As we have pointed out before, given Poland’s history of being governed by imperial Russia and then the Soviet Union, the events in Georgia have had a tremendous impact in that country.
So what should be done, according to Warsaw? To put it simply: Stand Tough.
For the Polish newspaper Rceczpospolita, Bronislaw Wildstein warns of the looming danger for Poland and East Europe:
“One could say: ‘Today Georgia, tomorrow the Baltic States and Ukraine.’ And the day after that? Will it be, perhaps, the “near abroad”? Such is the euphemism Russians use to describe countries that were once under their sway and which in their view should again find themselves in Moscow’s sphere of influence. Poland is one of them. … Poland was part of that empire for 200 years, except for two intervals – including this one – of 20 years apiece.”
Then, regarding those who suggest trying not to irritate Russia, Wildstein writes:
“The “catchphrase” of not irritating the Russian bear is a manifestation of magical thinking. That bear has a well-established sense of its imperial interests. Only a tough stance on the part of E.U. members who understand the Russian danger are capable of setting a steadier course for the Union regarding the Kremlin. What is needed now is determination.”
“The opportunities of E.U. membership pale in comparison to what a closer alliance with the United States could offer us.”
By Bronis?aw Wildstein
Translated By Halszka Czarnocka
August 12, 2008
Poland – Rzeczpospolita – Original Article (Polish)
One could say: “Today Georgia, tomorrow the Baltic States and Ukraine.” And the day after that? Will it be, perhaps, the “near abroad”? Such is the euphemism Russians use to describe countries that were once under their sway and which in their view should again find themselves in Moscow’s sphere of influence. Poland is one of them.
Today, such a threat might seem delusional, but just a few years ago, wouldn’t Russian aggression against a sovereign state have been deemed impossible? Putin has undertaken the reconstruction of the Russian Empire along with the entire complex of Russian nationalism, as demonstrated by the crowds of volunteers for the war with Georgia. Poland was part of that empire for 200 years, except for two intervals – including this one – of 20 years apiece.
READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, along with continuing translated and English-language foreign press coverage of the unfolding crisis in the Caucasus.
