TODAY: US missile defense in Eastern Europe plans officially scrapped in favor of ‘more efficient’ new program.  A matter of concession or conviction on Obama’s part?  Mixed reaction from former would-be host countries fearful of Russian dominance; is the US expecting Russian cooperation in Iran in return wonders media – and will it get it?  NATO to have increased involvement in new plans. Georgia and Russia to negotiate.  Gapzrom may get its tower.

The US plans to build missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic have been binned; the Moscow Times reprints President Obama’s speech on the decision here.  ‘This is not about Russia‘,  White House spokesman Robert Gibbs has said.  According to the Independent, Obama was quick to suggest it was not a concessionary move, pointing out that the Kremlin’s ‘concerns about our previous missile defense programs were entirely unfounded’.  President Medvedev has praised Obama’s ‘responsible approach’ whilst Russia’s NATO envoy Dmitry Rogozin has warned against ‘childish euphoria’.  The Foreign Ministry has denied that the plan was scrapped as part of a deal in exchange for certain Russian concessions.  But will Obama be waiting for something from Russia in return, such as pressure on Iran? asks the Guardian.  ‘Washington has a meaty wish list’ points out the Telegraph.  ‘Rewarding bad Russian behavior is likely only to produce more Russian demands on this and other issues’, argues David J Kramer in the Washington Post.  Russia ‘may instead press for further gains‘ perceiving a weakened US adds Reuters.  Shortly before Obama’s statement, Sergei Lavrov reiterated that there would be no sactions on Iran.  The Times has predictions of the possible outcomes of the move described as a ‘US gamble’, betting on Russia’s generous side.