The strongest among the weak

The daily Le Monde analyses Poland's position within the European Union and vis-à-vis the United States. "Sometimes to the right, sometimes to the left. At times for Europe, at times for the US. ... According to statements by Lech Kaczyński, Poland wants to be 'the strongest among the weak' in Europe. Or to put it another way: [Poland wants] to make use of its position as a 'relatively big power' to protect the interests of the 'small' or the newcomers from the bearing of the EU's founding members, which it considers hegemonial. ... The Poles rely on the United States in matters of security. They were willing to send troops to Iraq as proof of their loyalty, yet they expect a reward for this alliance. ... In both cases Poland wants to show it is a sovereign state, doggedly willing to defend its own interests."

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