There is a famous Russian quote that goes something like this, “The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.” The U.S. and her allies on missile defense need to take a page from their Russian friends and stand tough in the face of aggressiveness.

The U.S.-Czech agreement to place a missile defense radar system in the Czech Republic has the Russians boiling…contemplating a “military response,” according to a Russian minister. However, as Heritage experts argue this system is in the interests of NATO and other U.S. allies to counter possible threats to the region from the greater Middle East, mainly Iran.

Russian objection stems from their policy of establishing a multipolar world at the expense of the U.S., even if the overall U.S. posture is defensive. Russia has been trying to balance against American power since the end of the Cold War. The Russian’s bully tactics must not be allowed to succeed. Simply put, the security of America and her allies should be non-negotiable.

It is not clear whether the Russians are just posturing or are prepared to launch a military assault on the U.S. or her allies. If the Russians undertake such an assault against a member of NATO, they should expect an effective military response from all NATO members, consistent with treaty principles. However, the purpose of missile defense is to provide a defensive option for the U.S. and her allies. Otherwise, NATO will be faced with the choice of an offensive retaliatory response that carries very grave risks OR simply doing nothing.