Right in the middle of the G-8 summit in Japan, what do American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Czech homologue announce? The signing of an agreement on the installation of made-in-USA radar right in the heart of Central Europe. In other words, a radar likely to follow the comings and goings of Russian devices - among others. It goes without saying that the declaration formulated by the American-Czech duo disgusted the Russian government, which responded as vigorously as it did promptly by threatening to arm its nuclear missiles if this project is ultimately realized.

    A sign of the Bush administration's firm intention to achieve its objective - that is, of constructing an anti-missile shield between now and 2012 in the center of the Old Continent - the administration terminated discussions it was pursuing with the Polish government about erecting an anti-missile missile base. That abrupt end to a round of discussions begun close to two years ago was justified by the Poles' financial demands - deemed excessive - but also, even primarily, by the possibility of moving the base envisaged for Poland to Lithuania.

    In fact, on July 2, the day American officials indicated that the Polish card had been ruled out, those same officials confided that they had had discussions on the subject with the Lithuanian prime minister and former defense minister. In short, the Bush administration is talking with representatives of a third country about the possibility of erecting an aerial fortress to the north of northern Europe, north of Poland, the objective of which remains the interception of "Iranian" missiles. Geographically speaking, one has to admit the ploy is a bit obvious, even though the earth is round. Let's move on ...

    Still, since the introduction of Lithuania - situated two stone's throws away from Russia - Russian leaders - well-known for their inclination for strong-arm tactics - have confided that the military contingent situated at Kaliningrad would be seriously reinforced. Now what's so special about Kaliningrad? It's an enclave between Poland and Lithuania. Hello ambiance!

    Behind all this haggling, here and there one catches a glimpse of a whole string of intra-European horse-trading linked or consequent to this matter. Thus, in Poland, since Donald Tusk was elected prime minister last fall, since this confirmed Europhile took over from a militant Europhobe, we've seen a reorientation of that nation's policy toward Europe. On the other hand, The Czech Republic has always had as president a man described as the head of the Euroskeptic faction: Vaclav Klaus. An ultra free market neo-liberal, who, as such, shares many affinities with American neo-conservatives. Even though a strong majority of his fellow citizens oppose radar installation, he obstinately insists on an American military presence right in the heart of Europe.

    In this whole matter, we will have noticed how Europe has dazzled through its impotence to the point of even formulating a healthy questioning of the issue. Or of saying that Europe is the principal party concerned. Pathetic!

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    Translation: Truthout French language editor Leslie Thatcher.