IS WAR WITH IRAN ON THE CARDS?

All the signs seem to indicate that the world order as we know it will not exist for long. The fight between the proponents of the new world order concepts and the conservative traditional nation state supporters is going on; in fact, it is becoming more intense. It seems that in an age of quickest movements of people in history of mankind, such terms as nation, state, homeland, traditions, religion, are being devalued whereas concepts of globalization, political correctness, free trade, world without borders are making headways constantly. However, the new world order has been in the making since the second half of 18th century, from the time when the ideas of enlightenment caught the imagination of people, and nothing substantial came out of it, notwithstanding that various efforts have been made to institutionalize transnational organizations governing various sectors of either continental or world affairs. League of Nations or present United Nations, and various offshoot organizations have been such attempts. However, these organizations are quite toothless when it comes to the most vital and contentious affairs of the contemporaneous world. Obviously, it concerns the sources of energy and possession of geostrategic masses of land. It seems that the United States at the time of neoconservatives heyday - during Gerge W. Bush's presidency - embraced an old Zbigniew Brzezinski's game plan, drawn in his book "The Grand Chessboard", regarding if not conquering Eurasia, than definitely not allowing any single power to dominate it. Obviously, Eurasia has 75% of the world population and it also has 75% of known sources of energy. If any of the world powers would succeed in achieving domination of Eurasia landmass, the United States would become a peripheral non-entity. Therefore, it does not matter who wins the 2012 presidential elections, whether it is Romney or Obama, the global policy of the United States will not get any major reset. Everything seems to confirm prediction that there will be next war in Middle East or Central Asia region. Currently, there are following powers with potential for domination of Eurasia region: Russia, China, India and European Union. Out of these four powers, only China and Russia must be considered by the United States, at this time, as the players in an expected future war. However, with each passing year, the Russian position will deteriorate, as Russia would still be preoccupied in keeping her vast territories in one piece, whereas China will be gaining in amassing its economic power as well as in capabilities of projection of that power by military means. Apparently, the US geostrategists must have realized that, and will have to preemptively use any pretext to make additional gains in Middle East and in Central Asia, before China's military power and capability to project that power has grown beyond control. The thinking must be that the US cannot afford to wait, if it is to remain a player on the world stage. For the foregoing, it seams that war with Iran is inevitable, no matter what is the pretext under international law. However, it appears that Zbigniew Brzezinski himself is now against his old "game plan" as he is afraid that war with Iran would ignite the whole world of islam against the United States. So, what is it going to be?

