U.S. media ignore Russia’s simulated attack on Poland

November 7, 2009

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Opinia.US SAN FRANCISCO — Mirroring the Obama Administration’s diminished interest in Eastern Europe and unwillingness to challenge Russia’s aggressive foreign policy in the region, mainstream U.S. media ignored Polish and British news reports about a simulated attack on Poland, which Russian troops conducted during military exercises in Belarus in September. Polish news magazine Wprost reported that Russian aircraft practiced the use of nuclear weapons in the attacks. Wprost also reported it has obtained documents which show that the military exercises portrayed Poland as “a potential aggressor.”

Mainstream U.S. media, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, ignored this story. There was also no reaction from the State Department or the White House. During previous U.S. administrations, it would have been highly unlikely for a similar news story not to be widely reported and commented by U.S. media. A Russian military threat against a neighboring country would have also likely bring about a strong protest from U.S. officials during previous administrations.

Taking a lead from President Obama’s strong desire to “reset” relations with Moscow, the State Department has been silent on a number of aggressive actions and statements by Russian officials directed toward Russia’s neighbors. President Obama’s National Security Advisor General James L. Jones visited Moscow on October 28-29. He and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the new START treaty, Iran, Afghanistan, and NATO-Russia relations. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow reportedthat both sides agreed to make every effort to fulfill President Obama’s pledge to conclude negotiations for a new START treaty by December.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is visiting Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. There were no reports in mainstream U.S. media about his visit, even though he is expected to discuss Poland’s military contribution to the U.S.-NATO war effort in Afghanistan.

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