I believe in economics that's known as the "GROM dividend"...

Woohoo! Good job!

We must reward those who stood with us, and punish those who were actively against us.

Letting "bygones be bygones" just encourages a return to the world that caused this stuff in the first place.

Good for Poland, their GROM soldiers are among the best trained in the world and their leaders took very brave action in the face of the European "anti-war" war movement used to cloak obscene anti-Americanism and Jew-bashing.

They are a true ally that appreciates what we did against communism, fascism and naziism. New Europe just got several billion dollars richer!

Don't forget the reconstruction contracts. They did their bit to help us, and they deserve their share.

Ahh -- the rewards of loyalty.

And a country who well deserves it.

I think "reward" is fine, no need to punish anyone - just exclude or minimize them...mirroring their contribution.

Germany, by the way, DID contribute troops - part of one of its NBC teams - who were stationed in Kuwait in case chem/bio was thrown that way...

A couple of questions:

How many Polish people does it take to create a democracy?

and

Is GROM named after Conan the Barbarian's god?

Well as for Germany, They have stated that they will not contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq unless other than if the U.N. is in control...

Steve:
1) is this a tricky question? Anyway Poland was effectively a democracy already in the sixteenth century. Even the kings were elected and could not do much without the Parliament approval.
2) GROM is actually an acronym, but it also means THUNDER.

Conan's god was Crom, not Grom...and Crom laughs at your god! That's Crom, strong on his mountain!

Quaith,

1) Yeah, I was just goofing. I was making fun of Polish jokes, not of Polish people.

One thing a lot of people don't know about the American revolution is that we were vastly aided by a Polish general (an early version of a military advisor) named Thaddeus Kosciukso. He was a great man, here's a link: http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/K/KosciuskT1.asp

2) Me goofing again. In the movie "Conan the Barbarian", every time Arnold Schwarzenegger saw something amazing, he would say "Grom!" Thanks for the translation, THUNDER is appropriate.

I don't think many people realize just what a slap this is to the Russians and Germans. Both countries have little respect for the Poles, since both have subjugated them in the past century.

For the US to give Poland a leading role above the Germans and the Russians is like giving Weber State the #1 seed at the NCAA playoffs above schools like Arizona and Kansas. And I am certain that the significance of this is not lost on Putin and Schroeder. There's going to be alot of screaming in St. Petersburg this weekend.

Now if the Germans continue to be pricks, let's invite the Poles to host the 1st Armored Division, which is currently based in Germany. That will have the added benefit of sticking a finger in the eye of the Russians, too.

As they say, payback's a bitch.

Steve, no problem, some Polish people are worth making fun of indeed. BTW USA gave two OHP class frigates to Poland and we named them Kosciuszko and Pulaski after Polish generals in the American revolutionary army.
Good luck allies!

While I understand the glee some of you feel around "rewards and revenge" - in the long run - the coalition of the somewhat willing (under US) is not exactly the road to a sustainable peace (or the kind of security this war is alleged to be addressing).

Apologies in advance...

3,000 Poles will be invited to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Their primary responsibility will be to change all of the light bulbs.

Fill in your own joke as to how that is done...

Seriously, the Poles have proven themselves to be a worthy nation that put it's own credibility in Europe on the line. They have earned the friendship of the US and Iraq, and we all owe them.

Thanks Poland! Hats off you deserve recognition for your outstanding effort in The War on Terror!

"...a staunch ally.."

Words I could never, as a teen in the early 1980s, imagine.

Kevin

I agree. If US troops still have to be stationed in Europe, they should NOT be sitting in Germany and spending dollars there. Move them to Poland.

Poland deserves a big salute for their diplomatic and military contribution.

Reminds me of WW2. Poland as a nation was crushed between Germany and Russia. But many, many Polish troops fought bravely for the Allies (far better than the French). And the fine Polish pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain and beyond - many dying - will always be remembered by the Royal Air Force.

"in the long run - the coalition of the somewhat willing (under US) is not exactly the road to a sustainable peace (or the kind of security this war is alleged to be addressing)."

As compared to what? The UN? I will take a coalition of willing that is capable of pursuing positive change over a bunch of corrupt bureaucrats bent on maintaining the status quo any day.

you got that right t. hartin,maybe we can get something accomplished with countries that are on the same page, screw the other morons!

Kevin hit the nail on the head. There must be total apoplexy in Berlin and Paris right now. I think Moscow will take it in stride, and eventually get with the program so long as they think they can recoup some of their losses. The Russians understand realpolitik, they are ultimately pragmatists. The French are living in a fantasy of their own making and this might be the ultimate wake up call.

I'm happy to see the snub to the weasels, but I'm afraid it looks like we are going to get back to business as usual; have a look at this link:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,83862,00.html

Move American troops from Germany to Poland now, assuming Poland wants us.

Give Poland preferential trade deals, extra aid, and positions of honor inall of our future discussions of the shape of the world to come.

This is partly a reward, yes. But even more importantly, Poland has proven that they "get it" about the importance of democracy and the need for occasional prompt and decisive action against tyrants as opposed to whiny bureaucratic games a la France.

From Debka.com

"DEBKAfile exclusive sources: France offers all Iraqi diplomats and Saddam regime VIPs immediate asylum in Paris. French consulates are working around the clock to ease admission for many dozens of Iraqi escapees"

Any reliable sources confirm this?

"A statement from Kwasniewski's office said the president stressed to Bush the readiness of Poland -- and Polish companies -- to contribute to Iraq's stabilization and reconstruction. He added that his country has "thousands of specialists who have experience from having worked in Iraq and in the region."

Gee...oddly enough we have these really big oil fields that Iraq's gonna need help developing. Seems that the previous concession holder didn't have a valid contract...how many people have you got that speak Arabic?

