Poland's overall view on the US?

What is Polands view on the USA in general? In the US we assume everyone hates us. What does Poland think over all?

It used to be very good, now is rather neutral.

What changed? The war? Just curious

The wars (plural). And the interest of USA in Poland. Their torture... and not to mention the reasons why protests in USA are carried out. Those protests are for their troops to be back home and safe... which is so strange... they are not really thinking about the innocents which are getting killed (the non-american innocents). They are thinking of their troops only... those troops who Polish people dont really appreciate (and those who did, dont anymore).

I am neutral for USA. But sometimes some things appear rather strange to me. But then... I can only wish USA all the best, and better understanding.

as anyone else, at first we admired and envied the Americans

then.. all the interesting ass kissing positions were bluntly occupied by the highest grade men of politics, so the rest of us just stopped caring :)

I understand you, but am a little confused. It's strange for protests for sons and daughters to be brought back home? Are you saying they should protest for ALL troops to be brought home, not just American? Of course, the US only sees what the media wants to show and I feel like Poland may also be the same.

I am an American living in Poland and I have learned a lot since moving here. The media doesn't tell us everything back home. Now that I see that I am interested in what people think here.

Don't worry! You can't hurt my feelings! ; )

I think he says that they don't really care about dead Iraqis.

Exactly.

But also... they really dont care of a dead Pole or a Britt either. They will shot anybody if they feel the DOUBT! We know that from the time this war began!...if you have followed it abit.

Americans care for their own children and their own interests?...that is why they loose respect everyday... you must realise it.

The Position of USA is not so ordinary in the world. They are the only Super Power. The President's family... and an ordinary Americans family is NOT THE SAME.

There are many posts here about many opinions on america.... you can read them.

Generally I never had anything against them.....nor do I have actually. But then....it feels bad to see the thing going on in around the world...

We rebuild their cities. We have contractors kidnapped and killed trying to put the pieces back together for them. Soldiers are there protecting them the best they can. Setting up checkpoints into their cities to protect THEM! Troops are greeted by groups of children that end up being terrorists themselves.

I don't understand much about the war and what is really going on but I have met soldiers, my cousin one of them, and they do their best to protect. I have heard the stories and seen pictures. I think the US is bound to be attacked no matter what we do.

I am not saying I agree, disagree, or understand any of what's going on but I think we (the average everyday person) cares for everyone who dies in the fight against those who attack us.

I suppose being in the US when they attacked, I know the fear that was brought on. I remember that day perfectly well. I visited New York shortly after and although I was not directly efftected by the attack, my cousin was deployed shortly after. He will be able to sleep in his own bed this Sunday after 7 months.

Since we are the Super Power who out there is going to worry about our children and interests if we don't?

I think it is really hard to look objectively at the topic. For most of the people here and in rest of EU as sbd already told, USA is super power and many think they use it for they own buisinesses and they dont look forward at all - probably many is right.

USA seems to act as "I know all - You know nothing" sometimes. After all, all of what is going on in Iraq and Iran is provoked by the US diplomacy in the past, at least this is what we hear in TV ...

On the other hand, we wont be able to say who is right for the next 50 years or sth. None of us may know what is really going on there. Its just strange how USA force to introduce democracy to the countyies which (it seems to) dont want their "help". And there is other hand as well. As we all know at the beggining of the war Iraqi people was really happy, I suppose they fought that everything changes in couple of weeks ...

Look dear friend... dont think its against you in particular. Dont take anything to heart.

I think the USA media is not let free actually. USA talks if freedom... but it just doesnt allow that at all it seems.

See... The world sees alot different then how it is shown to Americans. If you find and read some logical (not Anti American) posts here... you will find more reasons to think I hope.

You see... if you want the world to Genuinely love you... you must atleast wish to listen with a clear heart what the world has to say about you family members. Maybe in your home....there are criminals!.... but just because they are your family members - you shouldnt stand in favour of them all the time!

Anyways...if you really want to know... you will know. But if you want just to hear that you want to hear....it will not help at all.

Look at the link below... there are some posts which might interest you.

I have one post there aswell... with some links in there, which I would like you to see!

Please refer to: polishforums.com/u_missile_base_poland_thoughts-4_2483_17.html

Obviously 9/11 and Iraq are unrelated. Invading Iraq was a criminal act with the intention of theft.

'"We rebuild their cities"

Well, nothing has been rebuilt. Nobody asked the American airforce to destroy the countrie's infrastructure in the first place and nobody is asking the US occupation to continue.

BTW the only 'construction' that US has performed was to level the city of Fallujah and kill all its inhabitants.

