As Michael Goldfarb reports, six U.S. Senators, including Joe Lieberman and Mark Begich, have urged the president to reconsider his decision to largely abandon our missile defense program. Granted, we are on a congressional holiday but I must admit surprise that the list of signatories was so short. Really, are there only six senators who find it dangerous and foolhardy to back off of a program that may represent the only security for the U.S. and its allies against a rogue state? Our current confrontation with North Korea’s rocket ambitions should, if anything, illustrate the usefulness of a missile defense program.

As for Secretary Gates, one wonders what arguments have persuaded him to reverse course and abandon these programs. The message to Iran and North Korea is clear: their provocations will be tolerated and we will not take the necessary steps to protect ourselves. Obama is the un-Reagan — attempting to achieve peace through weakness. Our allies and foes are no doubt watching with interest.