military in poland. now, you are offered poland another five-seven years of talks that the polish government invested a lot in missile defense in poland raided was the u.s. government's that pressed poland to agree to host the missile defense. what would you say to those who invested a lot? have you consulted the new approach with the governments of poland and the czech republic before? >> yes, the answer that i would give to poland is that we still want to partner with them. we still want poland to go forward with the ratification of agreements we have with them. we would prefer to put the sm- 3's in poland. that will still involve a presence at the u.s. -- of the u.s.. they may be there earlier than they would have been with the ground-based interceptors because they would not become operational until probably 2017 or so. we're talking about 2015 now. all the same opportunities for partnership are there between the united states and poland that existed under the previous program continue to exist under

poland is an inherent and so is germany -- and here it -- poland is an inherent -- ad herent, and sos germany and others. this did not -- they did not live only by a defense a pact. they also founded what is today known as the european union. this may be an interesting experiment in the history of mankind that has so been -- so far been tremendously successful. within this community, the balance of power has been superseded by cooperation. what were the prerequisites of that success? first and foremost, a commonality of values, such as freedom, democracy, and pluralism. the next requisite -- the next prerequisite was the rescinding of into real dreams. -- of imperial dreams. without this, the united europe would also be unthinkable. and here come up with 27 member states, in future possibly more member states, we have a new quality. this inequality should also be accessible to others -- this new quality should also be accessible to others come up with the one condition, that they accept this system, by use, a system of values which does not allow the going back to what once was, wher

poland did receive the proposal of joining that pact, and there was a proposal for poland to but polandenounced that proposal and did not join, steadfastly adhering to its treaties. the war that broke out lead to defeat. there was no other possible outcome. this was followed by the tragic occupation, exceptionally tragic not only in poland, 5.5 million to 5.8 million citizens of poland of both polish and jewish nationality were killed during that war. they were the victims of this war, just as 50 million people all over the world. . the holocaust was the crime that was committed during that war, but before, the outbreak of war between germany and soviet union, other crimes were committed. that account also calls for reflection, not so much because facts which are mostly non today, but the causes should be discussed. why several dozens of thousands of officers of polish army and others were sentenced to death? this was a token of revenge for 1920, for the fact that poland withstood the aggression of 1920. it could be claimed that is communism that is to blame. no, this time it was chauvi

poland did receive the proposal of joining the pact and there was a proposal for poland to join a marcheast but poland renounced that proposal and did not join steadfastly adhering to its treaties. the war that broke out led to defeat. there was no other possible outcome. this was followed by the tragic occupation, not only in poland but 5.5 million to 5. million citizens of poland of both polish and jewish nationality were killed during that wa they were the victims of this war, just as 50 million people all over the world. the holocaust was a crime that was committed during that period war but before the outbreak of war between germany and the soviet union, other crimes were committed, and that also calls for reflection. not so much because of facts which are mostly known today but the causes should be discussed. why several dozens of thousands of officers of polish army and police were sentenced to death. this was a token of revenge for 1920 for the fact that poland withstood the aggression of 1920. it could be claimed that it is communism that is to blame. no, this time it was chauv

the day not the troops poured into poland. -- the day nazi troops invaded poland. two days later, england and france declared war on germany. the second world war had begun. at a quarter to five this morning, the same time that germany attacked, poland marked the anniversary of the invasion and honor the heroes. hear, polish troops were outnumbered 15 to one but they held out for a week before surrendering. it was not just the german aggression, it was also the attacks from the soviet union which followed two weeks later. >> and then came september 17th, the day when the germans were repelled. it was on the state that poland received a stab on the back from russia. >> for poland, this was a chance for them to honor their hero and to commemorate what happened 70 years ago. later, this became an international commemoration, an opportunity for former enemies and allies to give their thoughts on the second world war. from 20 countries, they gathered at the cemetery for the defenders. a joint sign of the respect for the sacrifice made by poland. germany has apologized m

poland and the czech republic knew a new decision was coming. but why now? why to time this decision on the 70th anniversary of the soviet invasion of eastern poland, why would you time this six days before a bilateral meeting between the president and the russian president. the administration said no connection, no connection, but the timing looks so suspicious. >> are the russians going to be satisfied by this ultimately? missiles i'm told will eventually go into poland at some point is the intention. >> well, in the short term the russians will say exactly, you finally came around to our thinking, we told you this was the wrong way to go. so certainly in the short term this does bring relief to the u.s.-russian bilateral relationship. bii've always been very curious, because part of the u.s. agreement with poland which has been reaffirmed after the new announcement on missile defense was that they're evading some robust and modernization to poland's air defense system by way of patriots and other things. that to me would seem to disturb the russians. miss

