I’m not the first to note this passage from a speech, but considering the location (Prague) and the audience (the Czech people), this complete renunciation of a past position is pretty astonishing:
So let me be clear: Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activity poses a real threat, not just to the United States, but to Iran’s neighbors and our allies. The Czech Republic and Poland have been courageous in agreeing to host a defense against these missiles. As long as the threat from Iran persists, we will go forward with a missile defense system that is cost-effective and proven.
Not only do all statements from Barack Obama come with an expiration date, but the “let me be clear” preface is a signal that they probably won’t last the year.