The American war effort in Afghanistan has naturally eclipsed what had been a rigorous debate over the strategic wisdom of ballistic missile defenses, an initial national security emphasis of the Bush administration. And Americans confronting anthrax in the U.S. postal system could not help but see ballistic missiles armed with weapons of mass destruction (WMD) as a less immediate threat. In the long range, however, the tragedies of September 11 are likely to reinforce for policymakers and citizens the need to prepare for the unexpected and heighten awareness and support for ballistic missile defenses.

Read the full article here.