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[[Image:Poland_map.gif|right|thumb|300px]]

[[Image:Poland_map.gif|right|thumb|300px]]

'''Poland''' is a large country in central/eastern [[Europe]]. It has suffered many hardships before and after [[World War I]] and [[World War II|II]] appearing and disappearing as a nation at various points in its history. It was ruled by the [[communist]] regime and finally liberated in the 1980's. [[Pope John Paul II]] was from Poland and was a major part in bringing down [[communist]] Poland. The [[capital]] of Poland is [[Warsaw]].

'''Poland''' is a large country in central/eastern [[Europe]]. It has suffered many hardships before and after [[World War I]] and [[World War II|II]] appearing and disappearing as a nation at various points in its history. Emerging as a nation again after World War I, Poland was partitioned between [[Nazi Germany]] and the [[Soviet Union]] at the start of World War II.  Given nationhood again at the end of the war, it was under the shroud of being a Soviet satellite controlled by a [[communist]] regime.  Poland finally became liberated in the 1980's. [[Pope John Paul II]] was from Poland and was a major part in bringing down [[communist]] Poland. Among the nations under Soviet domination, Poland was unique in continuing to keep its strong [[Catholic]] roots even in the face of persecution.  The [[capital]] of Poland is [[Warsaw]].

Poland is a member of the "Coalition of the Willing", allies of the US in the [[Iraq War]].  As of February 2007 Poland has 900 troops in Iraq.<ref>http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_orbat_coalition.htm</ref>

Poland is a member of the "Coalition of the Willing", allies of the US in the [[Iraq War]].  As of February 2007 Poland has 900 troops in Iraq.<ref>http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_orbat_coalition.htm</ref>