Possible Polish Problem

Since the end of the Second World War, Poland had suffered under the Russian influence of communism until democracy finally prevailed. Today Poland finds itself in the middle of things. Since the collapse of communism, relations have not been too good between Moscow and Warsaw. In 1991, Poland joined NATO and voted to join the EU in 2003 causing relations between the two countries to weaken drastically as Russia decisively becomes more hostile to both the EU and NATO. The Bush Administration set up plans to install a missile defence shield in Poland in the fear of an attack by Russia. In response to this, Russian officials announced that this will open the right for a nuclear strike in Poland. Russia has also announced that it will install missiles in Kaliningrad, near Poland. Following the August War that took place between Georgia and Russia, Poland immediately sided with Georgia against the decisions of Russia to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Poland has contributed greatly to aid Georgia, most notably in the technology area after Georgian internet had been hacked – most likely by Russia. Previous years of Georgian-Polish relations has also resulted in the erection of a statue in Tbilisi in celebration of the Poles who contributed to the independence of Georgia. This has been seen as negative to Russia. Up until this point, Poland has rejected former president Bush’s plan to install missile defence due to Russia’s threat of a nuclear strike. After seeing the willingness of Russia to bomb civilian-filled cities with no strategic value, Poland immediately began considering and signing plans for a missile defence system that also included missiles for attacking. Poland is also an unofficial supporter of Chechnya and has been known to provide assistance to Chechnya. During the First Chechen War, many Poles volunteered to fight on the side of the Chechens against the Russians. In March 2005, President Aslan Maskhadov of Chechnya was killed in action. President Putin of Russia awarded medals to those who killed the Chechen president and had his body displayed on Russian television. Days later, Chechens and Poles alike held demonstrations in front of the Russian embassy in Warsaw. They prayed for the return of his body according to Muslim customs. President Obama has scrapped the Bush Plan for missile defence and will instead use smaller, mobile interceptors. Vice President Biden ensured Polish leaders that the United States does guarantee the security of Poland. Polish officials want more than just a defence system though. Officials believe that if there ever was an attack on Poland, having American soldiers on the ground would make the US quicker to respond.

Sorry for the long boring videos but I couldn't find anything better. Basically the videos explain why the Poles want a missile defense shield and what could happen with or without them.