Poland has experience with Russian bureuacracy and equipment. They have recent experience of forming a democracy from that base. Sounds like a great resume for a job as Iraq nation builders.

And Poland appreciates the value of freedom and democratcy, and has a vested interest in making it happen in Iraq - unlike the AOW.

"Thaddeus Kosciukso"...

...immortalized as a bridge in the NYC area and as one heck of a mustard...

Seriously, I've read articles (well before hostilities broke out) that some plans were being made to move US troops out of Germany and into countries like Poland.

Interestingly, while the government of Germany makes noise that they would like to see us go, the locals around these bases do not. They get a lot of economic benefits from these bases!

Maybe the German government would be wise to talk to the locals before they shoot off their mouth again?

The GROM's are great folks.

The German-American part of me is annoyed at my roots in Germany. My Polish-American part is proud of my roots in Poland...

MMMMM, pork roast, dumplings and pierogis.

Well, Pork Schwarma and Falafel Pierogies, anyway.

On second thought, the Pork Schwarma probably won't fly.

I can just hear the dinnertable conversation now:

Seargeant Krajewski: "You mean you don't eat _any_ pork? What else is there? Besides Cabbage, I mean. No cabbage either? No wonder you're all starving."

And the fine Polish pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain and beyond - many dying - will always be remembered by the Royal Air Force.

My dad was RAF, a fighter pilot in WWII. His wing had a Polish squadron attached. He says they were the bravest men he ever saw-- if their guns jammed they would attempt to ram the German planes. He loves the Poles like brothers.

-ccm

Hey everyone-
Well I was doing a web posting for my EU Politics and Culture course when I stumbled across this site... this is great news for me, being a Pole living in the States, and a wonderful opportunity for Poland. Personally, I do not believe this will, in any way, affect our status of acceptance into the EU and will be extremely beneficial to the citizens of Poland. Being the most developed post-soviet block country, its citizens are till facing the huge problem of unemployment currently. Maybe this will help! Lets keep our fingers crossed!

When on the subject of polish jokes I have one.

How many Poles it took to break German Enigma cypher machine ?

Jack

When on the subject of polish jokes I have one.

How many Poles it took to break German Enigma cypher machine ?

Jack

I still do not understand the joke. Would you be so kind and explain it to me? It is good that you know about Polish cryptologists that broke Enigma Coding Machine. Here you can find more information http://webhome.idirect.com/~jproc/crypto/enigs1.html

It was rather sarcastic view on the stereotyping jokes. I was wondering what will come out of this since not many in the english speaking world know this fact.

Okay Jack. It was an experiment as I see.

Yes, I agree with Chris and Mr. Johnin London. The Polish Pilots fighting during the war did not get enough praise for their remarkable performance. Even at a time when their country had been overrun, they never laid down their weapons and surrendered. Moreover, their scientific and mathematical experts who broke the enigma code saved thousands of ally lives, and greatly contributed to the wars outcome.
In my opinion they really deserve more respect then they are given. From the very beginning of their existence they have had to fight for everything they have. If it was not with the Russian’s then it was with German’s, Hungarian, Austrians or Prussians.
Here in America they are greatly disregarded for their contribution to our country. I cannot begin to count the number of Polish Doctors, lawyers or businessman that make our country what it is today. In my hospital alone, one in three doctors are of Polish decent.
Furthermore, on the topic Iraq, Polish contribution is greatly appreciated to contradict theories of Europe’s weakness. The New-Europe lies on Polish soil.

Yes, I agree with Chris and Mr. Johnin London. The Polish Pilots fighting during the war did not get enough praise for their remarkable performance. Even at a time when their country had been overrun, they never laid down their weapons and surrendered. Moreover, their scientific and mathematical experts who broke the enigma code saved thousands of ally lives, and greatly contributed to the wars outcome.
In my opinion they really deserve more respect then they are given. From the very beginning of their existence they have had to fight for everything they have. If it was not with the Russian’s then it was with German’s, Hungarian, Austrians or Prussians.
Here in America they are greatly disregarded for their contribution to our country. I cannot begin to count the number of Polish Doctors, lawyers or businessman that make our country what it is today. In my hospital alone, one in three doctors are of Polish decent.
Furthermore, on the topic Iraq, Polish contribution is greatly appreciated to contradict theories of Europe’s weakness. The New-Europe lies on Polish soil.

What about Regan, Walesa and Pope?
Don't you remember where comunistic system broke down firs.

I was called up after 9/11. I heard the Polish did a fine job. I heard they never complained and were very reliable in whatever they did. I heard they were one of the best snipers in the world. Worst yet....the French complained about where they went to the bathroom while the polish just did their sh$%. Hats off to Poland.....they have no money but yet they provide so much that they can. OOORRAAA Poland!!!

Thank You Americans for your warm words. It's generally true but Poland had also dark pages in history... Perhaps not as dark as Germany or Russia, but still... About Enigma. True. Polish scholars succeeded in breaking code of one of the first variants. In Poland it's widely believed that world forgot about this. Perhaps because of those silly films like a U-571 or Enigma... In Enigma a Pole is pictured as a traitor in Blechley... No words for that. Our PM had personally intervened in UK in order to change Encyclopedia Brittanica entries about Polish merits in this matter. There's some truth in your Polish jokes. Many times we had difficulties with governing our country. However we have unfavourable location in Europe. We were betrayed many times. Polish mentality excludes Germans, Russians, French or British as trustworthy. Even US failed us in Jalta. No hart feeleings... It's just politics... Let's hope Poland will find proper place in new global order.

Again, thanks and don't trust stereotypes... We really have some world class experts.

I was just discussing yesterday about how this is the first time in hundreds of years where Poland has a strong leadership and an opportunity to gain power. It seems that they have grasped the opportunity by the horns.