Russia's Neighbors Know…

When in doubt, ask the neighbors.  They usually know. 

Referring back to my recent post, “The Kremlin has No Comment,” a leaked US Embassy cable from May 2009 reaffirms my friend’s words, “never trust a communist.”

The cable is a (formerly) confidential outline of a missile defense meeting between Polish and US leadership.  Polish leaders were requesting a larger US defense footprint in Poland, specifically as a deterrent to Russia.  Also requested was status on dialogue between the US and Russia. 

US leadership was represented by 3 US Senators:   Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

Of note, from the cable:

“… the U.S. needs to fulfill its symbolic agreement to show involvement in defense of Polish territory. If the new administration is changing U.S. political priorities, it also needs to engage in dialogue with Poland, not just Russia. Most important for Poland is U.S. involvement in Polish security, through physical presence of American forces in Poland, NATO facilities in Poland, fulfilling the commitment to provide Patriot missiles, and greater U.S.-Polish cooperation.”

“Poland “wants U.S. boots on the ground” — not necessarily as a tripwire, but as a deterrent. Nowak similarly stressed Poland’s strong interest in “deepening” military cooperation, ideally to include a large U.S. footprint in Poland. He mused that one Patriot battery and ten MD interceptors do not constitute the “impressive presence” that Poland is hoping for.”

Here’s the warning our current leadership must heed:

How long will it take you to realize that nothing will change with Iran and Russia?” Waszczykowski asserted that Moscow is trying to regain its sphere of influence and stressed the critical importance of an increased U.S. or NATO presence for Poland’s security. He added that Russia continues to deny its historical wrong-doings against Poland, imposes economic sanctions against Poland at will, and frequently disrupts the flow of oil and gas.”

You see, the neighbors really do know.  Think our President and Congress have listened?

One Response to Russia's Neighbors Know…

  1. Al Maurer December 8, 2010 at 8:33 am #

    I expect the names Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski mean nothing to these people, or the fact that Chicago (of all places!) is sometimes called the second largest Polish city in the world.

    We owe a lot to Poland for many reasons, not the least of which is that they have been among the most steadfast of allies in the War on Terror.

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