This month, the Czechs discovered the beauty of sovereignty. Defying Russia, the government in Prague signed an accord with the United States to accept on its territory a radar tracking system for the Pentagon’s controversial anti-ballistic missile defense system. Soon after Condoleezza Rice, the U.S. secretary of state, had completed the signing ceremony in Prague, the Kremlin announced it would retaliate. Oil deliveries, which Russia sends to the Czech Republic through the Druzba, or Friendship, pipeline were reduced as much as 40 percent. Full Story