The US must answer Poland’s call for American leadership abroad

Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk March 12th Visit to the White House It was not just a diplomatic procedure from the allies. These two leaders, representing opposing political ideologies, set aside their clear and compelling differences and urged continued U.S. support for Ukraine, both politically and financially, in the spirit of solidarity and solidarity. It was a bold statement of purpose.

Their coming together underscores not only how much the world expects from American leadership, but also how much our ability to bridge differences and achieve results is under scrutiny. For now, we might do well to take inspiration from the example these political opponents are trying to make us follow.

Poland has achieved democracy in the most difficult way imaginable, and perhaps that is why. political competitors and opponents Like President Duda and Prime Minister Tusk, who are committed to ensuring their survival in Ukraine. Their joint appearance, representing dramatically distinctive political parties, was the clearest moral warning to those who know best about the dangers of an undeterred Moscow on the question of Kiev’s survival in the face of Russian aggression. This is strong evidence that he speaks with a sense of urgency.

This visit to Washington 25th anniversary Poland’s membership in NATO. Since joining NATO and the European Union, Warsaw has emerged as the center of the European Union. 6th largest economic power whose GDP is has grown significantly After democratization in 1989.

Poland is currently facing challenges to its political system and polarization, which is well known to our country and is contributing to the decline in democracy worldwide. Entering 15th year. But as Poland’s leaders traveled together for historic White House talks, they said their commitment to democracy and global unity stands out to us as the world’s oldest democracy. have demonstrated that they are sometimes struggling, that is, that some problems are so powerful that they can act as if they are really stuck in the problem. Waterside.

Of course, some say the United States should work more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other European dictators, but Polish citizens living in areas further insecure by Russia are turning to Russia. is worth understanding. The West is there for a reason.of Pew Research Center Founded 91 percent of Poles have a favorable view of the United States, compared to 97 percent of Poles who have a negative view of Russia. Perhaps we should listen to our allies, who know Moscow better than the glitterati. subway.

As countries grapple with their own challenges, democracy and inclusiveness do not always align. But in spite of, and not in spite of, how Poles can put aside cultural clashes and unresolved differences when it comes time to come together and embrace a revitalizing generational challenge. We should learn from this.

Most importantly, it is difficult to overstate Poland’s role as Europe’s front-line defender.in either largest army in europe and 10,000 US troops With a military presence on its soil, Poland is at the forefront of efforts to support Ukraine and provide aid, medical care and shelter to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.

Now, of course, in the face of growing military and economic challenges, Poland is pushing the United States to do what only America can do: not give up on Ukraine and Europe. Unconvinced Congressional leaders should know that this is no ordinary visit. If we fail to put aside political differences long enough to work with Ukraine, especially if Polish leaders put aside their rifts to appeal to the United States, we will make a mistake of historic proportions. will be committed.

By standing on these two bookends of Poland’s unparalleled leadership from Washington to Warsaw, we can send a strong message to Moscow and Kiev. Now, the younger of the two democracies is setting an example for us to follow.

Lee Feinstein served as U.S. ambassador to Poland under President Obama. Eric Stewart served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Europe and Eurasia under President George W. Bush. He is the founder and CEO of the U.S.-Poland Economic Council.