Poland's Sikorski: Russia would lose confrontation with West

M&C ^ | Aug 27, 2008

[colorado tanker]

I was not impressed with the Russian troops I saw in Georgia. I think the story would be different if they tried to take on a European force instead of the Chechens and Georgians.

[lizol]

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[TheLawyerFormerlyKnownAsAl]

Didn’t he get Obammy’s memo?

[Secret Agent Man]

It depends. In a conventional war we’d win. Nuclear, nobody wins. Just who lives longest to die last.

[valkyry1]

Sikorski is an astute man.

However Russia might try the piece meal route like we saw in Georgia rather than confrontation on all fronts.

[Daveinyork]

It’s not the West’s ability that is in doubt. It is the West’s will that is in doubt, and that Russia is challenging.

[samson1097]

‘I’d prefer if Russia worked together and integrated itself with the wider-known West, but if it comes to confrontation, then it will lose again.’

I’d prefer if we had more politicians in this country who would step away from the PC pulpit and tell the new USSR how it is, the way Sikorski does here.

[webrover]

I’m not so sure there is any such thing as a European force. They’d simply let us die for them and then call us murderers. They have no real will to survive.

[colorado tanker]

I don't think Putin would be crazy enough to go nuclear. And I suspect he knows, or is at least concerned with the possibility, that the Poles would beat him in a conventional conflict.

[webrover]

It’s all about will. And old Europe has none. It is moribund.

[PGR88]

I am sure the French and Germans are right now saying

“WHAT’S THIS ‘WE’ STUFF, SIKORSKI?”

I don’t know what the President of Poland knows, but I still wouldn’t count on the Western Europeans standing together with Poland on anything.

[lizol]

Don't mess up with Sikorski (or Sikorsky? Whatever :-)))

[ZULU]

Russian troops were greatly overrated during the Cold War.

It was mainly the fear of Russian nukes and the congenital lack of courage of the western Left and the Democrats in the U.S. that stopped us from taking a stronger hand with them until Reagan took over.

[colorado tanker]

I disagree. I think the Poles would fight and win. And as long as Obama isn't president, we'd fight along side them.

[El Sordo]

Hopefully you are correct.

But if you found yourself in an untenable position where your choices are:

1- You lose big and you opponent wins big.

or

2- You both loose big.

I am inclined to think the Russian mindset trends to option 2.

[dfwgator]

Is he any relation to this Sikorski? He knew how to kick some Russian a$$.

[Righter-than-Rush]

Yes, we know this. However, politics dictates we play nice before blowing up the bombs already planted throughout the USSR. No missiles required. BRING IT.

[duckln]

That's a good reason to vote for Obama. If W and McCain follow this crazy notion they'll be the losers.

All the war drum talk on FR is depressing. Where have all the smart people gone? This place is almost 90% kooks on knowing what's best for America.

[colorado tanker]

If W and McCain follow this crazy notion

You do realize Poland is a NATO ally and we would have an obligation to come to their defense if Russia attacked?