US-Polish Missile Negotiations Reach a Stalemate
Marcin Bosacki, Gazeta Wyborcza | May 20, 2008
US diplomats will not exceed their offer - worth billions - to modernize Poland's armed forces in exchange for the hosting of the anti-missile shield base on Polish soil. ++ Poland's expectations are higher than what the US is prepared to offer and talks are now threatened with collapse. ++ Poland's room for maneuver is limited by Russia's easing of its position against the missile shield, NATO's lack of imperative for the system to be located in Poland over elsewhere in Europe, and Congress' refusal to make further concessions.
