Polish PM weighs in on Russia, U.S. base

[mcpeepants]

Polish PM weighs in on Russia, U.S. base

By RYAN LUCAS, Associated Press Writer Tue Feb 20, 10:13 AM ET

WARSAW, Poland - Russian opposition to a U.S. proposal to build a missile defense system in Poland stems from Moscow's hopes to regain influence over its former satellite, the prime minister said Tuesday. The comments by Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski came a day after a Russian general warned that Poland and the Czech Republic risk being targeted by Russian missiles if they agree to host U.S. missile defense bases.
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"To make it clear — this is not about Russian security; these installations do not in any way threaten Russia," Kaczynski said on state Radio 1. "It's about the status of Poland, and Russian hopes that the zone, in other words Poland, will once again find itself ... in the Russian sphere of influence."

"From the moment the missile bases are installed here, the chances of that happening, for at least decades to come, very much declines," he said.

The Soviet Union dominated Poland for 45 years — from the end of World War II until the end of the Cold War in 1989.

Earlier this month, Russian President
Vladimir Putin warned of a "new Cold War" in a speech in Germany that shocked Western governments.

Kaczynski and his Czech counterpart, Mirek Topolanek, indicated Monday they were ready to work out the conditions under which the U.S. would put interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic.

But Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov, head of the Russian missile forces, said in Moscow that the U.S. plan could upset strategic stability in the region.

"If the governments of Poland and the Czech Republic take such a step ... the (Russian) Strategic Missile Forces will be capable of targeting these facilities if a relevant decision is made" he said.

Kaczynski dismissed Solovtsov's warning Tuesday as "an attempt to frighten" Poland.

Also on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated the Kremlin's concern over the U.S. plans but said Moscow would not enter into a new arms race with Washington.

"Russia will respond to emerging threats to its national security in a carefully weighed, adequate way, and won't allow anyone to draw it into a new confrontation, a new arms race," Lavrov said in a speech at a Moscow university.

U.S. officials say that the 10 proposed interceptors — designed to stop a launch from the Middle East — are not aimed at Russia.

Russia, with a large nuclear arsenal, could easily thwart such a small system simply by launching more than 10 missiles.

[Kärnfysikern]

I dont se what need poland would have for such a thing.

Im sure poland is number one on iran or north koreas must nuke list...

[DTBusta]

karnfysikern, when you're right you're right.

[singern]

I dont se what need poland would have for such a thing.

Im sure poland is number one on iran or north koreas must nuke list...

I agree it doesnt seem a very likely target, but think what Iran, Iraq and every terror organization keeps repeating.

"we will strike at US interests, and allies around the world"

Just food for thought.......

[Kärnfysikern]

Well the slim slim risk that a rouge state would decide to target poland with a ICBM has to be weighted against the much more realistic risk of a new buildup in nuclear weapons.

Russia has already stated they will withdraw from a treaty limiting medium range balistic missiles. Read this thread singer
So it beings

The biggest risk for the human race is still the HUGE nuclear arsenals russia and the united states posess. The risk of a accidental launch is very real and it has been so close so many times. If we want to ensure a safer future we NEED to se to it that both russia and the US cuts down their arsenals to around 1000 warheads each. There isnt any conceivable scenario that would require more than that and it is defenetly enough as a deterant.

We have had a nice window after the cold war to reduce nuclear arms. But both russia and the us has pissed away that oppertunity and both are now preparing to build new warheads and new delivery systems. Utter madness. There is no threat in the world today that justify that.

[singern]

You obviously misunderstood me.
I dont disagree with the danger and global threat of Nuclear buildup, I only present the real possibility of a rogue state or indeed a stateless enemy targeting western allies and interests.

[Kärnfysikern]

But in this case the risk of beeing the target is so slim that it is ridicilous.....A rouge state would at most be able to get of 2-3 icbms before they are reduced to dust. The probability that one of those would be aimed at poland is probably non existant.

[singern]

But in this case the risk of beeing the target is so slim that it is ridicilous.....A rouge state would at most be able to get of 2-3 icbms before they are reduced to dust. The probability that one of those would be aimed at poland is probably non existant.

Indeed, but the issue is for a "missile defense system", I dont see that as being specific to Nuclear technology, it could apply to an anti missile system , similar to the Patriot missile or the Israeli Arrow defense system which can destroy incoming targets of any kind.
And yes I agree the chance of Poland being targeted is slim.

[Kärnfysikern]

But the missile defense that is beeing planned is not something like the patriot. It is specificly a nuclear shield. If I where Puting I would be pissed aswell.

This whole thing STINKS. Why is the Bush admin so eager to push this project through when it will mean the death of several treaties. Or do they intentionaly want to get rid of the treaties? There must be some thought behind this and it sure aint to protect poland.

[singern]

I wont pretend to know what the administration is thinking, but I tend to agree with you that, as we know so far it doesnt look like a great idea. I wouldnt go so far as to say it resembles the Cuban missile crisis since they are not intending to insert Nukes in Poland, but never the less it doesnt look good.