why do we see here leaders of poland from the previous year s?hy here in gdansk on the first of september, veterans are meeting together with young people? it wasn't gdas -- it was in gdansk on the first of september that the most terrible tragedy of mankind started and the symbols of that global tragedy can be seen everywhere that we can look here, where the first soldiers lost their lives, the first soldiers, but victims of the nazi invasion of poland, exactly here in this place. let us look a little bit further to say -- see the barbwire of the camp, the concentration camp. there were so many concentration camps that were created by that war against humanity, against mankind, and it was in that camp that poles were killed, russians were killed, jews were killed, and germans were killed. if we look in the other direction, we would be able to see of forrest not far from a small village -- a forest not far from a small village. it was there that in the first weeks of the war thousands of people were gathered. polish teachers, engineers, but also

[applause] the ss or killing of jews in poland as soon as the invasion of poland took place. they killed up to 1 million jews before the conference, and all the conference did was to organize the disgusting industrialization of the massacre of the jews. that predated the conference to extend of over 1 million people. [applause] >> i thought one of the best points was made by norman stone, which was the pointlessness of the bombing of germany in the closing stages of the war, which seems counterproductive and immoral, frankly. >> many people see the second world war as a war for freedom. i would like to take up churchill's attitude toward india. he opposed the government of india and was less than enthusiastic about the mission in 1942. does this blemish his image as a great war leader? >> the whole question of the bombing of germany has two sides. one is the military side and one is the moral side. and the military side, one has to acknowledge the fact that it was a second of front. it does not justify the bombing of hamburg or dresden or anything like that. they would not ha

personnel in poland.ather than on deployment of the previously proposed long-range interceptors in poland and it appears that now both nations are moving steadily towards such a deployment and i hope secretary flournoy will discuss the status of the patriot issue. the new plan is also consistent with the direction provided by congress over each of the last three years under both democrat quick republican leadership -- democratic and republican leadership. congress in our legislation told the defense department to buy more standard missile 3 and interceptors to defend against the existing short and medium-range missile threat. congress established a policy to develop, test and deploy effective missile defenses the defend our forward based forces. our allies and our homeland against the threat of iran's existing and possible future balls will tick -- ballistic missiles and congress directed that defense department place a priority on developing, testing and fielding near term effective missile defense syste

keep the missile shield in poland? >> i believe it is appropriate. i want to make sure it works, though. >> the president decided to shift to a medium-range missle defense posture sunday after reviewing the recommendations from top national security advisors. republicans blasted the move. >> history teaches that weakness and appeasement invite aggression. the preeminent responsibility of the president of the united states is to protect the national security of the united states. i believe president barack obama's actions today fundamentally betray that responsibility. >> vice president biden also weighed in on this in an interview with cnn in baghdad where he said i think we are crepable and sec in dealing with any iranian threat. some republicans interpret pret that as taking a soft line in suggesting that this shift away from ra ground-based to a sea-based missile defense system in europe may, in fact invite more iranian aggression or signal to them u.s. weakness. the white house denies such a charge. bret. bret: maj

the majority of both polands and czechs were against it. and had solidly been against it for a long time. some people saw the danger of poland and the czech republic potentially being dragged into a conflict with russia. russia had seen these bases as a potential threat to its own security. at one point threatened to target nuclear missiles against both bases. >> the government says poland and the czech republic strongly reported the idea of a missile shield but acknowledged that today's announcement was not unexpected. >> shortly after midnight, baraled me to announce his government's decision. we were aware of the possibility the u.s. might back away and that the u.s. was re-examining the plan. >> however, in russia, today's news was greeted as a positive step forward. the kremlin had opposed the missile shield, viewing it as aimed at russia and not iran. >> with the u.s., we can work out effective measures that take in the interest of all sides. we appreciate this move by the u.s. president. i'm ready to continue the dialogue. >> for mor

