Final Word from Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The Israeli-Lebanese conflict came at a bad time for those wanting the CR to host a U.S. missile-defense base. Even if we discount MFD's amateurish survey showing that 83% of Czechs were already against the base (Karel Hvížďala said in Respekt that, like any populist, MFD is losing its credibility), we must assume that the U.S.'s role in the latest Middle East conflict will act as a deterrent for civilians considering the missile-defense idea. However, Czech politicians, and not the 354 respondents of MFD's poll, will decide on whether to invite the U.S. to set up a base, and Czech politicians like to ride the fence. From their perspective, it makes sense to reap the upfront benefits of the base ($$$, prestige, White House invitations, visa waivers) and leave the door open for kicking the Americans out later if their presence becomes politically incorrect. But how to put this into the contract? [Czech Republic Lebanon MF Dnes United States of America MD initiative]