Poland, looking anxiously to the east, where Putin's Russia has made some menacing moves toward Eastern Europe, is offering $2 billion for a permanent U.S. base to house an armored division. Politico: "This proposal outlines the clear and present need for a permanent U.S. armored division deployed in Poland, Poland's commitment to provide significant support that may reach $1.5-2 billion by establishing joint military installations and provide for more flexible movement of U.S. forces," the defense ministry document states. It adds that Warsaw is committed "to share the burden of defense spending, make the decision more cost-effective for the U.S. government and allay any concerns for Congress in uncertain budgetary times." The administration of President Donald Trump has pushed NATO allies to increase their defense budgets up to 2 percent of GDP, as the alliance suggests.  Poland has been at or above 2 percent since 2015. The...(Read Full Post)