but again, poland's does not forget how it has been sold out in the past. they had basically been convinced to to ignore the russian threat about the missile defense system. there is a lot of frustration at what is being seen as a big turnaround. trace: we talk a lot about the missiles iran has. now we're hearing that the intelligence has changed. explain that us? -- explain that to us. >> you have to differentiate between the long-range and the shorter and medium-range. long-range missiles are dangerous because they are capable carrying a nuclear warhead. the incremental -- into a gun and told ballistic missiles -- they say there is new -- the intercontinental ballistic missiles -- there is intelligence they are not being developed as rapidly as thought. but iran did develop a two-stage rocket that was showing a great advance in terms of intercontinental ballistic missiles. trace: jennifer, thank you. martha: a homicide bomber attacks the interior of afghanistan's capital. he ran an explosive car into two nato vehicles in an attack that killed two soldiers

the country in its hisry as poland. dark times about which we talk here today, the country was vastated. cities and villages were destroyed there and the capital, after the uprising had been crushed in 1944, there was hardly any building left that was not in ruins. lawlessness and violence characterized daily life, and hardly any polish family was spared this experience. here at westerplatte, i as a german chancellor, remember the fate of all poles on whom untold suffering was inflicted under the criminal rm occupation here the horrors of the 20th ctury culminated in the holocaust. the systematic persecution and murder of the jews' of your. i remember the 6 million jews and all those who died a cruel death in german concentration and extermination camps. and i remember the many millions who lost their lives in fighting and resisting germany. i remember all those innocent people who died of hunger, cold, and disease. through the violence o war and its consequences. i remember the 60 million people who lost their lives in

but what if they start to threaten poland and the czech republic?r that matter, germany by cutting off their gas supplies? it will not be solved by a missile defense system. >> it is not to take over the poles, to occupy warsaw. it is to findlandize eastern europe, to detach it from its current position and to show the eastern europeans that they have no independence of action and. the russians say no missile defense, it does not happen. that has been demonstrated. that is why the czechs and poles were so shocked. >> they did not want this system there. initially, they do not want the system there. >> obama is looking of the short-range systems in poland. >> do you think the polish will accept in the system now? >> the senate finance committee finally delivers a health care bill. >> is balanced. it is even-handed. everybody is looking at it. no one is outraged. there is grumbling around the edges. >> of the recent negotiations, senator max baucus has released his health care plan. the bill is bipartisan, all right. neither side likes it. some of off

poland and the czech republic may be more cautious about the reversal of plans. bbc news. >> let us go to moscow and join our correspondent there any official reaction so far, richard? >> no, not just yet. but we are expecting something to be set by the kremlin varies shortly. there will be statements. we have had, for example, the head of russian parliament foreign affairs committee speaking on russian television in which it says it shows president obama is now starting to understand russia and is now taking a more serious and responsible attitude toward a strategic talks with moscow. in particular, what he is referring to there are talks under way to try to get a new arms reduction treaty, start treaty, to reduce nuclear weapons. there is a deadline of december because the current treaty actually runs out. big pressure. president obama wants a deal and obviously the american administration will be hoping it happens. >> desk and a short time ago i spoke to the czech republic are minister and i asked his reaction. >> about midnight today i spoke to the president

facilities located on the territory of the republic of poland.oland intend to expand air and missile defense cooperation, et cetera." we all know that the iranian ballistic missile threat is real and growing. we all know that the administration is seeking the cooperation and help of the russians. now we will see. now we will see. why was this agreement rushed into or the be ary gaition of an a-- abrogation of an agreement? why was the abrogation of an agreement between the united states and poland and the united states and the czech republic in such a rushed fashion? we know that the threat is real and growing. how many times have the -- quote -- "intelligence estimates" been wrong dating back to and including the cold war? as many times as they've been right, i tell my colleagues. whether it be their assessment about the war in iraq or whether it be the capabilities of many of our adversaries, including the -- the korean buildup, which we have been consistently wrong. so poland and the czech republic asked what many at the time perceived an unpo

poland.at senator john mccain said. he said this -- quote, the decision calls into question the security and diplomatic commitments the united states has made to poland and the czech republic and the potential to undermine per speved leadership in eastern europe. given the strong and enduring relationships we have forged since the end of the cold war, we should not, i believe, take steps backwards in strengthening these ties. what do you make of that? >> i think thinks language is a little bit better than the folks like congressman boehner and eric cantor, who want to ascribe these negative molt vagtivation everything the president does. the truth is when we're looking at this defense system that will be ready seven years sooner from that of the previous president obama and his plan. it's not a complete reversal. it's a change so it's more responsive, ready sooner, costs less. and i think that in all of the rush to criticize everything that the president does, there's been an ignoring of thes

