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comment by john mckellar above is SOOO TRUE.

In response to John McKellar’s comments. As an American with Georgian family and an eight year old daughter that just fled the war zone in Tbilisi as part of the U.S embassy evacuation, I also believe the Georgian President made a mistake both morally and politically when he went into South Ossetia. However, the situation in Georgia is more complicated than what you understand and cannot be explained in a brief response. However, these battles in Georgia have been going on and brewing for hundreds of years. This is the only way the Georgian people have been able to maintain their borders and remain a nation in the face of countless invasions by the Persians, Turks, and Russians over the last 1500 years. If Georgia lets every group of people that come onto their land rip apart the country Georgia would have ceased to exist hundreds of years ago. Americans cannot easily fully comprehend that part of the World. Lets just say Mexico decided to take back Texas or California because they had been there first and had a large Mexican population. Would you be against the U.S. military intervening and holding onto those territories? I think not.

My wife is Georgian and my eight year old daughter just fled the invasion from Tbilisi. Some of the above comments are not accurate. First of all, the Georgian President, is not a dictator. He has been elected twice in fair elections and most recently in a referendum last year after he “cracked down” on the opposition party. True, he stifled the opposition party but the opposition party was really a proxy party for Russia and supported the reintegration of Georgia back into Russia. That party was not playing by the rules and the freely elected Georgian President took appropriate actions. Furthermore, Georgia is one of strongest allies in the entire world and those that just see it as a client state are unfamiliar with the situation and Georgia itself. The U.S. needs to support its allies as strongly as possible although I do not advise getting into a hot war with Georgia. However, the U.S. and Europe need to not only tell the Russians that they might be “punished”. They need to treat this new Russia like we did the Soviets. They should be completely excluded from the Free world in every way possible. Putin was and is KGB and that is the plain fact. Don’t trust him or the Russians.

also some of the comments here show just a plain ignorance to the facts.

i know that most americans are clueless to what goes on in the world and most dont even own a passport let alone travel outside of the US but reading this thread just brings it home how insular and downright stupid many Americans really are.

Not for the first time i read these comments and cant help thinking that the average american citizen either doesnt live in the real world, have biases that pervert their perception of the truth or are fed propaganda which they believe.
The facts are Georgia attacked the region of South Ossetia killing many civilians. The Russians didnt ask the Georgias to do this and didnt provoke them, they did it because they felt they could do it with the support of the West. I cant believe many of the respondants on this thread choose to ignore this basic fact and want the US to support them simply because they are US allies and not judge them on whether they actions are right or wrong. To me this shows just how far many Americans have fallen since the horrible invasion of Iraq.
Unlike in the case of Iraq, the Russians had a moral reson to intervene, innocent people being killed. Despite all the propaganda about the Russians invading Georgia and being about to invade the capital any moment, of course this turned out to be lies. The Russians expelled Georgia from South Ossetia then ceased fire. The Russians acted honourably, the Georgias by contrast acted in a deplorable manner. Their leadership even continue now to say that they will retake these 2 independent regions despite the vast majority of the peoples there being Russian citizens and wanting nothing to do with Georgia. If anyone has seen the Georgia Premier in action over the last few days, its easy to conclude that this is a man bordering on insanity. He seems far too unstable to be a man leading a country.
Open your eyes America, stop beliveing the criminal propaganda that is soon exposed as lies and judge not on whether a nation is an American ally but whether they are in the right or wrong. I know this is difficult now for a nation which is perceived to be in the wrong often by world opinion.

@Steve Harrigan and crew

FROM THE URGENT QUEUE
PER HARRIGAN NOW IN TBILISI:
A lot of debate about Russian tanks.
I can tell you 50 Russian Armored Vehicles (bmp’s) are in Gori. We saw them.
Tanks have tracks and giant turrets. So they are armored personnel carriers, not tanks.

***

Earning your paychecks out there, folks.

Bravo!

If Putin continues on in this battle, he will have sanctions imposed: No grain or coal from Canada is my guess (for starters).

Yes, Russia (Putin) – gleefully – thinks the US is on the ropes, but that country has forgotten about it’s grain and coal imports from Canada that would be stopped if this aggression carries on….

On the topic of Harrigan as a news source.
Steve Harrigan is a journalist that I will always turn to for factual, balanced and authentic information, particularly from times and places caught up in a swirl of danger and confusion. This man is as trustworthy a source for me as any human being could ever be. His courage and instincts are without peer. Do I admire this man? I don’t personaly know him, but I know his work. And I do admire his work.

On the topic of Russia/Georgia.
Why haven’t I heard a pundit point out that the USA’s lack of tapping our own natural resources has once again put us in danger of a ground war, or worse, nuclear confrontation.

Boy! These comments are all over the place. Just proves that propaganda works, history is never learned from, a little knowledge is dangerous, every man has more or less gone his own way and truth is rarely spoken but often rejected. Great reporting Steve!!! Think I will remember history and rely on you to get out the truth to us. We can see with our own eyes what is going on by watching your reports and the few others who are determined to get out the truth. Talk about trust…..most of the world leaders have for years proven themselved not trustworthy. We pay no attention to what they say but watch what they do. This goes for reporters as well as politicians. A little truth put into a capsule of propaganda filler makes for a poison pill to feed the public. We have watched you for years and your reports relate the truth of what you see. Your observations are proven out as history unfolds and we trust you. Although blogs have become a place of debate from left and right…your blog has provided us with truth from the ground in Georgia. And that is appreciated. It must be difficult to report real news as it happens to a world that has already made up its mind and thinks it knows more that you do….in spite of you being there and their not being there. Please never stop doing what you do so well…..reporting the events you observe as they unforld in front of you. And be careful while you are at it. Thank you Steve Harrigan and crew.

