PROMOTED
The Pentagon's decision to scrap an anticipated anti-ballistic missile test in late September makes sense: This shot would have been much easier than the two successful hits scored by the Army's Theater High-Altitude Area Defense this summer, would do little to advance the technology of anti-missile defense, and would have served only to delay the full implementation of a robust system. Another success — a three-peat — would have been nice, of course, but probably would not have made much of a point. THAAD should start aiming for tougher targets, and preparing itself for even greater accomplishments.

THAAD probably won't see another high-profile intercept test for at least a couple of years. It will now move into a phase of development that focuses on reducing the missile's size and making it easier and cheaper to manufacture and maintain.

There is, however, another significant missile-defense test currently scheduled to occur by the first week of October. It will focus on national missile defense (i.e., ordinary Americans) rather than theater missile defense (i.e., troops).

HEADLINE OF THE DAY
From today's New York Post: "Bush tries fresh line on 'coke' questions."