Friday 30th July 2010
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US ditches missile shield in Poland
(2009-09-18) Poland’s government has put a positive spin on the US decision to shelve a controversial anti-missile shield despite claims that America has put closer relations with Russia ahead of Polish interests. Speaking after President Obama announced his decision to cancel the deployment of the system, which both Poland and the Czech Republic had agreed to host, Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, said that country’s national interests had not suffered. “I received President Obama's words and declarations with great satisfaction,” said Mr Tusk. “The words I've heard from President Barack Obama - after the change in the decision on the matter of the missile shield – Poland has the opportunity to gain an exclusive position," he added. He also expressed his certainty that America would include Poland in any future defensive plans, although he refrained from providing details. The confident words masked any disappointment the government may have had with President Obama’s decision to reverse a major strategic policy of his predecessor, George Bush. Poland’s government had invested significant political capital in the system, and incurred the anger of a furious Russia, which regarded the shield as a threat to its national security. But Lech Walesa, a former president and probably the Pole with the most international clout, pulled no punches in condemning the US’s actions. “American has always cared only about its own interests, and those of others only serve the US. Now we have another example of this,” he said. “I can see what kind of policy the Obama administration is pursuing towards this part of Europe. We should reconsider our approach to the United States.” With the missile shield no longer an option, experts say that Poland will seek concessions from the US as a form of compensation. Washington has already agreed to the deployment of a Patriot missile battery on Polish soil, and Poland may now press America to provide financial and technical assistance to help, for example, re-enforce its aged missile defence systems. But while shield’s shelving met with disappointment at political levels, most Poles will probably welcome its demise. Opinion polls have shown that the majority of Poles opposed the system’s deployment. Readers Comments
We are sorry. Not all Americans think this was right. Many of us expect American Maxists to sell out their allies.. and they did. Rusty - Alaska
Bush was doing Poland no favors with those missiles. Russia and the West both need to honor treaties with Poland. And dealing with Russia, look at the tzars and Bolshevics they were never honest with Poland. John Latowski - Danville, IL, USA The Polish know better than we do here in the US how wise a move this was for us to take, but it just seems wrong. I grew up amidst a lot of Polish Americans around Chicago, and worked later with a lot more of these proud people in Connecticut. They were always proud of Poland and it simply wore off onto me. I don't trust Obama, so I don't know how all of this will shake out. But I do trust in God and I do know He protects His own. Ron B - Oklahoma City, OK USA
Dear Citizens of Poland. Most Americans do not agree with this decision to remove Poland from the shield. We do not forget what your country suffered and plan to remain steadfast in your support despite a current leaders. Sheila - California - Los Angeles, California USA
I'm 100% polish an American and interested in Poland. Russia has their hands full with the UKRAINE and CHINA so its obvious the danger at this time is with the middle east. I believe the RUSSIANS now are too sophisticated and realize they cannot win a war against the WEST. But its wise not to be complacent about them either. However, because Obama and the USA have so much on their plate right now---Poland MUST keep engaging in a discussion with the USA concerning the protection of POLAND so it won't be pushed aside for other priorities. Best wishes to all. janina - Boca Raton Florida USA Comments are now closed for this article |
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