Every news program I see on this crisis makes the assumption that the US and its NATO allies can do nothing about the Russian invasion of Georgia.

Question – Is it not true that the country with the second largest army in NATO has a 100 mile border with Georgia? Is it not also true that Turkey has a major interest in the situation in Georgia since the pipelines that run through Georgia end up in Turkey? Further Turkey has strong ethnic and political ties with Azerbaijan and their only access to the Azeris is through Georgia. The three countries have had close ties for some time.

So why is there no news about or emphasis on the Turkish response to this and why are there not very public consultations between the Western European NATO members and President Erdogan of Turkey. Looking at the Turkish general staff website, they say they have a rapid response corps of 40,000 to 50,000 troops they can field in hours. Given the Turkish interests involved, it seems that they could have this force on the Georgian rapidly given just a bit of support from their NATO allies. Yet no one even seems to mention this.

Brian Redman conveniently overlooks the decades-old (Stalinist-origin) Russian policy of colonizing subject areas with ethnic Russians, just as the Chinese do with their policy of colonizing Tibet with Chinese settlers.

Such policies give cover to dictatorships to claim “self-determination” as an excuse to invade &/or otherwise intimidate the intended subject region, prior to outright annexation.

Hitler also used this excuse, did he not, with the “Anschluss” vis-a-vis Austria – granted, that Hitler exploited an existing sub-population of German-speakers there?

A passing glance at Russian history shows this pattern.

I found one of the comments here disturbing. “The Russians know America is on the ropes”; are you kidding? We are militarily stretched, but we are still the worlds preeminent economic and social power. We have a moral obligation to support Georgia (a solid ally in our time of need) during thier time of duress. Arm them, train them, sign a mutual defense treaty, push thier membership in NATO, whatever it takes. Heck, offer to let them join the union. At least they have a love of freedom and courage in the face of tyrrany.

Steve, be carefull and thanks for the reporting.

WWIII I am afraid, Russia will not stop, the US will probably stay out to avoid WWIII now, but then things will get worse and everyone will have to step in. China will support Russia along with Iran.

It is simply appalling to me that our country seems to be supporting Georgia. Russia is simply defending the rights of the Ossetians. How can I vote for either candidate when they both seem to support what seems to be a terrorist nation?

The Russian Bear is alive and feasting on its neighbors again. “Vlad” Putin is using the same arguments made by another mad dictator in demanding The Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia. Hitler wasn’t appeased then and Herr Putin won’t be contented now. Western Europe MUST decide now if they want to continue their relationship with the “Beast in the East” or stand up to them as they should have done in 1938 with the other butcher.

I’ve been reading news feed after news feed, opeds, and various other Georgia related articles over the past few days since this started. I’ve come to the conclusion that the Russians didn’t fair to well in this campaign. It follows classic Soviet doctrine, which is to launch a hasty campaign, launch an even more aggressive media campaign and hope the world sides with Russia. In both instances, it’s my opinion they came up short. I think Georgia played this one very well in the public eye. In fact, I also think Georgia really gave the Russian Army a run for its money.

Granted, Georgia was numerically outnumbered militarily. But this is not to say they didn’t inflict heavy casualties on the Russian forces. There’s a Georgian article I read, which makes mention of the Russian’s habit of hiding its casualties in order to maintain the appearance of strength. But in the past day or so, you really hadn’t heard much from either side. I suspect this is the point where commanders on the ground (Russia and Georgia) were making some pretty determined assessments of their force postures respectively. I think the Georgians seized many initiatives on Russia to include many areas in and around the capital. T’bilisi is surrounded by mountains and various other high ground to the north. All roads leading in from the north are very channelized and steep.
The south of town is mostly open plains and valley region.

The Georgians, well ahead of the Russian Army would have most likely taken these high positions and had all roads leading in to T’bilisi registered as targets for their main artillery pieces. They would have effectively trapped the Russians at their door step. Follow that with a few well placed demolitions on the Roki Tunnel in South Ossetia and you have a classic trap.

Politically, it would have been the “death blow” for Russia had they tried to take T’bilisi. The world community would have not stood for it and this is where I believe the US would have stepped in with direct support. This was a lose/lose for Russia. They’ve essentially lost credibility in the world arena and set themselves back to a cold war posture with respect to their intent with neighboring democratic regions. Essentially it was a bluff gone bad. A costly one at that.

1) I don’t care about John Edwards or Caylee Anthony. This is the big story of the year, and Fox news would rather gossip in its broadcasts. That’s why I hardly watch Fox anymore – too much gossip and no news.

2) To the guy with the mail order wife – put down the blindfold and read history. Sudetenland 1938. Nazi put in agitators there, and Putin did it to Georgia.