>> leaders in poland or taking a political chance. desert for 65 -- 75 years. 65 years of those were nice and quiet, but now the aclu is challenging a war memorial and hundreds of our veterans are fighting for it. it is in the middle of federal land and the aclu said that is the problem. it is unconstitutional, claiming in is a government endorsement of religion. the supreme court is going to take up this case next month and it could impact memorials across the country, if they find that this is unconstitutional. joining me are two people who have been caring for this cross for many years. their attorney is also with me. good morning, everyone. henry, let me start for you -- with you. you cared for this since 1984, and then 10 years ago you guys a complaint -- you've got a complaint. what was his complaint? >> and that it was on public ground and also, it is part of a government park, that this was upsetting to him. megyn: i know that you and wanda have been taking care of this thing. you do not believe it is religious, even though th

coroversial plan from president bush for aissile fense system in euro to be based in the czech r poland. theidea was to counter a perceived threa to europeposed long-range missiles from iran. today, an aboutce. prident obama announced he i dropping that pn for eastern europe. instead he said the united states will develop alternative pl to counter wt is now perceived as a re immediate threat of short, medium-ranged misses from iran. in tonight's focus, we'll look at the issue in deh starti with today's stement from the esident. president obam announced the administration'slan to shelve the eastern euro missile defense shield in brief appearance at the white house. the president said that the chan was necesry because iran is muchloser to developing short and medium-range missiles an long-range missileshat could t eastern and central eupe. >> the best way to reonsibly advance r security and the security of ou ales is to deploy a missile defense sysm that best responds to the threats that we face and that utizes technology that is both oven and cost efctive. >> facilities for the fense shi

european leaders gathered in poland today. russian prime minister putin joined them, but he made no direct apology for the former soviet union's part in the invasion. we have a report from jane dodge of independent television news. >> reporter: it was 70 years ago today that a german battleship fired its first shots at the small polish military base. it was the start of a war that lasted nearly six years with the loss of an estimated 50 million lives. poland was invaded first by the germans and then by the soviets. no other nation has in its history suffered as long a german occupation as poland has. at that dark time which we speak of today the country was devastated. the image of hitler projected on to a war memorial just before dawn started today's commemoration service. the former soviet union not germany that the polish president singled out for attack in his speech refer to go the decision to invade east of the country 17 days after germany began its assault. >> but on this day poland received a stab in the back. this bl

we'll get exclusive reaction from the president of poland. a healthcare plan used by many poor seniors could be sacrificed on the altar of healthcare reform, and we'll reveal what the white house says is the principal reason for a reconsideration of war strategy in afghanistan. all that, plus the fox all-stars, right here, right now. welcome to washington. i'm bret baier. the cusp of the world without nuclear weapons has been talked about since the first nuclear war was detonated and now president obama is trying to keep one particular nation from joining the nuclear weapons fraternity. wendell goler has the story. >> the draft resolution has been adopted unanimously. >> it was a day the president took symbolic and substantive teps toward the international cooperation that he believes the u.s. strayed too far from after the 9/11 attacks. mr. obama became the first u.n. president to chair the u.n. security council and urges support that urges a nuclear-free world. >> i promise we will pursue a new agreement with russia to substantially reduce

poland is. so now we have, we're going to drop this missile defense program to protect our country in western europe from rogue states, particularly iran, that we now know is putting together three things. they're putting together long-range missiles, nuclear war heads, and radical islam. now that's not a great combination. so now we're saying, the threat assessment has been dropped. how do you figure that? the threat assessment has been dropped when you're putting long range missiles, nuclear war heads and radical islam. i don't feel like the threat assessment should have been dropped. i don't know anybody with common sense who would assert that. then on top of that -- mr. turner: you raised a good point, i'd like you to speak on this issue. the european miz isle defense shield intended for interceptors in poland and in the czech republic was not just intended to protect the united states, though it would have provided protection for the united states by 2013678 it wasn't just to protect us, it

