Poland, U.S.: Re-Examining the Security Relationship

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski stated in an interview published Aug. 4 in Wprost magazine that the Polish government's decision to deploy elements of a U.S. missile defense system on Polish territory was a "political mistake." Komorowski added that Warsaw did not take into account the risk related to a change in U.S. administrations and the effect it could have on the U.S. missile defense system in Europe. In the same interview, Komorowski said he will introduce a plan for a Polish-built land and air defense system.

Komorowski's comments were likely a political maneuver meant to test and try to strengthen Washington's support for Polish security. Still, the statements reflect Warsaw's unease over the level of Washington's commitment to the two countries' security relationship. The statements also raise questions about Poland's ability to independently provide for its security regardless of Warsaw's orientation and alliance structure.