Securing the zone
By Mirko Kaupat
When the country was offered one of the security zones in post-war Iraq, many people were proud and full of good spirit. Poland was finally to play a major role in the world. The joy lasted until the government realized how much this was going to cost and how much it would be able to spend on the project - namely very little. Then defense minister Jerzy Szmajdziński asked Washington to cover part of the expenses, which damaged the picture of the new protagonist on the world's stage.
So most of the money will come from somewhere else, but there also have to be some soldiers to run a sector in Iraq. Experts estimate that 7,000-9,000 troops will be necessary, and according to government sources, Poland will be able to send just some 2,000.
Germany was the first country to be asked to join the Polish forces, but Berlin didn't want to legitimize the war by sending troops. After that, authorities in Warsaw hoped for NATO's support. And indeed, the transatlantic organization's ambassadors promised logistical support and advice for the stabilization force, but refused to provide the much-desired soldiers. Even Szmajdziński admitted that this was not a huge help.
But what was supposed to be a reward for Poland's solidarity during the war could have a boomerang effect for the country if it doesn't succeed in building a sufficient force. Some states don't want to join because they opposed the war; those in the group that supported the U.S., such as Spain, may have wanted their own zones and now don't want to work under the Polish-controlled one.
So all hopes were focused on the international military conference at the end of the week in Warsaw, where representatives of 22 countries met behind the thick walls of a medieval fortress to discuss organizing the Polish zone. Szmajdziński announced that he was very optimistic and former defense minister Bronisław Komorowski said that NATO's decision and the passing of the United Nations resolution on Thursday helped to convince allies to participate. As it happens, mainly countries that have stood outside the center of interest - including Ukraine, Albania, Bulgaria and Lithuania - are now willing to provide soldiers.
And there was more good news last week: The Polish diplomat Adam Kobieracki will be appointed assistant to NATO General Secretary George Robertson. It is the most prestigious post held by a Pole in this organization. Or is it just a move to prevent President Aleksander Kwaśniewski from becoming Robertson's successor since two Poles in NATO's leadership are not possible?
