Poland to Keep Troops in Iraq Through '05

[G_j]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4324125,00.html

Poland to Keep Troops in Iraq Through '05

Sunday July 18, 2004 1:46 PM


By VANESSA GERA

Associated Press Writer

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland will keep troops in Iraq at least through the end of 2005, but firmly intends to reduce its presence at the start of next year, the nation's prime minister said Sunday.

Poland, which commands a 17-nation force in south-central Iraq, is required by a U.N. resolution to remain in Iraq until the end of 2005. But Polish leaders haven't determined what role their country will play after that, Prime Minister Marek Belka said during a visit to Camp Babylon, the force's headquarters in Iraq.

``The next shift will be much smaller,'' Belka said in comments broadcast on Polish television. ``We are counting on Iraqi security forces getting stronger and stronger and taking more of our duties from us.''

He said Poland will start ``thinking about changing the nature of our military presence'' after 2005. ``Maybe the international forces will be organized in a different way and maybe the international forces won't be needed anymore.''

..more..

[soothsayer]

1. All three of them? (n/t)

[noahmijo]

3. They actually have about 200

Which is still not a large number, but a bit more substantial than 3 or even say about 50.

I feel bad for Poland for all the times the US has stiffed them, and I think the only reason their leaders allowed troops to be sent was because they believe we are still the same America with the same sort of leaders we had during WW II.

[aneerkoinos]

5. Wha?

2500 troops, biggest number after UK and Italy (2,700) AFAIK.

This is very bad for Washington, so far Poland has been the closest ally after UK, and now even they are starting to bail out.

So this is how Kerry is planning to deliver the increased international involment in the occupation that he keeps promising (besides 40,000 more US occupation troops)? ;)

[noahmijo]

7. D'oh! okay my Polish ancestors will haunt me for this now..

Thanks for the clarification.....

One thing I do know a bit more about though is a big part of Kerry's plan in my opinion is that in order to entice some support and help for our troops in Iraq is he's going to do what Bush refused to do which was let other countries in on the rebuilding (which means mega bucks for them) in exchange for some troops.

Realistically speaking of the major countries agreed to these terms and a true coalition is present in Iraq, I think the targets would be taking off our soldiers and they could return home quicker.

[aneerkoinos]

8. Your wellcome

"in order to entice some support and help for our troops in Iraq is he's going to do what Bush refused to do which was let other countries in on the rebuilding (which means mega bucks for them) in exchange for some troops."

That is very problematic. That implies that US retains the control of Iraq's economy, and Iraqi's don't have the power to decide who they want to do business with. That implies that there will be need for US led occupation and foreign troops to support that occupation even if the elections succeed and US is told to but out. And third, what lucrative business opportunities are there are there for anybody, as long as the country is in war against occupiers? I see foreign companies getting out, not rushing in.

[donsu]

2. Poland has lost it's cool and bends to bushgang threats

it's so disappointing. I cheered for Poland when they got free again.
very disappointing.

[Endangered Specie]

4. Poland? Troops? Army?

Learn something everyday.

[aneerkoinos]

6. ignorance was bliss? n/t

[truthisfreedom]

9. this is SO reassuring. thank you purresident bushco! i was getting

worried we were losing the coalition. it just seemed so fragile... like it was falling apart, and we'd be left there all alone. it's good to know that our kids are out there fighting side by side with kids from other countries, keeping their spirits high, knowing the world is united in freeing Iraq's oil.

[komplex]

10. Well it should be safer in Iraq

than in the Polish Navy subs. ;)