Kaczynski and the Bear
During the course of his election campaign, President-elect Lech Kaczynski had naught but strong words for Poland's eastern nemisis, Russia. Stirring up anti-russian sentiment was something Kaczynski had a natural flair for, but will it mean any real policy changes?
"A Poland with a strong position in Kiev and hopefully in Minsk, a Poland belonging to the six mightiest countries in Europe and having good relations with the United States -- Russians will simply have to take this Poland seriously." said Kaczynski, implying that Poland's current status on the global power ladder was simply not good enough.
As president, he has stated that his first oversea's visit will be to the United States, a move meant to demonstrate his intended policy direction. However, the biggest challenge will be getting the new German government to suspend work on the Trans-Baltic pipeline currently being built between Russia and Germany. Campaign rhetoric is one thing, but inspiring such a change in Germany's foreign policy might be beyond Kaczynski's reach.
Kaczynski has also gone on record in support of further 'colored' revolutions in the former Soviet Socialist Republics. As the mayor of Warsaw, he also took a firm stance against Russian criticism of his behavior regarding the beatings of the children of Russian Diplomats.
In the months to come, we can expect tension to be running high, regardless of specific policy initiatives.