In Principle

the proposed cooperation (joint missile defense system) between Putin and Bush is interesting. The last word is from Bush who finds the offer "interesting", the first two are from Hillary Clinton who does not oppose missile defense "in principle". But that does not mean it is likely to proceed or advisable to move forward with or without cooperation, for cause. Just like non-proliferation has not proceeded very well along side advances in weapons research and production, missile defense will be seen as offensive, especially with preemption as a policy. If cooperation cannot succeed in diplomatic pressure, it is not likely to work well under escalation.