This is exactly what I thought.

We know more goes on, we cant act on what we dont see. but I can guarentee
if the half of America seen things ( the truth) it would be much different.

I know things are hidden from us. its fact to not cause a national chaos. but
I stay neutral on my own, just like with things about poland and other countries
making them look bad. why do you think I dont say bad things about other countries
because half of the things are emphasized more, like with Russia, those in Russia
will only see the bad about U.S. but if its your own country, the bad gets shoved
under the rug..

so stay neutral folks!! were not all that bad. we like you , just be patient with
everything, Hopefully something will change here soon for the better and we
will be back as we were.

After a long discussion.... I give this post full marks.... thats it... I am out of making comments on the bad points of USA now... need to do something else in here :) ...

I'm for USA, because any other potential global superpower (China for example) won't be better and we need good relations with America, because Western Europe doesn't really like us and Russians would crush us at first opportunity, but America is defiantely not perfect. Iraq is a mess because the whole plan for the country was "let's give them freedom and democracy and everything will be alright". That's something one could expect rather from a 13 years old kid than the government of the most powerful country in the world.

BTW In Poland you don't have to be affraid to be attacked for being American, so that's something unusual anyway :)

Im for the US of A lol

Yep. USA is nowdays not very attractive to Poles. People goes in opposite direction, back to Europe, where they can work legaly and for similar salaries, if not bigger. And with all american ignorance in case of Poland - this is not a pretty picture.

No USA = No Freedom........end of...regardless of what has gone on since............only for them........Poland would either be German or Russian......for the next 100/200/300 yrs.....then disappear....for ever

Sure they pursue their on interests needs, who doesn't!!

Yes they done some less that pleasant things...all great powers do......but they weren't going to deprive you of all your rights liberties and aspirations.....unlike your next door and great neighbours!

You're right. I agree that the country should've been left alone. I mean, Saddam only killed his own people... Genocide...crimes against humanity..gassing ..all that fun stuff.

Our main focus should've been on Bin laden and al-queda the whole time. I believe the world agreed on that one. Pffff...we can find imaginary WMD but not bin laden?

It will be a breath of fresh air to get rid of this president. And for those of you that don't live here, we do have protests in Washington. I attended one in January and there were many many signs and billboards to bring ALL troops home...not Just US. Many people here are against what's being done to the Iraqi people too. It's also believed by many that Bush should also go on trial for war crimes against humanity. So stop believing everything that the media is saying. We know as well as the rest of the world knows that its a Quag fukkin meyer!

GWB can't even agree with our congress. 57% of Americans are on the side of congress. This is the latest:

"In an act unparalleled since the Vietnam War, Congress passed legislation Thursday that directs the president to begin bringing home U.S. troops from Iraq and extricating America from the midst of a bloody civil war".

"The historic 51-46 Senate vote for a $124 billion war-spending bill – which followed House passage of the measure Wednesday – thrust a withdrawal timeline on a fiercely resistant White House that has promised to veto it".....wahhh I'm gonna veto it. That's what he's all about. Sickening.

I know I've made a comment about all of the Anti American comments in here, but its important for everyone outside the US to know that more than 1/2 of our people are against our government at this point in time. We as a people are very caring and worry about people all around the world. Just look at our relief efforts during the time of disaster....well, except for our own disasters.

At the expense of sounding cynical. That's the least you can do after bombing them. I'm sure the soldiers you met are trying their best to rebuild it there, but after 5 years it becomes really simple for the average Iraqi to make up an opinion.

It's all about every day life. They didn't have free elections with Saddam, but at least they had water, food, electricity, a job, cultural passtime, sports, their children went to school & they could go outside to the market without the fear of being bombed. Now all of that is gone but they have free elections. Millions have fled the country allready.

The People of Iraq hated Saddam, they were afraid of him, he was a tyran. But at least they could lead their lives. In our Western eyes it's easy to say they are better off now in a democracy. But if I imagine myself in their place, I'd rather live without voting than not living at all.

And as things stand now, there's haven't been any advencements the past 4 years.


"They"? If I didn't know any better I'd say you've been watching too much Fox News. Iraq didn't plan the 9/11 attacks. Usama Bin Laden & his al-Qaida did. That's why the U.S.A. invaded Afghanistan.

Altough many in Europe were against this as well, I must say that I "felt" that a majority of Europeans agreed that the U.S.A. had to strike back in Afghanistan. That's where the attacks were planned & where Bin-Laden resided.