3) Honestly, look at the picture. Why would a small country of 4 million attack the superpower of the region? Honestly. Ethnic cleansing? No, the fact is that Russia has been provoking Georgia into a fight for 17 years. First by planting a colony of Russians, and then by adding agitators over time to keep the native populace off-balance. It’s like a bully that keeps shoving the small kid. Either the kid just hands over the lunch money, or he tries to man-up.

4) Georgia has given a tremendous commitment to us for a battle in which they had no true wherewithall and interest in Iraq. But they fought on our side to be on our side. And this is how we re-pay them.

If the current course continues, I will no longer be proud to be an American. Once again, the politicians let us down.

Brian Redman…….

If they are carrying Russian passports, maybe they need to move to Russia proper…Russia has no business entering and attacking a sovereign nation…there is a reason Reagan labeled them “an evil empire”…putin looks like a beady eyed man of lies…once a communist—always a communist….they are no good….

As I sit in my Moscow apartment and watch Russian state run television, I am reminded of how much crap our own Western press is full of. Sure Russia is angry and has something to prove and its propaganda machine is in full swing. However, why should this blind western nations to the fact that the Georgian president is a joke as far as being Democratic. He is similar to the corrupt Russian government, but he just happens to suck up to Bush. The dozens of Georgians I work with also hate the current Georgian administration. He won his “democratic” re-election by violently putting down the large opposition. But our press and politicos find it easier to look forward to the new cold war, which McCain seems to be gunning for, rather than questioning the blind support of an ally with no democratic head on hi shoulders.

Steve I am very confused at what is happening in Georgia? I have been watching Skynews from England and a reporter there on the front lines in Georgia say’s he hasn’t seen any Russians in Georgia at least not on the ground? He has disagreed with everything the Georgian president has said.
for example the apartments that were hit were collateral damage from the military base that was hit he said it was the only building hit and that is the only pictures being shown to the world but from differant angles. Please do everyone a favor and give an acurate view of what is going on? I for one want the truth and I know that you will give us that. Somehow it seems to me that someone is getting setup in this little war and I just hope it is not America. Good luck and please keep your head down.

This is one more game that we will get in to. How far we want to go, Only BUsh knows. Is not in off to play with peopels lifes. Let them do anything they want with thier little country. Like we care what happening in Africa, lets dont care what happaning in Georgia to. what H//////. There is more bad things happens in Africa but we dont do anything. Now we care about Georgia. Lafing what a minde game.

The question is the same. Why the Georgians want to control South Ossetia? Why are the Russians “invading” Georgia? or Why the Americans invaded Iraq?

Why are we being so soft on the Russians? What the &^%# is going on? This is a tragedy and we’re not responding. Where is Obama and his great judgement? All he could do was criticize John McCain. Now, there’s good foreign policy for ya. Are these people our friends or not? They need anti-tank weapons and some help. Putin is finally showing himself as the petty dictator that he is. We’ll pay a much larger price for playing nice with Russia the longer we turn a blind eye to this sort of ambitious butchery.

Putin is KGB all the way. Notice how quick he was able to mobilize equipment and troops? That’s because his plan was in place long before, he had them ready, he was just waiting for the right opportunity. He convinced Germany and France to block Georgia’s entry into NATO so that Georgia would remain vulnerable. Germany and France bent over to their shame. All the prior Soviet block countries better arm and ready themselves for the Grand Imperialistic Plans of Putin the Great as he sees himself. Russia’s pretentions to democracy are a joke, Putin plans to stay in power to recreate a Stalinistic vision of Glorious Russian Empire while he manipulates the Russian goverment behind the scenes like a puppet master. In any other country he would be the organized crime boss. Western companies that invest there will find their investments “nationalized” and their CEO’s threatened, until they flee the country. This is already happening. There is no law in Russia other than the law of the thug. Putin is laughing at the UN resolutions and diplomacy, what does he care? He is gambling that Europe is too timid and afraid to confront him, and the U.S. is too stretched fighting two wars. Europe is wringing its hands, the big appeaser, WWII taught them nothing. Putin is saying to the former Soviet block countries “Look, what good is NATO? You don’t want to belong to those European Union pansies, they will not protect you from Russia! Russia will do what it likes, when ever it likes, and you can’t stop us.”

Rob is correct in the role the new Soviet Union will play in the world. Unfortunately, we sit by, spending ourselves into our own socialist state…getting ready to elect a socialist president. Our debt is off the charts, we too are in a country we don’t need to be in. It’s foolish to tell Pooty poot to get out of Georgia when we are sitting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a waste of breath to tell Poootinn to leave when we have no backbone at home. What are we going to do, he’s there for control and oil? Paint some F-22’s NATO colors and kick some Russian butt? No…Not like Kosovo. I just hope that this military maneuver isn’t answered by another and another. This isn’t the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand is it?

Really plain and simple as far as I am concerned. I don’t believe that the U.S. should get involved (militarily) unless we have the support (and involvment) of another major ally (i.e. France, Germany, Australia, etc). I think it would be another suicidal stand-off that would get us no where. We have our hands in too many pots as it is and we could not back ourselves up with any “significant” threats to Russia without having to burn out our already burnt out troops here state side.
As for the following statement… “As time drags on, I am feeling that maybe he (Obama) is not ready to be Commander-and-Chief.” I am with you 100%!

whats the problem? i thought everyone praised russia and china? we’re the bad guys right? so whats the big deal here?

