Defense Minister slams opposition for reverting to populist tactics over Iraq

Following a tragic week for the Polish army in Iraq where three soldiers were killed, the leader of the Polish Peasants Party (PSL) Janusz Wojciechowski swore that he will make sure the government will withdraw the army from the war, stating that Polish men are dying in the name of American interests. "This is obvious populism and childish behavior. We are in Iraq, as Mr. Wojciechowski did not realize, on the power of the resolution made by the UN. Not only Poland is there but also 19 other countries," said Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdziński in an interview. It was also revealed that military specialists are considering a change in military tactics and a possible increase in the use of heavy equipment used by the Polish mission. Szmajdziński emphasized that the mission has a stabilizing role in Iraq which is due to hold a general election at the turn of the year and this is when the size of the Polish contingent will begin to be gradually reduced. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 6) A.K.