Saddam Hussein had absolutely nothing to do with that. It doesn't matter how much you despise the man, he hadn't anything to do with it. Saddam Hussein was far from being a militant moslim! He had a huge collection of wines, wasn't afraid of a prostitute or 2 and lots of other Western novelties that'd be condamned by militant muslims.

Iraq was officialy attacked because of WMD's. I'm almost afraid to ask.. but.. Where are those anyway? Right, there are none. Bush was quick to admit that there weren't any and he even stated that even if he'd knew beforehand there weren't any, he'd have attacked anyway!

streaming.americanprogress.org/ThinkProgress/2005/invasion.320.240.mov .htm

So what was this war about again? 9/11 ? no WMD? no Why? Seriously. Was it all to remove a dictator that opresses his people? Altough that's a noble cause & Americans are generally noble people, I think it's very "picky" (to say the least) to remove one dictator, but support an other. So why?

Geo-political control. Being able to have a bastion of power everywhere in the world. And you can't do anything about it, since that's what superpowers do. That's what the Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese did for hundreds of years. That's what Europeans did with African colonies & it's what Russia & the USA did the last century. A superpower must remain a superpower through geo-political control.

As far as your first question goes: I live in both Poland & Belgium, I travel back & forth for my job. The general attitude towards Americans before Iraq was one of "Well, they are crazy capitalists, but hey, we don't hate em. Be welcome."

Of course, after Iraq that drastically changed. The days where we looked up at your country when we saw a film or a skyline of San Francisco are basically gone.

Altough Poles used to have a more favourable opinion of Americans than other Europeans that is now slowly fading away.

In 2002 79% of Poles had a favourable opinion of the USA, in 2005 that's only 62%

To the question "Does US foreign policy consider other's intrests?" only 13% of Poles answered yes.

These numbers are from this survey about the foreigner's views of the USA & Bush

pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=247 you might want to check it out.

hey.... in the second quote you made.... Thats not mine!!! :S

I am not a "my country, right or wrong" person either. I have great pride in being an American, but I also have sense enough to know that A) this president is a poor one and B) no media report I have yet seen, whether CBC, BBC or any from the USA, has given us the whole truth of this "war".

I do get upset when people spout on about what they "know" to be true (because they heard someone else say it and tell them it is what they should think). I get even more upset when people belittle Americans, especially the American service personnel in Iraq, who I am sure will gratefully and gladly come home when it's time. True and honorable men, even soldiers, hate the necessity of war.

I know Iraq and 9/11 don't have much to do with each other except in Condie's, Cheney's and Bush's minds. I've read the 9/11 Commission Report in its entirety, though none of my neighbors---including a military official and a politician---have. Their staff assistants read it for them and fed it to them in small bits, kind of like a baby bird gets fed the worms by its parents.

I don't get Polish news here in PA, so I can't speak personally about what your news reports there say about it.

My hubby returns today from a week in Poland (Krakow area) and I want very much to ask him about the reaction he got there to his being American (I am quite sure they were nice to him as a person) and how he felt the Poles felt about Americans in general. He is a pretty good judge of that sort of thing. He "feels" what isn't said directly sometimes.

I think Bush's original plan was to go into Iraq, take out the leaders, and allow the people to freely set up a new government. Desert Storm, which was led by Bush's father, was a quick war and it just seemed like this war would go as smoothly. However, they faced situations that they weren't expecting. Here in the US we're always shown reports of "insurgents" and suicide bombers in Iraq and they are portrayed as the reason the US can't just leave. If they leave it would mean handing the country over to them. I don't know how true that is. It's just something we see in the media.

Something else we often see in the media is that the people of Iraq are not moving fast enough to restore order in their country. The US is there in the meantime, but they are planning to get out by next year.

Altough that sounds like a noble plan, I feel that if that was really the case he would've just said so. Why did he have to go on about WMD's & 9/11 as a reason to invade Iraq then? That boggles me.


That war was so different. It wasn't really about Iraq but about Quweit. Iraq invaded Quweit for it's oil so the US & it's allies went into Quweit to push the Iraqis back and to protect US ally Saudi-Arabia which was fearing being invaded by Saddam as well. That war was waged with battleships shooting long-rage missiles, bombardments & little infantry alltogether.

They didn't push through to Baghdad, altough they promissed Kurdish leaders that they would support them in case of an uprising. So the Kurds started an uprising in the hopes of triggering a coup. American support didn't came & Saddam crushed the Kurds resulting in thousands of deaths & refugees. Kurds have mixed feelings about Americans, they're happy they removed Saddam but are afraid to trust them.