facilities located on the territory of the republic of poland. the united states and poland intend to expand air and missile defense cooperation, etc.. we all know the iran and ballistic missile threat is real and growing. we all know that the administration is seeking cooperation and help of the russians. now we will see. now we will see. why was this agreement rushed into for the abrogation of an agreement? why was the abrogation of this agreement between the united states with poland and the united states of czechoslovakia rescinded in such a dramatic and rushed fashion? we all know that the arena and ballistic missile threat is real and growing. how many times have the, quote, intelligence estimates been wrong dating back to and including the cold war? as many times as they have been right, i tell my colleagues, whether it be their assessment about the war in iraq or whether it be the capabilities of many adversaries including the korean buildup which we have been consistently wrong. so, poland and the czech republic asked what many at the ti

not poland. down a bunch of missiles? >> why put them there? i want everyone to be an armchair military expert right now. look at a world map. why do you put those missiles in poland other than to aggravate the russians. it has nothing to do with iran. >> some people would say we need to aggravate the russians. because putin from john mccain's eyes saw three letters kgb. >> ronald reagan the argument could be with star wars he bankrupted the soviet union and vis-a-vis the soviet union foreign policy what is did it. peter: do you think the president did the right thing. >> i think he did absolutely the right thing. it was a needless aggravation. peter: making iran happy and making the czech and poland unhappy. >> i haven't heard they are unhappy. peter: we heard from mr. abe -- abrams council of foreign relations. iran will be able to send missiles. >> put yourself in the enemy's position. peter: that will be hard. >> difficult afternoon somewhat repullive. if you ask me about his hospitality here

you can have one andhe other and keep the in poland and the czech republic. this is a concessi to the russians on an order o magnitude largelynseen in the last 10 or 15 years. the ia, i suppose, for obama to get a strategic arms -- and completely uless and worthless. who cares how many nuk the russians have? what we want in returns ooperation on iran. there is not a shred of evidence that t russians are going to lp us on in. the russians announced a week ag that they will not sport any sanctions on iran. what did we get in returfor about four to trl? nothing. -- for betrayal? nothing. >> allhe failed test. >> we have had one successful shootdow overhe last eight years. question about whether this could be -- >> right. these are for an isoled missile. >> we had aest in the pacific with a no-warning sotdown of a ssile that imitated a korean missile. the ideahat we wouldhoot down aussian aenal is nonsense. nobodys expecting that. when you're talking about iran are correa, whatou get is extremely effeive. >> but we stil have -- >> but i am sayg, the primitive sys

or is this the beginning of leaving poland and the czech republic abandoned? i don't know. greta: even if the obama administration wanted to get rid of this program anyway you would have thought they'd at least leverage it a little bit and say to russia we're going to get rid of it but we need your help with iran. >> you would have thought they would but they didn't. the russians were very publicly blunt about it. they said this involves no deal, no quid pro quo, this does not require us to do anything, this was an american decision to fix an american mistake. i was surprised how blunt and direct they were. greta: i wonder if the president was surprised. >> i suspect he was disappointed. it's like they went out of their way to be mean with him the greta: well, next week we'll have a lot of people meeting in new york, a lot of country. >> fascinating, the first time an american. has ever chaired a u.n. security council meeting. it will be interesting to see what happens. greta: nice to see you, mr. speaker. up next, news is breaking fast out of iran about the nuclear program

greta: should we check in with poland to see? >> yes, you should check with them. we should have been talking to them before we made the decision. they were notified about the decision about the same time we were. they should have been in on the discussion rather than just notifying them of what we decided to do. greta: before it happens? did you get from us? >> there were a flurry of calls made to places like poland and to the czech republic and to members of congress, of explaining what happened -- all expatriate i got calls from officials first thing this morning. -- i got calls from officials first thing this morning. greta: thank you. the health-care battle. it involves you. dana perino goes on the record, the former rock house press secretary. plus, everyone loves this the video. she throws the ball back after he caught a foul ball.  [captioning made possible by fox news channel] captioned by the national captioning institute --www.ncicap.org-- greta: you know, it is not easy to sell people something they do not want. president obama, if you are watching, p

i know howÑi ambitious a contribution poland can make with itsÑiñrÑi memories of and d suffering, polandy. Ñiukrainians, jews, poles, çóxdrussians, french,ñr and manr nations criedÑllkçó out from te concentration campsÑi. holocaust was gaining strength. billions prayed for a liberation from despair. over 7 million ukrainians joined the war and every second of them never came back home. every second of those who3rÑiçód disabled. all in all,çóñr in concentration camps and max punitive -- mass punitive actions, almost 10 million of my people died. together with the other nations, we haveçóÑi paida/aikì+ extremely'!çóÑiÑi price, but we not only to overcome, we have one.$jqjÑrise to memories. it is right and proper that we meet here, where europe's enslavement began and where two decades ago its complete liberation took place. Ñiñrthe memoryñrÑi of their coue lauzon in all of us. as well as the memory about all those who perished, but today, many of their sons and daughters the solidarity the completed o"j their struggle are with us today. their courage is also our inspiration. today, in th

