European missile defense reviewed

Supporters of basing a U.S. missile defense system in Europe are trying to determine whether the words “under review” mean “all but dead.” The Obama administration is expected to conclude its examination of the nation’s ballistic missile defense programs this month, including the controversial proposal to place a missile defense system in Europe. Arms control advocates are eager for President Barack Obama to end the effort but are reluctant to read too much into a trail of actions that seem to point toward canceling the program. “Certainly the Bush administration was very enthusiastic, and the Obama administration is less so,” said John Isaacs of the Ploughshares-funded Council for a Livable World. He added, “I hope they kill the system.”