POLAND V. RUSSIA, BATTLES ON AND OFF THE FOOTBALL PITCH

Fifth day of Euro 2012, the football tournament (or soccer, should you prefer the American terminology) being played at present in Poland and Ukraine, was very eventful, to say the least. Both, on the streets and at the stadiums. Unfortunately, the loaded with history and emotions match between two long enemies, Poland and Russia, was scheduled by UEFA unwittingly on the Russia Day. The worst mistake however, committed the Mayor of Warsaw, Ms. Gronkiewicz-Waltz, by issuing a permission for the Russians to march from the centre of Warsaw to the National Stadium, accross Vistula River. As if the long history of Russian persecution of the Polish nation was not enough to provoke Polish ultras? Let us see what made the atmosphere so tense: the Russian partition of Poland (with Prussian and Habbsburg Empire) at the end of 18th century; 123 years occupation of Poland from 1795 to 1918; ruthless crushing of Polish uprisings throughout 19th century and deportations of millions to Siberia; invasion of Poland by bolsheviks and war of 1919-1921; secret clause to the Ribbentrop - Molotov Pact and back-stabbing Soviet invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, when the Poles were in the middle of defensive war against nazi Germany; repressions, deportation to Siberia of millions and murder of 22,000 of elite of Polish nation at Katyn, Kozielsk, etc.; the post World War II Soviet domination of Poland (after FDR sold Poland out to Stalin) and, still unexplained (to the conservative Poles, at least) catastrophe of Polish presidential plane at Smolensk, two years ago. In addition, violence of the Russian ultras at Wroclaw Stadium during Russia - Czech Republic game and severe beatings of defenseless stewards. It appears that Polish police, in force of over 6,000 men did a sensible job in Warsaw, after all. It appears also, that the march was marred by a 100 or so of ultras, both Polish and Russian, who were provoking and attacking each other, apparently having contracted the fights online. The final provocation and insult occured at the National Stadium, where the Russians posted enormous flag with a picture of Russian hero of fight against the Poles in XVII century, bearing a huge sign: THIS IS RUSSIA. As if they had to remind the Poles that Warsaw was 123 years under the czarist Russia occupation. Luckilly, it was decided that heavy police presence was necessary at National Stadium, and strong anti-riot police forces were placed in front of the Russian sector.
Regarding the match itself, crdit to players, they outdid themseves and produced a memorable spectacle on the pitch and the best match in Euro 2012 so far, with the goal of tournament scored by Polish captain, Jakub Blaszczykowski, known also as Kuba, one of the three Polish stars of Borussia Dortmund (the creative trio which gave Borussia Dortmund second consecutive championship of Bundesliga and the German Cup trophy). Even though Russia enjoyed majority of possession, the Poles had the edge when it mattered as they had more shots, both on and off target and were more dangerous when it mattered. If not for the Russian goalkeeper and the Russian luck, the Poles could have ended up with a win. In any case, the second youngest team in Euro 2012 is bursting now with confidence, and having much better defense than the Czechs, and more dangerous attack with the hugely talented and versatile Robert Lewandowski, is considered now to be the favorite in confrontation with the Czechs.

