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Romania has agreed to host a U.S. missile defense system, which is causing a stir in Russia. The U.S. claims that the defense system, scheduled to be completed by 2015, will be used to defend Europe from possible attacks from Iran. But some analysts believe that it could also potentially be used against Russia.
We're looking at perspectives from Russia Today, The Miami Herald, The New York Times, and Al-Jazeera.
In an interview with Russia Today, a former member of the European Parliament says the U.S. may have motives other than guarding against Iran.
"Romania and the United States can repeat that this missile system will not affect the strategic balance with Russia. They can repeat that it is only against Iran. But it is not convincing, not at all, because this is a step which can be very easily changed during the next, the next year. That means the argument that this is only a defensive and it is not directed against Russia is not very convincing in any case."
According to the Miami Herald, a U.S. State Department spokesman said that the defense system is meant to be used against only Iran and would not be used against Russia.
"As we have made clear over and over again, this is not a capability that is directed at Russia."
The Russian government has yet to officially comment on the new deal. However, the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center told The New York Times that Russia would not be as worried about a system in Romania as it would be if it were in Poland, as previously planned.
"He said the Romanian site was farther from the Russian border, and — unlike the proposed Polish site — would not allow the interceptor missiles to stop a Russian missile headed to the United States over the Arctic Ocean, a possibility that had aroused anxiety in Moscow."
A military analyst told Al Jazeera English that regardless of where the defense system ends up, Russia has only one position.
"'Russia's official position is that only that missile defence is good which is missile defence together with Russia, a joint control.'"
So, what do you think? Is the proposed missile defense shield only for defense against Iran, or will it be used against Russia too?
Written by: Brandon Twitchell
Producer: Newsy Staff
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