Very Sad on both parts Russians are killing people who are supporters of the USA and a that same time we are sensitive to ossentia its tine we back up our friends now

I think we should send a few Raptors over there and see if they are worth the money.

We are parying for you and yours.

Nope, I don’t really trust Putin. But I also have to question how this conflict got started, was there ANY calls to the UN by Georgia regarding Ossetia to begin with? It’s almost a case of the reporters/media not doing their homework. It seems very odd that Georgia would just out of the blue start shelling an area that has Russian interests, without expecting the probable weight of their full military coming against them. It’s kind of like one of my kids hitting the other kid but quickly following it up with “sorry!”. It just doesn’t work like that.

What would the US do if Mexico just lobbed a few shells into Texas? It wouldn’t be pretty, but at the same time I don’t see us bombing Mexico City and pushing them all into the Yucatan Peninsula.

Before we get involved, it would be good to see all the former USSR democracies (Poland, Chechs, Rumania, etc.) get together and in a uniform voice tell Russia that’s enough.

Col Peters nailed it today in both his column and in his interview on FOX this evening. Folks, having served 20 years in the Navy you do not react to an alleged violation is such a manner and in such short noticed as Russia did with such force without having planned this and stationing your military in such a manner to react this way. This appears to efficient to merely be a reaction to the allegations the Russians have made. I suspect this has been in the planning stages for some time and may have well been an entrapment staged by the Russian military. The amount of time it takes to get your military in position along with all the logistics needed to support such a large scale operation, to position your Navy, to brief your pilots of their targets, to station your Special Forces and paratroopers, and to get your tanks in position requires far more time then the 24 hours in which the atrocity accured to the point of such an overwhelming response. Please do not swallow everything you are hearing from the Russians. This was too staged of an event for their story to be true. Something really stinks in all of this.

Fox News did the public a disservice by not covering the escalation of the Georgian war until the morning of August 8th (US time).

On the night of 7-8 August Georgia launched an all out and certainly inhumane artillery and rocket attack on the city of Tskhinvali. Hundreds of civilians were killed literally over night. There was no warning, no offer to civilians to leave their homes before the fighting began. I watched on television as the Georgian commander, dressed in a digital uniform reminiscent of those of the USMC declared that Georgia was assaulting South Ossetia in order to “restore constitutional order.” IE- this was a full on war to correct the Georgian defeat of 1992.

Within days, the same Georgian army that had so wantonly slaughtered civilians and forced thousands more to flee their homes is in total disarray.

THESE are the kinds of allies our government has chosen? Not only murderously nationalistic but totally incompetent?

We have over a hundred U.S. advisers in the Georgian military in addition to the normal intelligence on Georgia’s military. How did we not see these events coming? Why did we not warn the Georgians? Further, the Russians must have had troops and tanks ramped up and ready to go, they reached the fighting in full battle order in less than half a day. Our intelligence sources MISSED this?

The whole Washington establishment, from top to bottom, from Langley, to State, to Pentagon, has absolutely no clue how to monitor world events let alone usefully shape U.S. policy. Neither McCain nor Obama promise any DC bloodletting for what becomes more apparent by the month is shameful mismanagement of America’s policy. They should.

Russia and Putin are showing their true colors. Ukraine will be next. Russia is like Saudi Arabia with nukes. We must work for energy independence or the Russians will have too much leverage.

First off, Steve and your brave crew pls be careful, your reporting is much appreciated. Second: Let there be NO question, Russia has ever been NOT America’s friend. We may have won the “Cold War” but a newer less noticed “War” is/has been ongoing since we “won”. At every turn in the almost worthless United Nations, Russia and usually China are always at odds with us. This should be no surprise and to those who are you are sadly ignorant or misinformed. Russia is simply absorbing Georgia, little bits at a time while the world cries foul, China will support Russia because sooner or later it will do the same thing to Taiwan and will need its support. Short of Armed intervention, or intervention with the penalty of serious repercussions(NOT UN Intervention) The Russia’s and China’s and Iran’s of the world will do what they want. The spineless “left” will support our staying out of these conflicts and urge the UN to handle it. No Steve, don’t risk too much, because unfortunately the majority in the US Govt as it sits right now WILL NOT do anything about the blatant aggression of he worlds thugs. They prefer to go on a 5 week vacation instead of addressing 4 dollar a gallon gas prices. They prefer to wait until the war in Iraq is here in our streets when it will be much much too late to do anything about it. Then they’ll cry foul and rant and rave and blame Bush(even though he’ll be out of office long by then). I am a military man, just a grunt in the war machine. Good luck Steve and please stay safe as you can.
Rich Ferrand, USN Retired, USNS Victorious

Rob, You hit the nail right on the head. Anyone who ever trusted the Russian leadership to change after the cold war is kidding themselves. They just ran out of money to fund their war machine and now after gobbling up natrual resources like the Georgian pipeline to fund what is left of their military. I have to say though, the Russians are looking as pathetic as usual, riding on the top of tanks wearing do-rags and no helmets. I expect they will take some serious casualties once the Georgians get some snipers in place or place some artillery on those idiots. I have a hunch that he Georgians are letting the Russian advance with out much trouble on purpose. Standard military tactics, draw out the enemies supply lines and then cut them off. I would not count the Georgian out yet on this one. They are not as stupid as some on these forms are making them out to be.

