Bush's Defense Policy

Defense against ballistic missiles from “rogue nations” is the controversial cornerstone of the president's emerging defense policy. The administration is not only developing a missile-defense system but also is inviting Russia to negotiate a “new strategic framework.” But critics say missile defense is too costly, technically unworkable and in violation of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which bars missile defenses and discourages nuclear proliferation. Still others complain that creating a missile defense system will open the door to putting weapons in outer space. Meanwhile, lawmakers from both parties say that the shrinking budget surplus may block funding of the $18 billion first phase of the president's missile defense system. Budget shortfalls may also undercut Bush's plans to modernize U.S. forces.