Study: Europe missile shield wouldn't work

WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- A group of U.S. and Russian scientists say a proposed missile defense shield deployed in Central Europe would be ineffective.

The stated goal of the United States in pushing for an anti-missile missile system in Poland and the Czech Republic is to protect Europe against nuclear attacks from Iran or other "rogue states." But a joint analysis by top U.S. and Russian scientists has concluded the system as proposed wouldn't be able to do that, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

The EastWest Institute, an independent think tank based in Moscow, New York and Belgium, determined that no missile threat from Iran to Europe is imminent within the next five years because Tehran doesn't possess the technical prowess and won't for at least six to eight years.

The scientists also said a missile attack on Europe by Tehran is unlikely because such a move would result in Iran's destruction. And even if an anti-missile system were deployed, it could easily be fooled by decoys, the Post quoted the report as saying.

Russia says it vehemently opposes the proposed missile shield as a threat to its own security, contending it could spark a nuclear arms race with the United States.