You should go to the capital of S.Ossetia and report on what happening there after georgians bombing for two plus nights. Also you should report at refugee camps in N.Ossetia where almost 30 000 people fled from georgians bombs.

Russia will never let the ossetians down as Georgia did. So there is no reason for it to move its troops out as they are there legally performing peacekeeping. And the S.Ossetia will never join Georgia , not after what had happen.

Also Georgia, even though it said that it stop bombing, it still has snipers and some troops that shoot innocent people that are trying to escape.

Finally, all the west media only reports what Georgia says not what Russia said. That is what is called biasing to pro US country, but ignoring real facts.

Russia is risking world peace by continuing this aggression into Georgia proper. They’re trying to reignite the Cold War, recapture their lost empire, and the US must respond. We know from history, you cannot appease a bully like Putin.

As the South Vietnamese, Iraqi Marsh Arabs, Somali civilians, or anti-Castro rebels might have reminded Georgia, counting on the US to fight your battles for you does not guarantee a happy ending.

So what possible motive could the two combatants have for gleefully entering into this ridiculous brawl? In prior decades I’d have said ‘Follow the money’. Given Georgia’s position smack between the Caspian basin and the energy-hungry markets of Europe, I now say ‘Follow the oil’.

Georgia isn’t our “ally” – we have no mutual defense treaty with them. Georgia is our client state, promoted by Bush to get some participation in his Iraq adventure.
Last week, our client went off on its own adventure into Ossetia. Big mistake. Not my problem.

Georgia is a beacon of democracy and freedom in a unstable and dysfunctional region. What Russia is doing is nothing short of an invasion, intent on crushing this small independent nation. We the west must defend the Georgian People and prevent the Kremlin from destroying this loyal ally. The United States of America and the indeed the West as a whole must must abandon their hollow words to Russia and instead forcefully demand an immediate withdrawl of troops and cessation of bombing, especially in Tbilisi or else make the Kremlin face the consequences of their genicidal actions.

We must stop the wounded animal of Russia, an outdated relic of times and ideologies past from devouring this fragile democratic nation.

Fox News needs to start investigating why the US worlds intellegence services were taken by surprise with the Russian invasion of Georgia ……Again.
It is interesting to note that the CIA was “surprised” by the USSR in ‘56 Hungary and’ 68 Chekoslovokia. Not to mention the Soviet invatision of Afganistan in ‘79. Sadly the Agency appears to be running to form.

So, once again, Kosovo II, or obviously another chapter in the building of the 2nd USSR, this time visible at your finger tips, TV, phone etc… If the stories are true of Georgian atrocities, why would they do that? More importantly, do we know they were Georgian troops? Cause we know we can trust the Russians, right? What of the forward positioning of the intended radar stations etc.. meant to ward off an Iranian warhead etc?? And why would the Russians oppose these, and threaten them with possible military action? Are they going to stop here? Is it any wonder why Putin is not the “Pres” any longer, and the Prime Minister (now, able to be behind the scenes more).. The Ukraine has threatened to blockade the Russian navy from using it’s ports, if it doesn’t pullout of Georgia. Would the Ukraine be able to stop a Russian attack? Would anyone in the world even care to jump in? No, let’s just appease, make nice, and do our best to forget? In the mean time Russia is becoming more and more chummy with Iran and Syria. So, what lies beneath this? Centuries of oppression, restrictions on Christianity, religion… Just a blaten disregard for freedom, liberty and the God given right of every man, woman and child alive, to pursue happiness. I personally believe that’s worth the fight, no matter what nationality who happen to be. The problem!! Politicians, come in and muddy the water, spin the truth to their advantage, that’s why you haven’t heard from Obama, Leonard.

The Russians are waging a very sophisticated information campaign. I recommend everyone simply go to the BBC website and view the actual footage there. A lot of planning went into this Russian attack. Make no mistake, they were ready to go on the slimmest of pretests.

As a PhD. in history I find the parallel with Poland in 1939 or Czechoslovakia in 1938 eerily similar. Remember, both the Nazis and the Japanese fabricated pretexts for all their aggressive invasions in WW II. Another year also seems similar, the period of globalization I when Austria-Hungary used the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand as a pretext for war with Serbia over Bosnia–that led to the worst conflict in human history, the 30 years World War. What is fascinating is that the Ossetians are not even ethnically slavic. The Ossetians are being cynically used by Moscow in order to expand Russian influence and power in the region. It’s as simple as that. The Russians are doing the same in Abkhazia. Santayana was right. this always seems to happen to the West. China’s response will be interesting given her own problems with restive regions and persecuted populations.
john
historian and retired officer

Boy am I confused with two different versions! First, Brain Redman (his wife is Ossetian) heard that “It would appear Georgia is intent on doing ethnic cleansing of South Ossetia.” and he felt Russia did the right thing. (see AUgust 11 at 11:03 am) But another version is made by Rob (see August 11 at 1:59 PM). He stated that, “Since I live in Moscow I can tell you have badly Georgians have been treated over the past several years here. I have seen random searches in restaurants for Georgians living in Moscow without proper document.” Which side should I believe??

