41.   As the KGB-military-oligarch clique consolidates power behind Putin, it faces a new U.S. president with firm ideas about a national missile defense.

42.   As threats change, so the balance of offense and defense may need to change too, and missile defenses could have a role to play.

43.   As we have said many times, common ground seems possible on school aid, taxes, Medicare, prescription drugs and even missile defenses.

44.   As with any new weapons system, especially one as complex and uncertain as missile defense, a lengthy test and evaluation is required before any possible deployment.

45.   At the top of their lists were the building of a European defense force independent of NATO, the US plans for a national missile defense, and trade.

46.   At the urging of its Republican leadership, the House Appropriations Committee is recommending canceling an infrared satellite system that the Pentagon considers vital to missile defense.

47.   Aware that Taiwan lacks an effective missile defense, the Chinese are brandishing their missile threat.

48.   Before he left Moscow, Ivanov said that Russia was open to talks on missile defense.

49.   Bill Clinton came under heavy pressure to develop missile defenses, especially after the Republicans won back the Congress.

50.   Biden has fastened onto missile defense as the centerpiece of his critique of Bush foreign policy.