czech republic, ukraine, georgia, poland, the baltics,, hilistonia, hungary. the author goes on to say that ukraine, georgia and other kremlin foes in the ex-u.s. soviet union may be the first to feel the consequences. poland and the czech republic are also nervous. in warsaw, the timing of the u.s. move is particularly delicate as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the invasion of eastern poland. analysts are concerned about ukraine that faces a -- an election and the country reluctantly hosts a large naval base. well, i don't know what the geopolitical goals are here. i think it's a mistake to not deploy this system that we committed to deploy. i think we're not going to be able to rely on the good faith of the russians and i think they may misread what we've done instead of being -- leading to further accommodation, it may lead to embodien -- e embolding them to go against further demands against the united states legitimate national interest. i thank the chair and would yield the floor. mrs. feinstein: madam president? the presiding officer: the sen

>>eporter: in wsaw, lish prim minister donald tusk said poland will stl be secure. the c p.m., jan fisher, said the announcemen will not change relatis with the u.s. but in the u.s.congress, wch s to fund any missile defense system, thennouncement drew immedie and sharply oosing views. >> i think this isbrilliant. the fact that they have re-evaluated the treat, they have taken into consideration what the adnced technologies e now, what this means to our relaonship in nat and what this meansn our bilateral relationship with russias very very important. >> this ill-advised decision does lite more than emwer ssia and iran at the expense of our european allies. i think it shws a wlful determination to continu ignoring t threat posed by me of the most dangerous regimes in the world while taking one of the most iortant defensesagainst iran off the tae. >> reporr: inran, a senior government source sa the ongoin confroation over iran's nuclear program could se as a result of today's u.s. decision. >> woodruff: margaretarner has more. >> warner: now more contrasting ews on t

i think we may have sold poland out for general electric. coincidence?well, if that were the case, it would be completely inexcusable. putin also said today that he now wanted the united states to repeal some trade legislation that he said discriminated against russia. that's how russians do it. they take one concession, like the missile defense site, pocket it, and then ask for the next concession. the real question is whether the obama administration sees and understands that pattern. i really think that they gave this away for nothing. glenn: ok. guest, we bring good things to life, g.e. it seems that we are poking all of our traditional allies. don't get me wrong. we did send the gift to the english people, and send it back even after we said you can keep it in the museum. then we did get the queen a very nice gift of some obama speeches on an i-pod. we continually poke our traditional allies and then embrace -- tiffany, our producer says, our frenemies, people like russia, and then want to talk to venezuela and to iran. are we headed towards being a

he's concerned about a relationship with the czech republic and poland. a lot of folks will look at this and say, are we coddling russia? russia has made no secret of its distaste for this plan. when we were all in moscow and there was talk of resetting the relationship, starting a new -- getting a new start treaty, this was clearly on the russians' mind. they tried to separate the czech, but the russians -- medvedev has already said this is a responsible move. they're thrilled. >> they are, and i think the vulnerability that president obama has here is that he could be perceived as bending to russian procedural in his effort to get a more comprehensive nuclear deal by the end of the year from the russians. on the other hand, what he gains is not defending the czech republic or poland, but he does gain some credibility in the middle east. remember, he is concerned and has said many times that the saudis, the egyptians, the turks might be tempted to compete with iran by building their own nuclear or missile capability. this would be a way of saying we're t

poland was invaded by the germans.man chancellor paid tribute to those who survived the germans brutality calling it the darkest chapter in european history. >>> an american gi is remembering his extraordinary time fighting then surviving as a nazi prisoner of war. he escaped just to go right back in battle fighting the russians. john henrehan has the story. >> hello. >> reporter: 87-year-old bill sharp lives quietly. for 2 1/2 years during world war ii he was forced to carry this prisoner id card at all times. after being captured in battle he was a prisoner at officer's camp 64 in poland german forces stormed across poland begins september 1, 1939. although the nazi guards allowed the officers to put on plays and publish a camp newspaper, the american prisoners tried to tunnel their way out. >> we would go out to the baseball diamond and stand like this while they are performing baseball or doing something and applauding and shaking our leg and doing this. >> reporter: before the tunnel could be used, sharp and the o