Janusz Andrzejewski
The author is a New York based lawyer, publishing a blog on legal and other community subjects. You can contact him by telephone (732-527-2195) or at www.adwokatandrzejewski,com

POLSKA - ROSJA, WIECEJ NIZ MECZ, I TYLKO MECZ

Dzisiaj o 14:45, jak Polska dluga i szeroka, czy tez gdziekolwiek Polacy sa porozrzucani po swiecie, wszyscy zasiada przed telewizorami w domach, barach czy tez na placach w strefach kibica, jezeli nie na samym Stadione Narodowym. Polska reprezentacja pilki noznej gra z Rosja w ramach Euro 2012. Czy to wydarzenie jest czyms wiecej niz mecz pilkarski? Czy tez to tylko mecz?W roznych aspektach mozna probowac odpowiadac na te pytania, jednakze na pewno nie uda sie uniknac podtekstu politycznego, niezaleznie od tego ze jest to przeciez wydarzenie na polu rywalizacji sportowej. Jak siegniemy pamiecia w przeszlosc, od 1945 roku wszystkie mecze pilki noznej, i nie tylko, pomiedzy Polska i ZSRR, a pozniej z Rosja, wnosily jakis bagaz emocji. Pamietny mecz w Chorzowie w 1957, kiedy wielki faworyt ZSRR z Lwem Jaszynem pojawil sie na Slasku, sciagnal ponad 100 tysiecy ludzi na nowym wowczas obiekcie. I nasi pilkarze, i kibice na Slaskim, i cala Polska przy radiach, potrakowali tamten mecz w kategoriach, jezeli nie wojny, wielkiego wydarzenia politycznego, dajacego mozliwosc odkucia sie za Katyn, za wywozki na Syberie, za narzucony komunizm. Bramki Cieslika i zwyciestwo przyniosly radosna euforie oczyszczajaca zbiorowa dusze narodu po wielkich katastrofach ktore przyniosla w rezultacie II wojna swiatowa. Czy dzisiaj bedzie tak samo, czy tez po ostatnich sukcesach ekonomicznych Polacy beda wreszcie w stanie potraktowac ten mecz jako rywalizacje sportowa, jako mozliwosc zabawienia sie na otwartym stadionie i przekomarzania sie z Rosjanami na temat wyzszosci pilkarskiej? Jakos nie moge uwierzyc, ze przy poziomie i glupim sensacjonalizmie naszych mediow jest to mozliwe. Zwlaszcza ze pewne srodowiska polityczne, i ultra prawicowi kibole, nie sa w stanie przepuscic okazji zadymy. Fakt pozwolenia przez Ratusz warszawski na zbiorowy marsz Rosjan z centrum miasta do Stadionu Narodowego na Pradze jest ukazywany jako uszczuplenie naszej suwerennosci, jako obraza. Nie jestesmy w stanie uwolnic sie od naszych uprzedzen. Tak samo jak potraktowalismy amerykanska publicystke Debbie Schlussel, wywodzaca sie z rodziny Polskich Zydow, skadinad skandalizujaco wyrazajacej swoje poglady na temat polskiej wspolpracy z faszystami w mordowaniu Zydow, niemniej, nie bylismy w stanie polemizowac z nia z klasa, a ucieklismy sie do inwektyw i wyzwisk. Kiedyz wreszcie nabierzemy zaufania do pozycji Polski w swiecie, zdobytej dzieki gospodarczym sukcesom i wywazonej polityce w ostatnich latach. Czy zawsze musimy wyciagac trabke i wzywac husarie do boju? Wiecej pewnosci siebie. Bawmy sie bo takiego swieta jak Euro 2012 nie bedziemy mieli dosc dlugo. Kto jest Lepszy? Lewandowski czy Pavlyuchenko, Arshavin czy Kuba Blaszczykowski, Tyton czy Malafeev? Zycze powodzenia polskiej ekipie. A po zabawie, wracjamy do pracy. Tylko wzrost gospodarczy zapewni nam lepsza pozycje w swiecie, i zaufanie do nas samych.

