Czech Allow Observers

[Feanor]

They agreed in principle to allow Russian observers in on the BMD sites for temporary inspections.

http://newsru.com/world/18oct2008/cheh.html

Does this open a door to compromise? Or will the Russian government push for more then temporary visits? What do you guys think?

 

[stigmata]

I don't think it changes anything. Russia simply don't want NATO to expand any more, especially not in what they consider their backyard. Chech is of course free to do what they will as a sovereign country, but claiming it is a defence against Iran is ridicilous, Turkey lies right between Iran and the rest of Europe, and has been a NATO member for a really long time. Beside that, AFAIK EU is Irans largest trading partner, and is thus a natural ally to EU.
http://www.world-map.nl/maps/political-world-map-2007.gif