Remember the Russian brutality in Chechyna; they’ll do the same to Georgia. For a broader perspective of history, research how brutal the Russians were in Dagistan, and how the Russkies committed total ethnic cleansing of millions of people. A Russian is a Russian is a Russian; why on earth are they issuing Russian passports to South Ossettians? The ONLY way to counteract Russian brutality is not Cold War Number Two, but Real War Number One with them.

The silly rhetoric surrounding this issue including the Bear Metaphor (you might want to include the Dragon also) are not going to prevent the events that are unfolding at the moment between the United States and the Emerging (one could say re-emerging in the case of Russia) superpowers of EurAsia.

As an American I am deeply concerned about the geopolitical climate that is evolving from our unholy alliances and disingenuous promotion of democracy. As a nationalist I am quite concerned by our pavlovian support of a foreign interest in its effort to expand its own sphere of influence beyond its ability. National Security is the primary objective of the United States and social freedoms should never have been affected by the efforts of the Military to protect our country. In the United States it is the military and not the politicians who keep us safe from real danger and they have no interest in trampling on the constitution. After this administration is over I would prefer that the Top Brass grow some big ones (or at least flex the big ones they have) and prevent our politicians from entangling us in new foreign wars that will create an even greater security and economic mess than we currently have.

Back To Topic:
Georgia is gone and will not be returning anytime soon, Russia is at the beginning of its rise in the geopolitical hierarchy and Israel will no longer be able to proxy the US interests in the Middle East. China has already established an entangling alliance with Brazil, Russia, and India and will no longer be pandering to our established position as the sole superpower any longer as it opens new markets independent of our US corporations and expands its military capabilities.

Why do I care? Why do I respond to the current news about Georgia in this manner? Well, its simple, I am concerned about my People (Americans from the USA, that come in all Colors, Shapes, Sizes, and Ancestry) who have been hijacked by a small group of Rich Globalists who are not loyal to this country and believe that we exist to serve their world wide aspirations for a feudalistic world government controlled by so called “elites” and “intelligentsia” who are neither elite nor intelligent.

The time to stop pushing the envelope is now! As a nation we need to stop writing checks we can’t cover and picking fights with nations that can fight back.

My Prediction:
Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, get SSN’s from Russia, Saudi’s, Egyptians, and Jordanians follow suit with a mix of US and Russian military equipment including Nuclear Weapons.

End Result (no, not nuclear annihilation) but a complete loss of influence in one of the most energy rich parts of the globe and a complete humiliation of our people as we have to take it on the chin every time we fill our car with gas so we can go to work to pay for all of this adventuring about on behalf of our so called foreign friends.

E pluribus unum “Out of many, one”

Everybody wait we are the USA !!!! Do you realy want to stand toe to toe

May GOD be with you stay safe

the actions of russia are just unspeakable. georgia is constantly calling for a cease fire and russia refuses to release their aggression. the UN has called an emergency meeting about this and i don’t know what’s going to happen. things could hit the fan real soon here in the next couple of weeks. the UN must be decisive and strategic about this so world war doesn’t break out.

The United Nations (UN) reaction to this crisis is not surprising. The UN is clearly an empty shell just like the League of Nations of old. Putin needs his head handed to him on a platter.

Steve, does anyone have any news about the US Troops that are located there in Georgia? My brother is one of them and we’d like to know when they will be getting out of there.

Once again another conflict rooted in the quest for oil. Way to go W!

looks like Russia is at it again. they are taking oil and land. unlike the the U.S. , they will not fix things and give it back.
also where is the U.N. the bunch of cowards.

Most of you people should really step back from your “US vs. them” presumptions and see the big picture. The possibly most important elections in your history are near. The whole world hopes you’ll vote with your brains this time. Obama has so far reacted appropriately, McCain has not.

Remember this FACT: this misadventure was launched by Georgian president Saakashvili, and that on the eve of Olympic games. This guy is a liability and we should never allow his country into NATO. If USA is not smart enough (under Bush/McCain, of course), my country will vote against it. For a better understanding of this conflict, please read at least the Time’s article “Analysis: Georgia’s major miscalculation?”

There are bigger things at stake here than Georgia’s territorial integrity. And no, it’s not democracy or freedom. None of the players cares about that, not even Saakashvili, or else he wouldn’t violently crack down on his political opponents back in 2007.

Dear Americans – you have free access to all the information you need to see the big picture. Start reading. PS: World war I was started by superpowers with grudges against each other, after an incident in one tiny “irrelevant” country gave them an excuse.

This invasion is just like Hitler’s invasion in WWII. It doesn’t matter who started it as the prior events are only the pretext for the Russian invasion.

Words by politicians now are just the dog barking after the fight has started… useless, no help, and lies to support each sides view. There is no reality for a politician.

US and European aid – Georgia can only hope. Russia’s timing of this invasion was well conceived. The Olympics, US election, oil fears and weak European leadership.

The US citizens who bother to be concerned about this war will be 50/50 on helping. But, hopefully the 50 percent in favor will sway the US government to stand up to ‘this little Hitler’ – Putin. George Bush will stand up… but will the US Congress support him?

