U.S. Official Speaks on Missile Defense at Wyzsza Szkola in Konin

Chris Snipes speaking at Panstwowa Wyzsza Szkola Zawodowa in Konin (more photos)

Chris Snipes, Deputy Press Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, addressed a group of 250+ political science students at a university in Konin on November 21, 2007 on the topic of a proposed missile interceptor base in Poland.  He spoke at length about how  ballistic missile defense works and how a base in Poland would protect Europe from threats from medium- and long-range ballistic missiles launched from rogue states or terrorist groups.  He also explained how the proposed base in Poland can not deter the Russian nuclear arsenal and how NATO also has plans to install missile defenses in Europe that would complement the proposed U.S. system.  Students asked a host of questions on topics ranging from how missile defense affects Polish-Russia relations to the visa waiver program.