Russian leadership rejoices in collapse of defence shield.

Russian leaders could not be happier. Indeed, the Russian President was downright buoyant, even giddy, in response to President Obama's announcement. So, what made the Russians so happy? President Barack Obama announced his decision to abandon the U.S. missile defense shield formulated to protect eastern Europe.

In response, Russia's President promptly said, "we appreciate the responsible approach of the U.S. President."

Before President Obama's public retreat, the U.S. plan for the protection of Europe included a shield over Europe with a radar site in the Czech Republic and ten missile interceptors in Poland. Needless to say, for both the Czechs and the Poles, the symbolism of protection was as important as the defenses themselves.

With one announcement, President Obama made clear that everything is negotiable and the single missile defense shield would be replaced with regional defense systems.

On the world stage, no one needs special reading glasses to read these international tea leaves. It is the Russians, with tough talk and tougher action, that appear to now dominate the international agenda. President Barack Obama came eye to eye with Russian leader Vladmir Putin. As the world watched, the former junior Senator from Illinois stared into the eyes of the Russian bear, and he has now blinked.