But Mr Fico's critics fret that behind his approach lies an attempt to rehabilitate the Nazi-backed Slovak puppet state of 1939-45.

ECONOMIST: Slovakia's disturbing patriotism

Throw in growing evidence that our devil-take-the-hindmost abandonment of Iraq is translating into that country becoming little more than an Iranian puppet state and the feeling is palpable: Confidence in presidential leadership is declining, both among the troops and those who truly support them.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Obama vs. the all-volunteer military