The Russia-Georgia conflict

the Pajama Pundit — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:22:34 GMT

Mmmmm.... oil. At the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about anymore?

http://thepajamapundit.com/

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Rick, NC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:23:52 GMT

More yakety yak from the same bushleague that attacked another nation half way around the world for our "security"...the russians have more right to be in georgia than we do in iraq...its a fact jack

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Baracks Grandma — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:24:30 GMT

Please Barack, get back from vacation so you can use your great wisdom to solve this problem!!

You just know Russia timed this invasion to be when Obama was on vacation, just so they could get away with it.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:30:36 GMT

Assuming it's in the national interest to flex our military muscle in Georgia, even in a "humanitarian" role, the atrophy caused by an unwise discretionary war in Iraq will significantly reduce our chances for success.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Carrie in TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:31:22 GMT

McCain would have a "steady hand on the tiller?" As president, McFright would have only one modus operandi: WAR,WAR, and more WAR. It's the only thing he knows. His "experience" is related to being a soldier, not a general much less a Chief Executive. He's also not smart enough to understand the nuances of diplomacy and why we must not either appease the Russians or engage them in a military manner. God help us all if this man is elected.

Obama '08

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Gail Wade — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:33:02 GMT

Isn't it strange that when Mc Cain sstands in front of a flag, talks like a president, and says we are all Georgians, no one calls him presumtive, arrogant, acting like a president or anything close to the things they called Obama when he was in Europe!A little bias perhaps.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:36:10 GMT

McCain is completely over his head.

He talks about our forces being a stabilizing factor for the purpose of helping bring peace to the region. Yet he seems to not understand his own words.

By saying "we are Georgians" he is saying that any attack on Georgia, in the mind of the McCain, is an attack on the U.S. To follow McCain's foolish words to their only logical conclusion, in his mind we are now at war with Russia.

I'm sure that's how the Russians took it; though they understand McCain isn't the president. The Georgians of course also understand that, but seem to think that McCain was speaking for the administration. Its the only way to explain some of the strange comments they've made in the past 24 hours.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Kim W, Virgina Beach, VA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:37:15 GMT

Sorry..I can't be a Georgian today. I have to focus on my husband who is leaving next month for his 4th Iraq deployment. Nope..not getting the "Georgian" vibe so thank you McCain, for speaking on my behalf.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Clara Kansas City, MO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:38:56 GMT

Given the comments that came out by Georgian's President yesterday AND the Pentagon's denial that Americans would be 'taking over the ports and airports in Georgia', it really makes me wonder WHAT exactly we've been promising Georgia that they would be so bold as to invade S. Ossetia? Clearly they are/were expecting our full backing. So what exactly is going on here? I believe someone in our government (perhaps a lobbyist, even) has been writing checks our government has no intention of cashing. Am I misunderstanding this?

The Russia-Georgia conflict

sotiredofignorance — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:38:58 GMT

Did McCain's response remind anyone else of the U.S. and Hungary in the '50's? The President of Georgia certainly thought that McCain was saying he was for providing help.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Iris Davenport, Lenden, New York — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:39:15 GMT

It's too late for Saakashvili at this point. He started this mess. Pres. Bush and Sec. Rice warned him. They told him to NOT allow the Russians to provoke him into action. So what did he do. He made the first move by attacking S. Ossetia. What leverage did the US and Europe have. Saakashvili was the initial agressor. Yes, Russia hit back hard, but that's the nature of war. Russians used the "Powell Doctrine" respond to your enemy with overwhelming force. Russia was already in Georgia when the negotiations were entered into. I think every should calm down and be on Russia watch. Rather than try to crank up the old cold war language. There really isn't much we can do.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

BL, Cincinnati OH — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:40:00 GMT

John McCain’s answer to everything:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w

Other videos here:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/BLinCinti

The Russia-Georgia conflict

J. McCain - Washington, DC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:40:27 GMT

Bomb-bomb-bomb, bomb-bomb Russia!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:41:13 GMT

The one good thing about McCain wanting war with Russia is its gotten him away for a moment from advocating war with Iran.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

VLY, Arlington Heights, IL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:42:54 GMT

I wonder how much of McCain's OpEd was actually written by his foreign policy advisor - who lobbies for Georgia. When McCain says, "Country First", which country does he mean?

