Yes to Georgia, No to Russia

And we thought the cold war was really over. A democratic government which we have supported militarily and financially under assault by Russia.

IMO this is Russia testing the United States to see what we would do or not do. Russia is flexing its muscles to erase the disgrace of Chechnya and it's letting us know that just as the United States has a major role to play in the Middle East with a now-stable Iraq and Israel, it is reasserting its role as the neighborhood arbiter.

On a different note, do any of the Marine officers here know a Major Jon Custis? He's an Infantry officer and he recently became XO of 1st LAR. He was my company commander when I was in.

Operation Georgian Freedom anyone??

Let's not forget the portion of pipeline that brings oil to Turkey (and, eventually, us).

This ain't over. It ain't about South Ossetia. It's the Russkies wanting to prevent a NATO member on their southern border as well as consolidate their hold on energy in Europe.

I just cannot agree. Does the US really want to go to war over Georgia? Especially if Europe is not whole heartedly behind the idea.

Just because a country sends troops to fight our war does not make them an equal partner. And plenty of people have been uneasy about the willy nilly expansion of NATO across the Polish Border. Czarist, Communist, or Capitalist the Russian bear is the same I assure you. Putin regards the countries in the area of the former CIS as those of a Russia sphere of influence just as we regard the America's as ours under the Monroe Doctrine.

And finally what's really in it for us? Not a lot from what I can see except to push Russia even farther back into the Cold War era and piss of the nation we really should be seeking to partner with. The Russians will withdraw in two weeks once they are satisfied they have sent the right message to both Georgia and the rest.

There is a pecking order in the world and not every little ethnic chunk of territory makes the cut.

Georgia is just the beginning. The goal of these thugs that rule russia is to reacquire satellite states. They saw a most beautiful opportunity with Georgia when the olympics were going on. Who cares if South Ossentia has russian people in it. So, should they be allowed to invade Estonia(with a big russian minority) then? It is a huge problem, and once again Americans are more worried about Paris Hilton than a problem such as this until it smashes Americans in the face. I disagree with Skippy-San o kudasai. South Ossentia now belongs to Russia and I would be amazed if they relinquish it.

A correction, "Watashi wa, Skippy-san ni disagree shite, kudasi."

Particles always cause difficulties.

The goal of Russia is to require satellite states. Why is this a suprise? If any thing we fanned the fire by doing stupid things like advocating NATO membership for them and Ukraine even though neither Europe or Russia was really enthusiastic.

There are too many nations in the world. If this in the long term leads to a federated Russia and one voice to deal with instead of 10-so much the better for the US. And it puts the bear back as a direct threat to Iran and China. What's not to like about that?

I don't think that we should get in a shooting war with Russia over Georgia, especially one the Russians are already 1/3 of the way towards winning. But I agree completely that this sets a very dangerous precedent for Russia's neighbors, especially the Ukraine. Russia wants a return to greatness, and is trying to recreate the Russian empire through either territorial expansion or satellites. They also know that the secret to their financial stability is locking up the resources of central and western asia.
Besides, turnabout is fair play. I keep thinking back to those Russian sales of night vision and jammers to Iraq before the US invasion. It seems now might be the time to unload some discounted SAMS and ATMs to Georgia, Ukraine and the Baltic states.

"Watashi wa, Skippy-san ni disagree shite, kudasi."

Oh wow, it's no surprise so that makes it OK? The simple fact is that Georgia is a sovereign country and it's amazing everyone blames the west for everything. What is going on is an INVASION. Does anyone want to raise their hand and say Georgia will be a country again? All the former subjugated soviet satellite states have their own right to self determination. They do not belong to russia.

I would immediately invite Georgia and the Ukraine into NATO.

Are you a fucking moron like most Americans? You should be fucking dragged out into the street and beaten to a pulp you fucking nazi shit. If you read the news, you would know that Georgia attacked first motherfucker. Georgia launched an attack on South Ossetia motherfucker, you and your cock sucking democracy can't change what really happened. Don't spread your bullshit on the web when you don't have any details right