Last week Russian president Vlad Putin angrily accused the US of using the supposed need to destroy a disabled satellite as a ploy to mask what was really an attempt to test its anti-missile defence system. No, not us, claimed Washington, we'd never do that.
So they fired a Standard missile at the errant satellite and, bingo, a hit. And then, bursting with pride, they couldn't wait to herald a great success for their missile defence system.
"I think the question over whether this capability works has been settled," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, quoted by AFP news agency.
"The question is what kind of threat, how large a threat, how sophisticated a threat [the US faces]."
The US approach was one of "complete transparency", he said.
"We provided a lot of information... before it took place," he said, adding: "We are prepared to share whatever appropriately we can."
Yeah, sure you will, Bob. Meanwhile, Vlad, looks like you were right. That should give you renewed impetus to develop that new generation of Russian missiles and warheads. Great, rachet up the arms race.
So they fired a Standard missile at the errant satellite and, bingo, a hit. And then, bursting with pride, they couldn't wait to herald a great success for their missile defence system.
"I think the question over whether this capability works has been settled," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, quoted by AFP news agency.
"The question is what kind of threat, how large a threat, how sophisticated a threat [the US faces]."
The US approach was one of "complete transparency", he said.
"We provided a lot of information... before it took place," he said, adding: "We are prepared to share whatever appropriately we can."
Yeah, sure you will, Bob. Meanwhile, Vlad, looks like you were right. That should give you renewed impetus to develop that new generation of Russian missiles and warheads. Great, rachet up the arms race.
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