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McCain: Iran’s missile tests show need for shield |
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By Klaus Marre
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Posted: 07/09/08 10:31 AM [ET] |
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The two top presidential candidates on Wednesday reacted to news that Iran had tested a long-range missile, with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) saying that the show of force highlights the need for a missile shield while Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) said it is time for direct talks with Tehran. Both candidates agreed that there is a need to work with allies in Europe and in the region to address the potential security threat. “Ballistic missile testing, coupled with Iran’s continued refusal to cease its nuclear activities, should unite the international community in efforts to counter Iran's dangerous ambitions,” McCain stated. However, while Obama said that the U.S. should start engaging “in the kind of direct diplomacy that can lead them to standing down on issues like nuclear weapons,” his Republican opponent countered that “working with our European and regional allies is the best way to meet the threat posed by Iran, not unilateral concessions that undermine multilateral diplomacy.” Obama, in an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America,” strongly criticized the Bush administration for its “over-the-top rhetoric” and the “mixed signal” that increased trade with Iran has shown. McCain argued that the tests “demonstrate the need for effective missile defense now and in the future, and this includes missile defense in Europe, as is planned with the Czech Republic and Poland.” |