Presidential hopeful McCain – maybe, but Obama – no way in Hell will he take a strong stand for Georgia.

The fear of all outside the region of Georgia are fearful that a military confrontation between the US and Russia can not be contained. Russia is weak compared to the US military might but Russia is just stupid enough to expand the fight out side the region.

Hopefully, some leadership will emerge and help save the Georgian democracy. Hopefully, as well, Georgia citizens will not become Kosovo barbarians and make the world say Russia was correct by invading.

may god be with you steve and all the others covering this too.i think maygog i mean russia is trying to see just how much they can push us and we are faltering i should hope other countries would step up to the plate.russia is on the same agenda hitler once was.we can not wait to long to help.i am shure we have a good leader even though some may disagree they just wish he was a dem with the same attitude and faithful to his wife .a good god fearing man in peace and war with strong convictions.we must stand with our hounerable friends or fall as cowards.

Here comes the Soviet Union again. Let the end days bagin…

militant islam started ww3 and now russia started cold war 2….very cool…those chinese fireworks were nothing compared to this stuff mixed in with a stew of global warming and a worldwide food shortage…things are finally getting really interesting…

This invasion is just like Hilter’s invasion in WWII. It doesn’t matter who started it as the prior events are only the pretext for the Russian invasion.

Words by politicians now are just the dog barking after the fight has started… usless, no help, and lies to support each sides view. There is no reality for a politictian.

US and European aid – Georgia can only hope. Russia’s timing of this invasion was well conceived. The Olympics, US election, oil fears and weak European leadership.

The US citizens who bother to be concerned about this war will be 50/50 on helping. But, hopefully the 50 percent in favor will sway the US government to stand up to ‘this little Hilter’ – Putin. George Bush will stand up… but will the US Congress support him?

Presidental hopeful McCain – maybe, but Obama – no way in Hell will he take a strong stand for Georgia.

The fear of all outside the region of Georgia are fearful that a military confrontation between the US and Russia can not be contained. Russia is weak compared to the US military might but Russia is just stupid enogh to expand the fight out side the region.

Hopefully, some leadship will emerge and help save the Georgan democracy. Hopefully, as well, Georgia citizens will not become Kosvia barbaians and make the work say Russia was correct by invading.

Please Steve…you and the others with you….Stay safe…..NO story is worth coming home in a body bag….

Folks, getting foreign leaders together to do anything positive is pretty near impossible…’bout like getting our dems and reps to vote together in the best interests of the US.
I don’t know what the result will be, but I don’t like it. I haven’t liked Putin from the get-go and that has not changed. I believe him to be an old-time hard-liner who has just been biding his time.
Our prayers go up for all those caught in this maelstrom, for protection, for a quick end…..for God’s will to be done……………
Remember, the fight is against principalities of the air…..not just man…..
God bless,
Nana

Do we know the facts of Georgian attack on South Osseitia! Why Russia attacked? It’s all geo-politics now, but I’m proud of Russia for protecting Ossetian’s from slaughter and genocide, everything else comes secondary.. Yes, that is what is was, genocide, as I have 1 hand accounts from people in Tskhinvaly. Check the timing of Georgian attack, first day of Olympics. Prior that day Saakashvili scheduled peace talks so everyone relaxed, hoping there will be no attack on the small city 1 mile long. There was no shelling to provoke on that day to provoke Georgians. This was a carefully planned operation to invade South Ossetia. But you don’t know that, and your media will not report it. The truth is hidden and the reports are very biased. They will not say there were acts of genocide, of course, western reportes don’t want to see how the entire city of Tskhivaly is wiped out from the face of this eath in 12 hr after Georgian bombardment. “democracy Operation”. If you are honest, please do a little more research to the issue. I was never to happy with Russian potitics, but this time it’s not politics, they saved the nation, and you won’t admit that. BWT. This was a 3rd attempt by Georgians to exterminate Ossetians within last 100 years.

How can our president justify not taking military action to defend a democratically elected government that is begging for our help? We need to act and act now, other wise the war on terror is completly meaningless. Please keep safe and keep reporting if it is safe to do so, the world needs to know. If this leads to a new US/Russia stand off so be it, but morally the US must defend the nation of Georgia or we have failed Democracy and should lower our flags and use the defeated nation salute.

This is just a play by Putin to keep as many former Soviet states from joining Nato as possible. Really bad on the Georgians at this point. Keep safe, Steve. I have always enjoyed your posts but have likewise always worried about you guys and your safety.

It has been a long time since we have had to watch the USSR, formerly known as Russia, storm through a sovereign nation. You don’t move that many troops that quickly without some serious preparation. This was a set up and don’t expect NATO, the EU or the UN to do anything about it. I can hardly wait to see which domino will fall next.

For all of those too young to remember–welcome to the cold war!

Don’t trust them; don’t believe them. Its what I learned as a child about the old Soviet Empire. Reagan put it simply; the evil empire. Perhaps; perhaps not but the Russian Bear has awoken and to treat them as a dissolved power is incorrect. Russia is bent on regaining former glory, we must treat them like the 80’s a power needing to be contained but confronted everytime it tries to move out of its block.

