As I have written in this space before, I am not entirely convinced that Washington’s plan to install anti-ballistic missile sites in Eastern Europe, intended for technology that does not yet exist to defend against Iranian missiles which do not yet exist, is the smartest way to spend their foreign policy chutzpah. Of course, neither has the Kremlin’s reaction to these moves always been very constructive in building trust. At worst, if the Washington-Moscow dialogue becomes fully consumed with discussion over only this one issue, Russia will likely come out the winner as they advance in the capture of critical energy arteries to Europe. Despite this vocal opposition from Moscow, serious misgivings in Europe, and even an endorsement from Henry Kissinger to bring Russia into the project, the issue remains on the table. Even after all this time, it still feels like Washington and Moscow aren’t seeing eye to eye. The Russians perceive the missile shield not only as a direct military threat, but also as a powerful symbolic gesture of rejection of their newly acquired geopolitical power. The shield, in their eyes, is an attempt by the Americans sew them in and prevent any role of influence in Eastern Europe. Washington, on its behalf, is rather unconvincing in its attempts to play dumb on the issue, and repeatedly express their bewilderment with Russia’s opposition. After all, the generals point out, the proposed sites aren’t in any position to shoot down a Russian missile – the United Kingdom would be a better position if that were the intent. However with the decline of the Kaczynski twins in Poland, opinion has soured among government officials here, leading to refusals to begin further negotiations on the project for the time being. Lest you think that Washington would give up on the project – into the fold steps Lithuania, who is looking to squeeze some mileage out of scaring Moscow by talking about becoming the alternative site for the shield. Driven by energy concerns, 81-year-old Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus (photograph) is taking a big risk here – but is he just looking for a short-term concession?