Don’t Mess With Poland: Warsaw’s military may be the only thing standing between Putin and Europe

War is Boring ^ | April 2, 2014 | Robert Beckhusen

[C19fan]

Four years ago, Poland was set to become the staging ground for advanced U.S. ballistic missile interceptors. But after the plan collapsed—and seeing defense budgets in the rest of Europe on the decline—Polish political leaders decided they needed their military to fend for itself.

And now with an aggressive Russia bearing down on Ukraine, Warsaw is getting even more worried—and prepared.

[C19fan]

At least one European NATO country is serious about defense. This would the 2nd time in history Poland was the only thing standing between the West and Soviet/Russian invasion.

[grania]

I’ve been trying to follow this thing. I can’t imagine why Russia would want to mess with Poland. There’s just so much easy pickings out there if they’re so inclined. Besides which, Poland is Catholic and not Russian speaking.

[Army Air Corps]

Ping.

[Vermont Lt]

They are not. They will pick off all of the non NATO countries first.

[DuncanWaring]

That’s just what Russians do.

Does the date “17 September 1939” ring any bells?

[skeeter]

We’ll see what happens when Putin tries bullying the Baltics.

[yldstrk]

I think Poland has been invaded almost more than any other country because of the geography—it’s flat.

[mac_truck]

This is a plan to structure and train the armed forces in the event of another conventional war against Poland. This means Poland factors another major European conflict—and a potential invasion of its territory—into its defense plans. “There’ll be no more easy sending of our troops half a world away,” Komorowski said in August.

A novel idea.

[PGR88]

I’ve been trying to follow this thing. I can’t imagine why Russia would want to mess with Poland. There’s just so much easy pickings out there if they’re so inclined.

You are correct. Russia's next goal will be some kind of union with Belarus and perhaps Moldava. Belarus is just like the Ukraine, but even more "Russian."

[SampleMan]

Poland was historically controlled by Czarist Russia. Putin sees himself as the champion of the historic Russian Empire.

[SampleMan]

They already have Belarus. Its a puppet client state of Russia, which is really all that Putin wants of Ukraine.

[Forward the Light Brigade]

Like the Mongols who attacked Europe—The Polish Knights stood firm against the horde—and were cut to pieces! They advanced until they were stopped by the German Knights—the Mongols were stopped cold. Poland couldn’t stop Putin—But Germany? Maybe?

[lizol]

"Warsaw’s military may be the only thing standing between Putin and Europe"

Damn, again?
As one Polish saying says: "Historia kołem się toczy".
Which means (more or less) "History spins around like a wheel".

[njslim]

Poland has been one of bulwarks of western civilization

1683 King Jan (John) Sobieski lead the relief army to defeat Ottoman turks besieging Vienna

Thadeusz Kosciusko was one the founders of the US (built
fortifactions on Hudson at West Point) as well as national hero of Poland

Count Casimir Pulaski (KIA 1779 at Savannah)fought for the American forces

Polish squadrons fought at Battle of Britian after their country was overrun by Nazi and Soviets (which took eastern half)

[Usagi_yo]

I hear Poland has the finest Calvary in Europe.

[Spirochete]

Does the date “17 September 1939” ring any bells?

How about March 1921 - Poles crush the Soviets.

[12th_Monkey]

if we have a next president, on that is sane and has a sliver of common sense, he / she best shore up Poland and Czechoslovakia against the Russians.

[Fiji Hill]

When the Mongols invaded Eastern Europe in the 1240’s, they got as far as Liegnitz, Germany (now in Poland) and Hungary. But after their leader died, they had to go back to Mongolia to choose a new one.

[FateAmenableToChange]

I’ve been trying to follow this thing. I can’t imagine why Russia would want to mess with Poland. There’s just so much easy pickings out there if they’re so inclined. Besides which, Poland is Catholic and not Russian speaking.

Poles commonly speak Russian, esp. if they're over 35. It was a required language course in government schools.

[Fiji Hill]

I hear Poland has the finest Calvary in Europe.

Calvary is in Jerusalem, Israel, not Europe.