The leadership in Moscow wasted no time in sending their own special, congratulatory message to President-elect Barack Obama by announcing the deployment of short-range missiles on Poland’s border-a NATO member and strident ally of the United States. President-elect Obama has a tremendous opportunity in the coming months to build a perception of credibility on matters of national security both within Washington defense circles and foreign capitals that will serve him well during his time in office. He should resist calls by Congressional Democrats such as Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) to cut defense spending. In fact, Mr. Obama should publicly articulate his intent to hold the line on defense spending for the foreseeable future.

Rep. Frank recently called for…