president obama says he is pulling the plug on the land- based missile defense program in poland andublic. it was designed to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles, presumably to be launched from around -- iran. the bush administration did not feel comfortable with the situation. according to mr. gibbs, there has been no quid pro quo with the russian government. the u.s. is pulling land-based missiles out, but there is apparently no deal from russia to continue -- no kind of a trade deal, i should say. let's talk with our washington managing editor. bill, no quid pro quo with russia. it would seem that if the u.s. was going to give up on something to russians so badly hated, which should get something for it. -- we should get something for it. >> someone asked me this morning what america gets out of this, and i think that the administration hopes to get russian cooperation in the un -- u.n. as they push a new round of sanctions. they are treading the tangible components of missile defense -- rockets in poland, missile defense and the czech republic -- for the intangible com

military in poland. now you are offering: another five years -- offering poland another five years or seven years of stocks. it was the u.s. government that got poland to agree to host the missile defense. what would you say to those who invested and lost? have you consulted this new approach with the government of poland and the czech republic before? >> yes. the answer that i would give to poles asking that question is that we still want to partner with poland. we would prefer to put the sm- 3's in poland in place of the ground-based interceptors. that will still involve a presence of the u.s.. they may be there earlier than they would have been with the ground-based interceptors because their would not become operational until 2017-2018. we're talking about 2015 now. there are all of the same opportunities for a partnership between the united states and poland that existed under the previous program. >> some are calling for general the mcchrystal's assessment to be publicly released. can you explain w

only a year since russia invaded georgia and 70 years to the day since the soviet union invaded poland, the administration announced the dismantling of one of our most important missile defense systems at the expense of our allies. mr. speaker, the abandonment of the european missile defense site which could have protected the homeland of the united states against iranian long-range missiles is unacceptable. as i was talking with the -- one of the chairs of the missile defense caucus in this body, he described to me that we do have -- there's a plan for a better system to be put in place. however, that new defense missile -- missile defense program will not be operational until 2018 or 2020. while we do have other missile defense shields in place, it will remain he described it like this it's like trying to bring down an airplane with a baseball. i suppose it could be possible, but it's a one in a million chance. when you think of intercontinental ballistic missiles that travel at a speed of 10,000 miles per hour, to me it's unacceptable at this point in time in our history when we hav

forces attacked poland. president obama did not attend the event, but he sent a message recognizing it. >>> maryland is getting millions back from the federal government for a presidential inauguration cause -- it cost that the state incurred. the justice department also is releasing $3.4 million to metro and $2 million to amtrak for their expenses. >>> if you're looking for a beach front property in new york, why not think about buying bernie madoff's. it is listed at $8 million. the florida home is going to be sold with the money used to pay back investors. >>> next, the gubernatorial candidate response to criticism over his 1989 llege thesis. find out what he said that has many northern virginians upset. and doug is back with the forecast. >> and the redskins have a visitor today. it was the commissioner of the nfl. i will tell you whye while i was building my friendships, my family, while i was building my life, my high cholesterol was contributing to plaque buildup in my arteries. that's why my doctor p

, saying that this is a catastrophe for poland.zechs, actually, the prime minister issued a really tight-lipped statement, saying the czech republic knows the decision of the president of the united states of america. obviously, they are not happy. and you can understand why. but the defense department, and i think we're going to hear this probably from the administration today -- >> the united states defense department, of course. >> yes, i should say that. the united states defense department says, yes, things have changed. the threat is different. iran does not have long-range missiles. it does have short and medium-range, but they don't yet have a long-range missile. and that's what we're talking about. so there are other ways of dealing with those short and medium-range missiles. and you don't need this system. and you're going to be sure that they're going to be trying to convince the pols and the czechs that their defense remains the same, that they're committed to defending them. >> is there any new evidence to suggest that

