More Alternate Policy Universe

Today's Washington Post:

After days of escalating rhetoric about missile defense, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise offer to President Bush on Thursday, proposing that Russia join with the United States and some of its European allies to operate a shield intended against missile threats from Iran.

Regional cooperation to deal with a regional threat. Wow! The US, Russia and Europe working together! Better than fighting, to be sure.

While they are pondering solutions to the threat these cooperating allies might also consider that the best shield would be to demonstrate to rogue nations that they will find greater prosperity through trade, tolerance and shared interests. The rogue nations would be less likely to feel they need to aim missiles at their neighnbors. We wouldn't "need no STEENKING missile shield!"

Of course the US, Russia and Europe would have to demonstrate that they actually practice the trade, tolerance and openness they want other nations to emulate. I can support support that and international cooperation.

Did I mention that the missile "shield" does not work. Unless you are a missile shield contractor, in which case it works just fine.