| September 2008 For the Poles and Czechs of central Europe these are amazing times. Caught in a tug-of-war reminiscent of the Cold War years, theyre being wooed by the Americans and threatened by the Russians. The Americans want the Polish and Czech governments to provide bases for a planned missile defence shield and they're prepared to invest billions of dollars to make it happen. This reporter was granted rare access to the proposed missile shield bases in Poland and the Czech Republic. Whilst some welcome the Americans, others hate being fought over by the super powers. This "radar base isnt supposed to protect us. Its supposed to protect American territory," says the mayor of a Czech village. The US ambassador to the Czech Republic Richard W.Graber explains the missile defence shield is aimed at protecting America and most of Europe from attack by "rogue states", like Iran. Yet, Russians fear the new missile system is aimed at them. They've warned governments in Warsaw and Prague that if they side with the Americans, Russian missiles would in turn be aimed at their cities. Russian General Leonid Ivashov ominously says that in the event of an armed conflict, Poland would be on the frontline: "I told the Poles, do not think that Russia will strike just at these sites (the US bases) - the first strike will be in Warsaw and Gdansk and other cities." Produced by ABC Australia Distributed by Journeyman Pictures |
