President Bush says he’s agreed to boost Polish military aid in return for Poland’s cooperation in hosting part of a US missile shield. Appearing with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Monday, Bush committed to reaching a final agreement before leaving office.

President Bush: “Well, I think there’s a commitment to a system that respects Polish sovereignty, that will ensure that the people of Poland will, you know, not be subjected to any undue security risks, that the system is necessary to
deal with the realities of the threats. Obviously there’s a lot of work to do, because many times, you know, a strategy on paper is a little different from the details. And so our experts are working through the system to make sure that, you know, the people of Poland are comfortable with the idea.”

Poland would host at least ten missiles as part of the deal. Critics say the US is pushing the missile system as a first-strike weapon against Iran. Public opinion polls continue to show majority opposition in both Poland and the Czech Republic, the other planned host.