MISSILE SHIELD IS JUST PRUDENT PROTECTION

President Bush's commitment to build a shield against ballistic missiles -- the so-called Star Wars defense system -- is prudent in light of potential aggressors in small nations "for whom terror and blackmail are a way of life," as the president put it in a speech last week.

For decades, the focus of American concern about a missile attack was on the former Soviet Union.

But these days there are worse threats -- Iraq, for sure, and China as well -- that deserve unflinching determination.

And the United States cannot forget that Russia still has hundreds of missiles armed with nuclear warheads aimed at U.S. targets.

Before making last week's policy announcement, Bush conferred with President Vladimir Putin of Russia in an effort to reassure the Russians that the U.S. plan could be mutually beneficial.

Just as President Reagan did when he first announced the missile-shield system, Bush indicated the United States would be willing to share information about the anti-missile system and even cooperate in the development of a joint defense system.

While opponents say the proposed system's costs are excessive there's no questions that a fully operational system will be expensive one major concern is that pursuing the anti-missile shield will spur a new round of missile development. Some say this would revive the Cold War.

One of the wisest heads in Washington these days regarding military matters is a congressman from Missouri, U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, whose west-central district includes Whiteman Air Force Base at Knob Noster, Mo., and Fort Leonard Wood near Waynesville, Mo.

Skelton doesn't oppose missile defense, but he is rightfully concerned about any moves that would undermine continuing efforts to reduce nuclear warheads.

"Every missile not built is one we don't have to defend against," Skelton said.

While Bush's announcement last week moved the United States away from the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty with Russia, the president made it clear that it isn't this country's intention to start another arms race.

But the fact remains that rogue nations aren't parties to missile treaties and would be unlikely to abide by them even if they were. Developing a way to protect cooperating nations from attack or even threats of attack from countries under the thumbs of despots is just good planning.

Military experts continue to insist that an anti-missile defense system can be built. The technology exists, and much of the framework for such a system already is in place. Unless the threat of attack goes away, which isn't likely, it makes good sense to find a way to defend ourselves.