Russia’s invasion of Georgia has prompted some analysts to advocate a change in U.S. military aid to former communist countries in Eastern Europe to emphasize larger reserve forces along with anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. This should be done, but new policies should not stop there.

Already Poland has signed up to receive batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles in return for permitting the basing of 10 interceptor missiles designed to defend against any future Iranian missiles aimed at Western Europe. Patriot batteries in Poland are useless against Iran - and highly relevant to Russia.