Decus
Platinum Member
You actually believe Putin would attack U.S. troops in Poland? I think that would be suicidal on his part.Bush had initiated discussions to move bases from Germany to Poland. His effort was in part due to Germany's hesitation in supporting the Gulf war. The Germans realized the economic loss they would suffer if the bases moved and fought to keep them.
Analysis: U.S. base plans shakes up allies
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Bush may have looked at it, but Trump may well do it
Doubtful any president will.
There is only a very small number of US troops presently based in western Poland and our other defensive military efforts have only served to provoke Russian threats of a possible nuclear attack against Poland. Putin countered US moves to install a missile shield in Poland by increasing the number of tactical nuclear missiles in Kaliningrad, on Poland's northern border and clearly stating that Russia would nuke Poland if the missile shield was installed.
Moscow warns it could strike Poland over US missile shield
Russia threatens nuclear attack on Poland over US missile shield deal
A significant US military base would be viewed as a threat by Russia akin to the "Cuban missile crisis" under Kennedy. At least that is how Russian propaganda would play it up. Putin is an asshole but he knows that the only thing keeping him in power is feeding Russian egos on the myth that Russia remains significant on the world stage.
Because there is little upside to a base in Poland I doubt any president would risk the confrontation.
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You realize that Putin is not going to initiate a nuclear war over conventional ground troops in Poland. If he does, you have only hours left to live.
If Putin didn't respond to the creation of a significant US military base in Poland his rule would be finished and his fate would be sealed. Whether it would be a tactical strike using an Iskander missile whose range is only 400 to 500 km or sending Russian troops to "rescue" Russian citizens in Poland (the same claim was made when Russia invaded Georgia), it will happen. Human life is cheap to Russians and Putin would gladly sacrifice his people in order to stay in power.
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I have no doubt that Putin would commit an act of aggression against Poland but would certainly try to avoid hitting US troops at least initially. Our small contingent of troops are presently stationed in western Poland near the border with Germany. To prove his intent I believe Putin would hit eastern Poland.