Poland: The Repercussions of the Crash

Poland has set April 18 as the date for the funeral for Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, Maria, who were among those killed in an April 10 plane crash in Russia. The losses suffered in the plane crash will affect Poland — particularly the military and Kaczynski's political party. It also gives Russia a chance to intensify its ongoing "charm offensive" targeting Poland — a strategy that can only succeed if the United States does not reassure Poland that Washington is committed to Warsaw's defense.