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Clara Kansas City, MO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:45:52 GMT

"McCain would have a "steady hand on the tiller?" Carrie in TX

but not a steady hand on the TILL - Republicans spend more money than Dems

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:45:53 GMT

What did the Georgians expect? We've been alienating our allies in Europe so effectively (yes, Bush HAS done one thing well) that to expect an instant hand-in-glove reponse from both the U.S. and NATO is being a bit too optimistic.
So Russia can show the world it can overrun Georgia "at will" and we can prove to the world that we can respond "at will", so there, take that! We're acting like children squabbling over a new toy. And the toy is...hard guess here...OIL!!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Treebranch, OH — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:46:24 GMT

"We, we will decide in subsequent days as whether degree of provocation and whe-- who was right and who was wrong." -John McCain

WOW...just wow !!!!!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

KJ, Dallas, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:46:46 GMT

There's more to the Georgia/Russia war than meets the eye, and the Bush war family administration, McSame, Rove, and Scheunemann are behind it.

http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2008/08/13/did-karl-rove-chat-to-saakashvili-about-south-ossetia-too/

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Waffle Cone — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:47:06 GMT

Barack Obama's was asked for his lastest opinion on the conflict. He just said: "Can't I just finish my waffle?"

The Russia-Georgia conflict

dl, Exeter, NH — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:54:01 GMT

"steady hand on the tiller"?

aren't McCain's hands occupied for the past few months giving Russia the finger and beating that drum.

the one that has overshadowed any ability for the US to listen to anything outside his war cry?

this guy is ridiculous and his similarities to short aggressive military focused leaders of the past is scary.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Nashville_fan — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:56:16 GMT

The Georgians wrote a check their butt couldn't cash.

Simple as that.

No need for them to try to blame it on anyone else. They tried to go toe to toe with Russia, and found out that was a real bad plan.

Game over.

Can we talk about the American economy now?

The Russia-Georgia conflict

ki houston — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:57:09 GMT

look man i dont know about you guys, but if Mc dummie gets in (no bull) I am going to find me a nice island sowhere where it has been proven that there is no oil there ! Gather up all the family members i can ,and i dont care where it is we are going to settle there . Cause when the first nuclear bomb fly its all over. You people better think and you better think hard.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Pete - Albany, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:57:40 GMT

Saakashvili sounds like the kid in the schoolyard who hit somebody and now that they've hit back he needs someone to bail him out...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/13/AR2008081303364_pf.html

How many Americans can't find the state of Georgia on a map of the United States? How many more didn't know there was a nation called Georgia, let alone find it on a map? We can't possibly have a grasp of all the facts regarding how this conflict even got started.

But, McCain expects us to show solidarity with Georgians. Sorry, John, you lost all moral authority and credibility on the subject when you said invading a sovereign nation was "unacceptable in the 21st century" when that is EXACTLY what we did to Iraq in 2003.

McCain's hawkish statements are right out of the Cold War playbook of that bygone era...Russia Attack = Russia Bad! He's stated there will be consequences for Russia's actions but has given no specifics on what those consequences are...that's not leadership!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:02:13 GMT

Ignore that stupid wrinkley, white-haired old fool in front of the curtains and flags. He just wants to bomb everybody to Oz.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

John Alexander,PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:02:39 GMT

Lets call this wat it is-One invader calling another invader an invader.
Todays headline " Our invasion was for a better reason".
Can we spell OVER E-X-T-E-N-D-E-D, Yes it is spelled B-U-S-H-W-O-R-L-D.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Flat-earther, Georgia — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:04:43 GMT

Now a days, it is all about the hydrocarbons. Oil to the industrialized nations is like raw meat to a pack of predators. For the next couple of generations, looks like military strength is the key to survival. The strongest will control the energy sources.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

BJ, CA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:05:06 GMT

This why we need a strong anti-communist...

McCain: Yesterdays answers for all the wrong reasons.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie,TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:05:38 GMT

So, McCain wants to send US troops to Georgia as part of an independent, international peacekeeping force (a "coalition of the willing" if you will) and generally ignite a war with Russia. THIS is the guy with the foreign policy cred?

Way to put troops in harm's way for your lobbyist biases.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Billy, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:10:07 GMT

Ummm. I am not a Georgian and I do not want my country (the USA) going to war because some little country thinks they can beckon our military anytime they want. Georgia was the first to invade. Russia sent a clear message that this was not going to be allowed. The US military is not for other countries to use.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

juan, ft lauderdale, fl — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:11:51 GMT

Blowhard Gop's like The Shrub and McCain love the quien es mas macho approach when we promise the sky to Georgia (assist with getting into NATO) than not follow through. The former lied to invade Iraq because of oil and because Sadam tried do have his daddy/wife killed. Daddy Bush goated the Shia after Gulf 1 to rise up and than abandon them. McWar will do the same.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Roosevelt Bullock, Indianapolis, In — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:17:58 GMT

We are in no position to do anything. We are actually doing the same things as the Russians in Iraq. Mccain said yesterday " No country in the 21st century invades another", hence Iraq. Obama hurry from vacation!
Obama 08

The Russia-Georgia conflict

rita s — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:20:23 GMT

Still NOT a Georgian, McCain't.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Paula, ME — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:21:07 GMT

Why didn't Russia just claim Georgia had WMD like we did?

