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Warsaw's role in postwar Iraq surprises EU - and the Poles (Judy Dempsey, May 4, 2003, Financial Times)

Washington's announcement that Poland is to take charge of one of three postwar sectors in Iraq seems to have taken Poles almost as much by surprise as the other European Union and applicant nations attending an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Greece at the weekend.

Poland was among the US's strongest supporters in toppling Saddam Hussein, and contributed combat troops to the US-led coalition, despite strong domestic opposition to the war.

It emerged at the weekend that it would also take the lead in stabilising one of three sectors into which Iraq is being divided - the other two falling under US and British command. Troops from at least seven other countries will also be involved.

Nevertheless, Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Polish foreign minister, had to do some explaining to his EU counterparts. He said the US announcement had first to be discussed by the Sejm, or Polish parliament. It needed a legal basis and it required considerable financing.

Some diplomats said Germany and other EU countries might find it difficult to justify allocating to Poland significant structural (development) funds as well as generous agricultural subsidies while Warsaw could find money to send thousands of troops to Iraq. Poland is expected to join the EU in May 2004.

Things get complicated fast when you start trying to act like a grown-up, no? Posted by Orrin Judd at May 6, 2003 3:54 PM