negotiators were engaging poland and the czech republic on the terms of deployment of theater missile defense shields to protect against an iranian missile threat. in response to the rising domestic opposition, these governments expended considerable capital to keep talks moving forward. bolling russia's escalation in georgia, the poles expedited an agreement. the presence of american soldiers and trainers on polish soil, ostensibly charged with maintenance of the systems, was a way to reaffirm the united states commitment to polish security. it was in this environment that the obama administration announced its about-face on missile defense last week. the timing of the announcement was not a surprise for several reasons. the quadrennial defense reviews had not been completed. over the past month, the administration has withheld final decisions on several other national security items on the basis that they were not completed. it would appear that at least a portion of the npr was accelerated or set aside to justify this announcement. let me be clear -- i am not opposed to the new mis

not just poland and the czech republic. they say there will be complete buy in into this and they believe european nations when briefed on the details say this will be more robust, cost effective way of deal with the more immediate effect, that is to say short toedmedium range missiles that may come from iran. shepard: major garrett from the white house tonight. the president changes the planned missile defense shield, moving key parts away from poland and the czech republic after objections from russia and the decision from the pentagon that they have a better plan. it's worth noting this comes exactly 70 years to have the day after the soviets invaded poland in world war ii. an interesting historical coincidence there. breaking news now there is a verdict in the case of the high school football coach charged with murder. a kentucky jury took less than two hours to declare that coach jason stenson is not guilty on all charges. he was accused of reckless homicide in the death of a 15-year-old player named max gilpin. he die

obama has abandon a missile defense system in poland andhe ech republic. he says a redigned system will be cheaper and mo effective. russi's president medvedev has weomed the american change and is major americapolicy shift. >> it was aimed against a newly emerging that. birgit said there w a needor a different kind of shoe. the new president neede a new polic he promised a new system, designed to have maximum diplomatic impact. >> good morning,verybody. , he said t change of tactic beer protec america and europe. >> theest way toadvan our securitys deploying a missile defense system that best response to e threats thwe face and utilizes technology that is proven and cost- effective. >> the old plan was t base missiles at this air ba in poland along wita rada system the czech republic. thrussians were furious an fall plan was to turn the bse into a fward base that threatened them. they teaten to move missiles to the very border of eastern europe. the defense secretary from the sh adnistration at first remmended the original plan. now he's changed s plan --

for instance through rotation of a patriot battery in poland and we have made it clear that those two countries will be at the top of the list. and let me underscore, we are bound together by our common commitment as nato allies, and also by deep, historical, economic and cultural ties that will never be left open. let me reiterate what the president said, this is defense is not about russia and it's about iran, and because of this position, we believe that we be in a far stronger position to deal with that threat and to do so with technology that works and a higher degree of confidence, that what we pledge to do, we can actually deliver. now my main reason for being here today is to give you a brief review of our agenda next week in new york. but before i get into specifics, i saw a cartoon from the new yorker, it shows a delegate in his seat at the united nations passing a note to the delegate next to him, and the the cation read, it's a birthday card for nikstin, sign and pass it on. and this cartoon is commentary, and it represents one view of united nations, and what multilateral

obama has abandoned a missile defense system in poland and the czech republic. he says a redesigned system will be cheaper and more effective. russia's president medvedev has welcomed the american change and is a major american policy shift. >> it was aimed against a newly emerging threat. birgit said there was a need for a different kind of shoe. the new president needed a new policy. he promised a new system, designed to have maximum diplomatic impact. >> good morning, everybody. , he said the change of tactic better protect america and europe. >> the best way to advance our security is deploying a missile defense system that best response to the threats that we face and utilizes technology that is proven and cost- effective. >> the old plan was to base missiles at this air base in poland along with a radar system in the czech republic. the russians were furious and fall plan was to turn the base into a forward base that threatened them. they threaten to move missiles to the very borders of eastern europe. the defense secretary from the bush administration at

so he's in poland right now? >> yeah. >> you went with him? just last weekend and i went for labor day weekend. >> do you like going to the all the games? >> i love watching him play. >> does he watch "desperate housewives" every week? >> he has never watched my show. >> really? >> and he watches "lost" and "grey's anatomy" and he watches "gossip girl". but he won't watch my show. >> are you kidding? >> he said not my thing. >> and i said, but "gossip girl" is your thing. >> he doesn't want to watch you be romantically involved -- >> no, it's not that. >> that son of a bitch. >> tell him that next time he's on here. >> you're running around poland watching him play with the french national team. the african -- with the french national team and the french can't play basketball. wow. you're much more supportive than he is. is this something you talk about in counseling? >> no. >> something to be brought up. wow. i can't believe that you know what? you ought to get him for christmas the dvd box set. make him -- start at season one and he goes thr