No missile system is foolproof

Vladimir Putin pulled the diplomatic rabbit out of the hat with his suggestion that a US missile defence system in Europe could be placed in Azerbaijan. Putin argued that a system based in the former Soviet republic would be more effective in combating missiles aimed at Europe and the US by so-called rogue states.

The Russian president has dramatically changed his tune in the space of a week. He raised the spectre of nuclear war with his comments before the G8 meeting, now he speaks of co-operation and seems to acknowledge that the American argument of placing missiles in Europe against rogue states is not without its merit. The Americans and Europeans were taken aback by Putin's comments. The proposed missile defence system, to be situated in the former Warsaw Pact countries of Poland and the Czech Republic, prompted fury in Moscow and fears of encirclement by Nato.

Now Putin is extending his hand in apparent friendship. There is considerable interest in the idea in Europe and America, not least because of public resistance to the proposals from some in Poland and the Czech Republic, so the idea of switching the system elsewhere has its attractions. But now the problems begin. Co-operation is welcome but who will have the ultimate say in manning the missiles, Moscow or Washington? Who defines what a rogue state is, Moscow or Washington? There are too may questions for security to be guaranteed.

What will safeguard Europe and America is not missiles but good old-fashioned diplomacy. No missile system is foolproof or even anywhere near foolproof. Placing faith in a missile shield is more than a little contradictory. It is downright dangerous, breeding a false sense of security and providing all the defensive capabilities of a modern-day Maginot Line.