Guess who favors missle defense now?

James Hackett:

After decades of denial, European countries are starting to recognize their security also would be strengthened by a missile defense. West European governments have spent years denigrating America's missile defense plans as unnecessary "star wars." But now, thanks to Iran's drive for nuclear weapons and longer-range missiles, and the support of NATO's new East European members, NATO finally is stepping up to the plate.
On May 10, Marshall Billingslea, NATO assistant secretary general, presented the results of a four-year study of the missile threat to Europe and how to defend against it. While the report is classified, Mr. Billingslea said it found a missile defense of Europe technically and financially feasible. Now, he said, it is up to NATO nations to decide what to do. Recommendations are expected by next year.
Separate from the study, NATO is about to request industry proposals to analyze various missile defense architectures and determine ways to integrate the theater missile defenses some members already have, or are buying or developing. Germany, the Netherlands and Greece have Patriot PAC-2 interceptors, Spain will get them soon, and the Dutch are upgrading to the PAC-3. Germany, Italy and the U.S. are jointly developing MEADS, a mobile theater missile defense that will use an enhanced version of the PAC-3 interceptor.
The SPY-1 radars on Aegis-equipped ships in the seas around Europe will provide missile warning and some ships will carry missile interceptors. In addition to U.S. Aegis ships, Spain and Norway are adding Aegis-equipped frigates, and last month the German navy revealed plans to develop a theater ballistic missile defense for some of its frigates.
France, Italy and Great Britain are jointly developing the Aster 30, an air defense system now in flight-testing, to be deployed by their navies. It is being upgraded to a missile defense capability and can be deployed on land as well as on ships. NATO member Turkey has just allocated nearly $1 billion to buy a missile defense system.

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There is much more. When will the Euros and the Democrats admit that they were wrong about missile defense and that Bush and Reagan were right? Voters should be reminded this fall of the words of those who opposed missile defense.