The Russia-Georgia conflict

juan,ft lauderdale, fl — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:22:57 GMT

I recently read war is god's way of teaching ignorant people geography. How sad!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Nashville_fan — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:26:01 GMT

"McCain writes a Wall Street Journal op-ed -- entitled “We Are All Georgians” -- in which he advocates sending some US troops to the region. "We should work toward the establishment of an independent, international peacekeeping force in the separatist regions, and stand ready to help our Georgian partners put their country back together. This will entail reviewing anew our relations with both Georgia and Russia. As the NATO secretary general has said, Georgia remains in line for alliance membership, and I hope NATO will move ahead with a membership track for both Georgia and Ukraine.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
John McCain is a foreign policy lunatic.

How is it that First Read let this portion of McCain's op-ed slip by?

“John McCain has an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal today, and the very first sentence reads, “For anyone who thought that stark international aggression was a thing of the past, the last week must have come as a startling wake-up call. . . “In the 21st century,” McCain said, “nations don’t invade other nations.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Read all about it here:
‘Nations don’t invade other nations’ (some restrictions may apply)http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16549.html#more-16549

Another downside of invading Iraq perhaps? Other countries feel emboldened to do the same?

Wanna discuss this First Read?

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:26:39 GMT

How about yesterday's gem from Senator McCain that "in the 21st century, nations don't invade other nations"?

Wha...?

So our 5+ year presence in Iraq began with what, exactly? Remember, the "Liberation flowers" never showed up.

Or maybe Senator McCain doesn't recall that far back. 2003? Geez that was a long time ago, huh?

Or maybe the GOP version of the 21st century didn't start until 2004ish?

Ah, it won't matter in a few days. Senator McCain will just return to default position: I NEVER SAID THAT!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

jd — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:36:40 GMT

Frankly, Mr. McCains hair trigger reaction to the situation in Georgia convinced me that he is the wrong man for the job. He doesn't have the temperment, patience, composure or intelligence for the job. He's a disaster just waiting to happen.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Alan, NJ — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:40:57 GMT

I agree that the Bush W.H. asked Saakashvili not be provoked and he screwed up. However, can you stop saying that Georgia invaded. How can you invade your own country? The issue here is how this is going to be resolved. Is Russia going to be allowed to carve up Georgia, or annex parts of it, as the Nazis did to Czechoslovakia? If so then expect similar separatist movements to spring up in the Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and other former Soviet republics that have large Russian minorities.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

9999 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:50:03 GMT

Mr. McCain. #1 Please ask for our approval befor you tell other's that we are all Geogian's. #2 You are NOT the President, so stop talking like you are. You are only aggravating the situation.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Darrell Lackey ,Thomasville, NC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:04:24 GMT

It's funny that every time we are at war with a country or even in a peace-keeping mission in the last 18 years that RUSSIA has ALWAYS helped our enemies whether it be selling night-vision goggles to Iraq Saddam during the early 90's Desert Storm war all the way to selling missles to the Taliban. Russia has always tried to weaken the U.S.A in any attempt we have engaged in during the last 18 years by helping the enemies. These are facts and can be reasearched with little effort. Russia has several times " Always Been in the Shadows " in any conflict the US has engaged in the world. NOW Russia has allied with IRAN and has the attitude that no one will stop them and is taunting AMERICA to come and play in there backyard. The USA is allied with ISRAEL and Russia is allied with IRAN. The people of IRAN have chanted DEATH to America and ISRAEL every Friday at evening prayer for the last 25 years. We need a Leader who will see the REAL big picture here and will assert America with Liberty and Justice for ALL. Russia is not a friend to the US nor does it care about sanctions against Russia because the other " ROUGE " Nations that support Russia will keep the Russian economy alive and support any ANTI-AMERICA country. Russia is testing the US and showing the other little democracy countries that AMERICA will not come to there aid and that we are scared of RUSSIA so that the other countries will feel there alone and that America will turn back and let Russia to do as they please. We need LEADERSHIP. We need McCain.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

gwinegarden, oakville, on — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:08:22 GMT

"Please Barack, get back from vacation so you can use your great wisdom to solve this problem!!"