Janusz Andrzejewski

Autor jest adwokatem w Nowym Jorku, wypowiadajacym sie tutaj na tematy prawne i spoleczne. Kontakt z autorem przez telefon 732-527-2195 albo przez nastepujace strone internetowa: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com

DECLINE OF THE BBC EMPIRE

Usually, prior to major football tournaments, like World Cup or European Championships, English media ridiculously herald to the world that this time England is going to win it all (not this time, though). Of course, the English national team, for various reasons,  cannot deliver. One of the reasons is that their players cannnot hold the pressure created by their own media. Another reason is a long season, without a winter break. The most important reason, however, is lack of basic technical skills among majority of English players. Simply said, they are not good enough to rival Spain, Italy, France, Germans, the Dutch or Portugal, so, they have to resort to defensive type of football. It is obvious that international results of English Premier League top teams are achieved thanks to foreign players, who raise considerably the level of play in the Premiership and are responsible for the creative parts of the play whereas English players are left mostly to take care of defensive tasks (defensive blocks plus midfield holding players, whose main function is to destruct opposing team's attacks and to recover the ball). This time around, after so many bad lessons since 1990 World Cup (last time that England had a decent national team), English media are full of caution. Perhaps they understood that it is so difficult to win when chasing the ball, being kept in possession by opposing teams for 65% or 75% of the play-time. Strangely, this time then England is not among the favorites in English media circles. Paradoxically, because of this, they think that they can win it all. Here we go again, then! Also, in recent years English sustained severe blows to their pride when they made a bid for organization of the World Cup in 2018. And what worse, they were so self-deluded (as with respect to the skills of their football players) that they did not see it coming. They are still reeling from losing the World Cup 2018 bid to the Russians. So, what do they do this time around? Well, they had to show somebody that they are leaders in something so they jumped this time on the political correctness wagon. BBC Panorama made a program about racism among the hosts of Euro 2012. To achieve a desired result, they went across Poland and Ukraine in search of appropriate material. Result, a scandalous program showing anti-semitic actions among Krakow fans as a result of tradional rivalry between Wisla and Cracovia football clubs, and also among Lodz fans, of rivaling LKS and Widzew. The fact that Krakow and Lodz are not staging any matches of Euro 2012, was not mentioned. Jonathan Ornstein, a director of Krakow Jewish Community Center, who has lived in Poland the last 11 years, and whose statements were distorted by Panorama, filed a protest with BBC. He said that all positive things he mentioned about Poland in his 1hr interview with BBC Panorama, were cut out from the aired material. When during his interview he suggested that Panorama talk to two Jewish footballers playing for Wisla Krakow (Maor Melikson and Dudu Biton), Panorama people told him that it would not fit their program as they wanted only to show racism and anti-semitism in Poland. What's more, Panorama people interviewed Israeli football player Baruchian, playing for one of Warsaw's top division clubs. However, since he had no bad experiences with antisemitism in Poland, his interview was not included in "Stadiums of Hate", as again, it did not fit the main subject of the so called documentary. Apparently, anything good about Poland, would not fit their program main team: Poland as anti-racist and anti-semitic country. Mr. Orenstein suggested to BBC to make a balanced program about anti-semitism in Poland, but BBC people were not interested. It seems, they had to scare the fans from coming to Poland and Ukraine. But, they did not succeed with respect to Poland, at least, for Polish impressive stadiums are full, the atmosphere is great and the country is crowded with thousands of Irish, Spaniards, Russians, Croats, Italians, English and even poor Greeks. A different story in Ukraine, a poor country, in comparison to Poland. Indeed, Poland, an economic success story within European Union, not knowing recession as opposed to the rest of Europe, notwithstanding the unemployment of 12%. Perhaps, BBC Panorama can expose racism and anti-semitism in England or Great Britain, where it apparently cannot be eradicated easilly? Perhaps, they can make a program about the racism incidents in Premier League, those reported recently, and various unreported? Maybe, BBC Panorama can enlighten us as to why John Terry's criminal case (for racially abusing a black player, Anton Ferdinand) has been adjourned for approximately six months, until the end of Euro 2012? After all,  justice delayed is justice denied. Or, how about turning their public resources to find out why Rio Ferdinand has not been selected for the English national team? What about the fate of persecuted in England following ethnic groups: Pakistanis, Polish, Lithuanians, West Indians, etc.? Perhaps, they Panorama people can enlighten us as to how many murders or incidents of violence against Polish workers in UK were ethnically or religiously motivated? How about scaring away some of the foreigners willing to come to London to see Olympic Games, why don't you warn them to stay away? And yes, in Poland we have racism and anti-semitism, but it is not embraced by the authorities or by the majority of the country's population. Yes, we have our own yobs. But, a lot is being done about these social pathologies, even though a lot more remains to be done! But, to cover these efforts in Panorama? It wouldn't fit your main theme, would it? BBC, what has happened to you?

Janusz Andrzejewski

The author of this post is a New York based attorney and a publisher of his own blog on various legal and community subjects. You can reach him by telephone at 732-527-2195 or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com

