Russia Steps Down Air Defense for Iran, Obama Extends Sanctions

According to CTK, Russia announced Tuesday that it will be not be deploying to Iran an airspace defense radar system, originally planned for Tehran after the announcement of the United States’ central European Missile Defense Shield.

Cautious in its steps toward détente, Russia through this conciliatory gesture has shown a willingness to negotiate, but only with a reasonable and clear-headed American policy in return. However, this news comes as an ever stranger and more obscure twist in the saga of Missile Defense and the 21st century continuation of the Cold War.

In comparison, President Barack Obama has acted as well this week in regards to Iran. Thursday, he extended Clinton-era sanctions against the country accusing it of being a “state sponsor of terror” and harboring disdainful sentiments toward the United States.

According to the AP, Obama said “"The actions and policies of the Government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat". His rhetoric and stance on Iran strongly resembles that of President Bush, who also was a strong supporter of placing sanctions and trade embargoes on Iran.