Though the Russian overreaction with tanks reminiscent of old Soviet tactics should be condemned we must keep in mind that overreaction by the US serves no purpose, especially in light of Georgia initiating the attack on Tskhinvali. Bush’s condemnation that invasion of territorial rights is not acceptable in the 21st Century is laughable. McCain’s bluster shows he’s still a cold front warrior in a time when our resources are spread too thin. Secretary of State Rice has no business in Poland for a missile agreement and antagonizing the Georgian situation. Missiles in Poland is hardly any different from missiles in Cuba, and only a Democratic President can set a new mindset in diplomacy to rid the US of its perennial "tough talk" particularly when in reality we are now reduced to a paper tiger. Even with our military at full strength, Kennedy was shrewd enough to remove missiles from Turkey.
As usual, MSN offers little information—as in the run-up to Iraq—in sizing up the full story in Georgia and particularly its president Saaskashvili who seems eager to provoke Moscow—give an inch and take a mile—particularly in his wanting to become a part of NATO; further, he is not exactly the darling of democracy to his own constituents and adamant when it comes to South Ossetia’s desire to join the North making them part of the Russian Federation.
We should take a deep breath and consider unexpected consequences: we have already bitten off more than we can chew. Even Biden—and he’s on Obama’s short list for veep!—is ludicrous in wanting to send $billions to Georgia for reconstruction in face of our own debts and deteriorating infrastructure. And just how far does NATO want to expand before it becomes pointless? It appears it won’t be content till its extension reaches China—why, they might even want Iran to join.
Copyright © 2008 Richard R. Kennedy All rights reserved. Revised: Aug 21, 2008.
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