GERMANY WON, AS USUALLY. THE DUTCH DISAPPOINTED

Second day of the Euro 2012 disappointed, after two exciting matches of the kick-off day. Holland, the favorites of many, appear to have reached their limits with reaching the final of World Cup 2010. But, the initial loss 0:1 to Denmark does not have to be ominous to their chances. Denmark perhaps does not posses players of great technical skills, but it is a team consisting of players astute tactically, exhibiting sound usable technical skills. Perhaps only veteran Greek team can compare to them with the level of tactical skills. Van Persie and Robben disappointed, whereas Senijder appears to have regained some of his brilliance, blunted recently by his illness, by exhibiting some of great passes. Unlike during the matches played in Poland so far,  several thousand seats in Kharkov Stadium were empty. It appears that BBC Panorama doctored report did not help Ukraine. The second match of the day, between Germany and Portugal, has ended with expected 1:0 German victory. Portugal, until Mario Gomez goal, were preoccupied mostly with containing Germany. To achieve that aim, they fielded three holding players in midfield: Veloso, Mouthinho and Meireles. After the German goal, they changed their style of play and almost succeeded in creating several of opportunities for a tying goal. Unfortunately for them, the old rule that football is played by 22 players and Germany always win in the end, is still true. Also, having in the team Cristiano Ronaldo, does not help. It appears that Portugal would have been much more cohesive as a unit without him.
UEFA had charged Russian FA for excesses by Russian yobs in the match between Russia and Czech Republic in Wroclaw, Poland. Apparently, Russian fans have made monkey noises toward Czech black player, Gebre Selassie, and they also have brutally beaten four stewards, who attempted to detain Russian fan throwing firecracker onto the pitch. Today, higly anticipated Spain v. Italy match. Will the Spaniards be enough hungry for a third title in a row? What about the rift in Spanish national team (created by infamous Jose Mourinho) between Real Madrit and Barcelona players. Will the Italians respond to the bribery allegations with another title (as they did in 2006 World Cup)? Or, perhaps, they will start in a slow manner as in 1982 World Cup in Spain? Come today to Gdansk, Poland and see for youself.

Janusz Andrzejewski

EURO 2012: SO FAR, SO GOOD

First day of Euro 2012 behind us. Despite small glitches, the atmosphere at the National Stadium in Warsaw, as well as in Wroclaw Municipal Stadium, was as expected, great. The new stadiums looked impressive and were crowded to their full capacity by enthusiastic fans. Except for the incident of Russian fans beating up four Polish stewards in Wroclaw Municipal Stadium, none of the BBC Panorama doctored predictions of racial abuse were fulfilled. The Polish police did not have to intervene. The fan zones in Polish cities, even though enormously crowded, did not produce any incidents of racial nature. However, some problems were reported in Krakow, one day before kick-off of Euro 2012. But despite initial report of racist noises directed at the Dutch black players, during their training session at Wisla Krakow stadium, being a training ground of Holland's national team, (which reports were denied by Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk), the Dutch officials did not file any official complaint. The claims that Wisla Krakow supporters were rather protesting to UEFA that Krakow was not granted any games than racially abusing the Dutch players, were rejected by Mark Van Bommel. Strangely, Van Bommel's father-in-law, coach Bert Van Marwijk, disagreed with claims of racial abuse voiced by his son-in-law. Go figure.
In any case, Euro 2012 kicked off in good fashion. Even the initial match was an eventful one, as opposed to typical boring first game of major football (or soccer, as footbal is strangely called in the US) tournaments, having it all: great start by Polish team and a goal well taken by impressive Robert Lewandowski, after brilliant pass from Kuba Blaszczykowski, Greek come-back in second half, two red cards (one undeserved) and a saved penalty by Polish substitute goalkeeper, Przemyslaw Tyton, on his first touch on the pitch. The 1:1 draw was a just result, even though Poland could have wrapped up the game in the first half, had they converted their opportunities. It seems, that had the Greek player was not red-carded (unjustly), Poland would have easily won the game. Playing against weakened team, the young Poles lost their focus and were punished by Greek veterans.  The second game of the day, Russia v. Czech Republic, played in Wroclaw, was even more impressive, and it ended with Russian lopsided victory: 4:1. Arshavin and his passes were impressive. Apparently, English football does not allow him to show his creativity so well as the biggest stages of international football. Petr Cech's performance was on the other hand quite abysmal. Will the Russians be as much impressive against Poland at National Stadium in Warsaw on June 12, 2012? Come to Warsaw, and see for yourself!

