FACULTY BLOG Peter Przytula: In Poland, Obama has a chance to repair a relationship he damaged

By: Peter Przytula

As posted on www.twincities.com

The Polish-American alliance has been severely tested in the last 12 months but the situation is likely to be ameliorated this weekend.

Monday, following the untimely and tragic death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski called on the Obama administration to send a very high ranking official to participate in the upcoming funeral.

His thoughtful advice was heeded. President Obama is going to Cracow on Saturday.

It is a prudent and much needed diplomatic decision. For most of 2009, the quality of Polish-American relations left much to be desired, mainly due to Obama’s political blunders vis-à-vis Poland.

Thankfully, Polish people are a romantic lot, thus highly appreciative of symbolic gestures. President Obama’s presence at Lech Kaczynski’s funeral will certainly meet with appreciation.