If Americans leave Iraq will most likely descend into a civil war. If they don't more Americans are bound to be killed by insurgents. It's a lose-lose situation. :(

I see some truth in this statement. The various tribes that inhabit Iraq do not get along, and have always fought with each other. The only thing that kept them from killing each other was fear of Saddam, who was the scariest and most vicious of all. These groups are going to have a really rough time with a democracy, because I think, deep down, they don't want it! They continue to fight for power and control in the government right now. As long as they (all the tribes) care more about control of government for their particular sect, there isn't going to be much impetus for co-operation. Democracy requires some degree of co-operation. Sadly, I don't see there being peace in Iraq, with or without troops, with or without rebuilt infrastructure. They just are not ready for peace or democracy.

And that's true. But why that happened ? At the beggining It wasn't really bad. I supported the whole war, but in details It was completely screwed up, that's why Iraq now is such a mess.

That's very true.


I think that's why certain advisors were removed from their jobs, because it turned into a mess.

Actually, 9/11 and the War in Iraq are dirctly related...9/11 was a false-flag terror op
perpetrated by elements in the American military/intelligence/corporate complex, along
with the Mossad to sieze Iraqi oil & to aid Zionist plans for 'Yeretz Yisrael' that would
ultimately include parts of Iraq, Syria, Jordan & Saudi Arabia...also, a little known fact:
the former Shah of Iran (who by the way, was from a Russian Jewish family) used to supply Israel w/cheap oil through the Israeli port of Eilat...when the Muslims took over in

Iran, this stopped...so, some of the Iraqi oil is destined for Israel, at cheap prices, and
the rest is to stay in the ground, in order to drive world prices up...a majority of Americans oppose this war, and certainly consider George Bush a traitor...but, you see,

the American public has been asleep for so long, brainwashed by television & the 'consumer culture' that we have been very slow in coming to grips with the truth...

I lived thru, and was eligible for the draft during the Vietnam War, so I have a little dif-
ferent perspective on the motives of 'governments'...but, Americans realize how this
fiasco in Iraq has lowered our standing, in terms of morality & respect, with the world in
general...we are in a deep hole here in America, and, sadly, we might not be able to
climb out in the near future...by the way, do the Rothschilds have a bank in Poland yet?

hmmm....why do all of your posts appear to be copied and pasted?

having trouble thinking for yourself?

I hate to repeat myself but here goes:
Although the cold war ended some time ago, Russia and USA still compete with each other in many various places in the world, the Middle East being probably the most important area of their struggle. Both countries can't afford an open conflict with each other as it would be to devastating, and the only winner in it would be probably other wanna-be superpower like china for example. That's why both countries support their enemies instead of carrying an open conflict with each other.

USA invaded Afghanistan and Iraq not because of Al-qaida, but because of the oil. Osama Bin-laden isn't a serious threat for USA. He’s just being used by American government to keep American society in constant fear. It allows them to better control it's people and convince them to support their conflicts. As I already mentioned somewhere on this forum, American government knew about the al-qaida plans to destroy the WTC. They sacrificed their own people to convince the rest of society that there really is a serious threat form the side of Arabs so that the society would support their future invasions. It worked. That of course doesn't mean that Osama was set up and that he is innocent. Osama Bin laden is a mad man that tries to keep middle eastern oil for himself. He also tries to manipulate Middle Eastern people by depicting Americans as modern crusaders. To sum this up, Bush and Osama use a very similar rhetoric in order to persuade people to listen to them.

The truth is that an ordinary Iraqi wants to live in peace. Although he sees the American army as invaders he has enough of bombings and extremists. If Americans would succeed in restoring peace in Iraq they would probably accept them. Well at least for some time. Withdrawing Americans troops now, during this hard times, would definitely push the Iraqi population in the hands of Americans enemies, like Iran and its supporter, Russia. Not a very smart thing to do.


During the communist times the USA was seen here as the land of the free and many opportunities. Everybody was dreaming about the American dream in the gray Poland of the 60's, 70's etc... Besides Americans were the enemies of the Ruskies, thus making them our friends. Now this enthusiastic approach to USA is slowly calming down here, although I wouldn’t call it hate. It's just that just like the Western Europe noticed us after the 1 may 2004, we noticed them back. Suddenly it appeared that you don't have to fly over the pond to live a life like from the Hollywood movies. London is definitely closer than Washington, and just as interesting. Besides, while we can move freely throughout the whole EU, we have to get a visa in order to go to USA. It seems that Europeans care more about us, which, because of the geographical position of our countries is obvious. I don’t think that many Americans even know that Poland takes part in “the war on terrorism”. I don’t think that an ordinary Americans cares actually. :)