Janusz Andrzejewski

The author of this post is a New York based attorney and a publisher of his own blog on legal and various community subjects. You can contact him by telephone  (732-527-2195) or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION SHOULD APPLY TO US ALL, EVEN TO DEBBIE SCHLUSSEL

Debbie Schlussel, a free lance journalist and an attorney, known for her racist, anti-islamist and now anti-Polish views, encountered wrath of Polish surfers online for publishing on May 30, 2012, a post entitled: "Poles Were Complicit in Holocaust: Outrage over Obama 'Gaffe' is Fraudulent, Ignorant". She claimed in the post that president Obama should not apologize for his gaffe ("Polish death camp") . Incidentally, president Obama apologized, sort of, for the erroneous use of the phrase and acknowledged that there were no "Polish death camps", paid tribute to  Polish resistance and victims. Ms. Schlussel wrote that the Poles murdered majority of her family in Holocaust, that there were in fact Polish death camps in World War II, built and ran by the Poles, that Poland collaborated with nazi Germany, that Poles formed several SS divisions, etc. All of the above claims, except relating to her family (which I could not verify), were either outright lies or distortions. I have engaged into discourse with Ms. Schlussel's followers on her blog, and notwithstanding that I have admited anti-semitism of certain parts of Polish society in pre-World War II Poland and during German and Soviet occupation of Poland, and certain incidents of pogroms (like Jedwabne or Kielce), I have rejected the claims of Poland's collaboration with nazi Germany, of Polish death camps, of Polish SS divisions and of Polish complicity in Holocaust, and supported my rejections with quotes and citations from reputable historians. I have also supplied information about the scale of Polish sacrifices and of Polish resistance and fight against German nazis as well as about history of Jewish population in Poland from 14th century (when Polish king Casimir the Great granted them various privileges and refuge in Poland from pogroms in Spain, Portugal, England, France and German Roman Empire) until the partitions of Poland at the end of 18th century. Then, through 19th century when the Poles fought for independence until 1918, when they regained statehood, and through the Second Republic until World War II. Alas, none of my arguments changed the views of ardent followers of Ms. Schlussel. Then, certain Polish media online mentioned Ms. Schlussel's post and suddenly wave of Polish online surfers started to submit hundreds of comments to Ms. Schlussel's blog. I have published a post on my own blog, asking the Poles to disregard Ms. Schlussel's provocative claims as she was apparently selling more ads thanks to the sudden rush of visitors to her website. It appears that Ms. Schlussel's website has been overran by the Polish surfers approximately three days ago, most of them disputing her outrageous claims. However, there were also those who insulted her in reverse and made threats. Apparently, the freedom of expression as known in the United States, has certain limits in Poland. For example, Poland has strict laws against denying Holocaust and people doing so must be prosecuted by Polish authorities. A great number of Polish surfers even used the threat of reporting Ms. Schlussel to authorities for denying that German nazis were responsible for Holocaust. However, majority of the surfers were not familiar with American concept of freedom of expression which allows anybody to express freely their own views, particularly, if those views, or opinions, are based on colorable facts. Were the facts on which Ms. Schlussel based her opinions colorable? Majority of them, not. Particularly, that she utilized anti-semitic incidents, either to come to conclusion or imply that Poland was complicit in Holocaust, that Poland collaborated with nazi Germany, that Poland organized and ran death camps, that Poland formed several SS divisions. In truth, Poland was an occupied country, its population was to be in majority eliminated, its government fled to London, UK where it organized Polish armies in the West and resistance inside of occupied Poland, and there was no Polish collaboration except for the Volksdeutches (Polish citizens of German descent). Still, we cannot deny freedom of expression to anybody in the US, even to Debbie Schlussel while she spreads hatred, without a court order. Therefore, let her speak, but find other avenues of reaching the US audience and making that audience realize what Debbie Schlussel in fact does. And moreover, make the Americans realize that their history programs are not up to the world standards, particularly that they differ so much from state to state and tend to confuse people. Particularly, when various newspapers, or speach-writers for the president of the United States, themselves create confusion.

Janusz Andrzejewski
The author of this post is a New York based attorney and a publisher of his own blog on legal and various community subjects. You can reach him at (732-527-2195), or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com