Obama shelves Europe missile plan

One of the topics discussed in The Day is Full of Birds is that of the missile shield being constructed by America, using European bases. In the book - which is set in an alternate world - this issue ends up pushing the planet into war. Today, President Obama announced the shelving of these European bases (in the Czech Republic and Poland). It's a major, major shift in policy, and one which will enrage many republican supporters (who previously insisted the shield had nothing to do with Russia, and are now - curiously - angered that pressure has been taken off Russia in this move). The missile shield is far from dead, but the move is an important step towards a better relationship with Russia. Only 14 months ago, I expressed my concern over the escalating tensions. How the world can change in a year.