From The New York Times:
BERLIN — The deep concern among America’s Eastern European allies over improved relations between Russia and the United States spilled into the open on Thursday when 22 prominent figures, including Poland’s Lech Walesa and the Czech Republic’s Vaclav Havel, published an open letter to the Obama administration begging not to be forgotten.
In the letter, the leaders urged President Obama and his top policy makers to remember their interests as they negotiate with Russia and review plans for missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic. Abandoning the missile defense plan or giving Russia too big a role in it could “undermine the credibility of the United States across the whole region,” the letter said.
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My Comment: The Europeans have a legitimate concern. After having their natural gas supplies put into jeopardy last winter, coupled with Russian threats of missiles being directed at Eastern European countries if an anti-missile platform is installed in Poland .... followed by threats against Georgia and the Ukraine if they pursue NATO membership .... Russia's true colors in how it perceives its relationships with its former Soviet states and allies should and must be are now being shown.
But in this arena of rising tensions .... instead of staying with our allies .... the direction from Washington is that we are now going to engage with the Russians. If I was an eastern European leader .... I would be wondering on what is the game plan (if any) coming from the U.S. President.
