From reader Dave Skorka (who gave permission to use his name): “Mr.

Derbyshire—I admit I’m also a little concerned about Poland possibly

leaving the coalition. I’m a member of a Polish reenacting group, and we have some

folks from Poland participate in our Yahoo chatroom. My understanding from

them (admittedly anecdotal, but I never see anything about Poland on the

news) is that the Polish government joined the war effort over the

objections of most of the people, much like the British and Spanish

governments.

“So I think the Polish President is probably doing a little public relations

damage control with this announcement. They were scheduled to come out

mid-2005, and he’s just telling his people ‘No, it’s not a quagmire, in fact

we might be ahead of schedule and come home early.’

“The earlier Bush-lied comment, though, I find a little harder to explain.

Perhaps it is just meat for the public, empty words, something to calm and

reassure the electorate (‘I feel your betrayal’) while Polish forces remain

on the job in Iraq. Maybe the Kwasniewski saw Aznar’s government fall and

is buying the media line that it was because of Iraq, not 11-3, and is

making noises to head-off that kind of opposition. I hope so, anyway. I am

fiercely proud of my Polish heritage, and would feel a bit stung if Poland

pulled out.”

So would I. Other issues apart, it would put the kibosh on Rummy’s “Old

Europe, New Europe” argument, which I rather like.