Rice has asked the canidates to keep out of it. please remind McCain

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Ben Inouye, New York, New York — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:09:05 GMT

I can understand peoples' ideals about maintaining our military force for the defense of our own interests, but would you say that is a somewhat narrow minded lense to be approaching this conflict from? Georgia is a free, democratic and humane haven in an area fraught with violence, tyranny and the occasional genocide. Americans, as moral and ethical people, need to stand up for the rights of those who are fighting for the same principles of human equality and freedom, even if those rights manifest themselves in a different government, in a different part of the world. We are defenders of freedom which is a battle over principles instead of a battle over territory.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Mark T, Boston, MA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:10:31 GMT

If McCain is so tight with Georgian president and so experienced in world politics, why wouldn't he have told Georgia to stay put and not invite an assured and overwhelming russian response. BTW, I'm not a Georgian and its' not our problem, regardless of what McCain says.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Hope Springs — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:11:31 GMT

Why agian is the main political story not being covered. KO has it right. McCain has been bought and paid for by the Georgian govt.
If that were Obamas PAID STAFF lobbying for a foreign country First Read would be editorializing on it all day.
He is on the take. Just like the Keating Five.
In this article there is not one mention of the lobbying and campaign staff ties to the Georgian government. Not one!
Please..............do your job!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:19:48 GMT

If there had been more people talking to the Georgians and Russians over this territory months ago, some of this violence could have been limited or stopped before it started. The current administration failed to use any "soft power" to keep this under control. I would be more inclined to side with the Georgians because they haven't kept pushing for more territory and attacking civilians. More information is clearly called for since there isn't the complete picture.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

George Tabacar,Brasov,Romania — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:24:41 GMT

I hope many people have seen what the world is really about, and how you can die even if you are innocent or guilty for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Also I am sorry about your article, but it just mentions Georgian "suffering", but fails to show how the people in South Ossetia have been drawn out of their homes, and their homes destroyed, by who?

Also, I am sorry to say, but the President of Georgia, is highly paranoid, and he is not to be trusted, after spreading lies in an attempt to deepen the conflict. Also you do not mention on how the Georgian president, sent police to smash a peaceful demonstration. and also closed an opposition TV station.

Stop calling Georgia democratic as it is not, it is driven by a nationalist, an extremist.

I don't care if you post my comment, but it's a fact that you take sides, and the media should be fair to everybody.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

jason m, st. louis MO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:38:38 GMT

wouldnt it be neat for once not to get involved with so many other countries. i mean, FINALLY another country but the u.s. is looking like the bad guys. why does our country always have to control the world? we're just making people hate us and making them think we want to control everything.

america is the biggest hypocrite compared to other countries.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Hates Bush dot com - Nowhere, Pennsylvania — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:40:44 GMT

"‘I’m talking about the impotence and inability of both Europe and the United States to be unified and to exert leverage....'"
Of course USA & Europe are impotent...That's why so many take Viagra. Where's Bob Dole when you need him? HA HA!

The Russia-Georgia conflict

renegademom — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:47:28 GMT

and....what about

"In the 21st century, nations do not invade other nations."

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Alan, Baltimore, MD — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:48:24 GMT

Everyone's behavior has been typical (and shameful)... Saakashvili is an idiot for launching the assault he did on Ossetia whether or not it is part of Georgia. The "mouse that roared" discovered the Russian bear can simply step on a mouse.

Putin is nothing more than a KGB thug who would probably be as comfortable hanging out at the "Bada Bing" with Tony Soprano as he would be ruling Russia.

Have to have Putin's arrogant (and brave - when they have thousands of Russians backing them!) Ossetian militia thugs burning down houses and looting. Reminds me of the raccoons getting into my trashcans and stealing.

Of course this farce wouldn't be complete without the typical impotent European handwringing.

Or complete without Bush having another "deer in the headlights" moment like he did when he was informed of the 9-11 attacks.

And the US did for its friends which it did so well before... like it did during the Bay of Pigs with no promised air support, during Shiite uprising in Iraq against Saddam, or Budapest in 1956.

The news never really changes - decent people who want to be left alone die and the arrogant SOBs who run everything bicker - just the countries involved and the dates change.

The Russia-Georgia conflict

Anon, Wisconsin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:51:16 GMT

Don't worry America! When there's a problem in the world, John McCain can just look up the country in Wikipedia and read all about the cultural history, then PLAGIARIZE Wikipedia in a speech to the nation, and then make a ridiculous, fantastical leap like "Russia wants to conquer all of the old Soviet territory!"

The Russia-Georgia conflict

DV, CA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:52:34 GMT

Georgia picked the fight. Their problem. What did they think would happen?