exchange for its support for sanctions.
The S-300 is a long range anti-aircraft missile system capable of engaging and shooting down multiple enemy aircraft. Russia announced the sale in 2007, but refrained from delivering it due to the US and Israeli pressure. If Iran deploys S-300, the military option of neutralizing its nuclear weapons program by an aerial campaign may become much more difficult. In addition to that key concession, Russian-language papers are even reporting that all of the 2008 sanctions imposed on the Russian Rosoboronexport arms merchants have been lifted as well.
If these reports are true it raises serious questions about the wisdom and effectiveness of the Russia “reset” policy, pursued by the Administration since its announcement in early 2009. (more…)