Both sides are guilty: Georgian president ordered invasion of South Ossetia, killed hundreds of civilans and destroyed provincial capital. Putin saw his chance to subdue Georgia. Looks like 2 dictators are fighting it out. If Hague tribunal brings them to justice (in fantasy land) both will share the bench.
Reuters gives excellent account of this: http://www.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUSLB4099020080811

If you stay there Steve – be impartial.

The truth, as it often happens, is a bit more complicated than it seems. Russia generally speaking had some right to enter Georgia under the circumstances. Ok, it used it as a pretext, but still this is a valid pretext. There are still no bombing of pipeline and no massive bombing of civilians (albeit Gori was severly damaged). The time will show, but … hmm … if US can bomb serbs for killing civilians why cannot Russia use force to protect them as well? Georgia used artillery against its civilians after all. Or did it?

The problem is that Georgia by itself created an opportunity for Russia by launching a massive attack right after declaring unilateral ceasefire and right before peace negotiations. The problem is that it should’ve been pretty clear to Georgian government that Russia will react and knowing Russia the reaction was pretty predictable. Hence the question – why Georgia made such a big mistake?

Dont underestimate the situation in the region. Despite all governments georgian and osetin hate each other. They commited war crimes against each other 15 years ago, boiled enemy soldiers, shot women and children. Ath this (like in Serbia) was happening on both sides. The tensions are pretty high and it is quiet plausible that osetin would prefer to be a part of russia rather than georgia – the lesser of two evils from their perspective. (Yes, russians dont like to put it mildly neither georgians nor osetins, and mostly cannot tell a difference, but they might look like a lesser evil)

Russia is trying to achieve its own strategic goal (replacing a pro-american president with a pro-russian one) that definitely is frowned upon by US government, but this is not exactly a criminal goal. The methods might be, but the goal by itself makes a perfect sense (for russia). So the problem is – will Russia do things that can be considered war crimes or not, or at least as a war against a sovereign nation (like taking over its cities). As long as it does not it all seems just like a more or less justified military operation.

I think it’s important to point out that it was the Georgians who struck South Ossetia first. The Georgians started this war. They violated a treaty from the 1990’s whereby South Ossetia was granted autonomy and Russia sent in a peacekeeping force. The Russians went in to defend Southern Ossetians, most of whom are Russian citizens. The Georgians have slaughtered as many as 1500 civilians.
The US is foolish to support Georgia in a war of ethnic cleansing just to maintain an oil pipeline.
This is exactly the kind of idiotic foreign policy that is getting us into all kinds of problems.
This is the kind of conflict which could mushroom out of control. Already Ukraine is rushing to send more military aid to Georgia and thousands of Russian volunteers are joining the army to go fight Georgia.
The US is just nuts to consider making Georgia a member of NATO, Georgia is on their southern border and it’s a provocation. The cold warriors in Washington had better rethink their policies towards Russia. Another cold war is going to be the result, perhaps that’s what they want.
What a pity that our nation is being led by idiots.

Soon, Russia will align itself with the muslim nations and invade Israel and then Europe will join the battle and save Israel but we know as Christian’s that they too will rule them. But the goodnews is “Jesus” the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord’s will come, with All of His Might and Power and save His chosen people.

Russia has never been an alli nor do we want them to be. I pray all the journalists are carful and that freedom prevails in Georgia. Every sensible person knows that Russia does not support freedom or Democracy. We should give all the support we can to the Georgian military short of sending in troops. Lets not forget Putins stand on defeating the U.S..

I think the russians should blow the crap out of georgians!!!! If someone came into our country and attacked our citizens we would nuke em but no we back the wrong people as always. America needs to stay out of other peoples business. Go get them “Russia”.

Not only has the Bear emeged, but he is using a playbook used by the Nazis, against th Chech’s in the Sudetenland. We are going in to protect the ethic Germans in Sudetenland. The Checks are committing attrocities against them. Just Change the Germans to the Russians, and the Chech’s to the Georgians. History repeats itself.

Whatever freedoms existed in the USSR, are certainly dead, and the old Bear is making a big noise.
Cold or maybe Hot War here we go again.

Brian, I am not sure about which side is completely right but I do know that what you are saying about Ossatians with Russian passports is only half true. They are there because they were sent there many years ago by the Soviet Union to populate their satlellite regions in order to maintain control. If that is true, then they don’t have a legitimate right to be there if the Georgians don’t want them there. On the other hand, there should never be ethnic cleansing. Who was better at that then the Soviet Union. Joe Stalin was Georgian by the way.
My wife is Russian and we are watching this unfold too. We both know that Putin is trying to recreate the Soviet Union and their military power.

I agree with you, Leonard Hoke, Obama IS NOT ready to be the leader of the United States.

Steve-

I hope you are staying safe and are aware of all surroundings. You efforts covering this breaking news story are well appriciated. You are a true journalist, and i am glad you are part of the FNC team. You should be comended for your valiant and bravery.

Take Care.

Thank you Steve for your reporting..becareful.I know the peoples of the whole region have been virtualy under the gun for many decades before and after ww2.I don’t know what needs to be done there, but i understand the need for ethinic groups to feel they have a say in their government,their ways of worship,control of their daily lives.It seems to be the case here of an unfornate ethinic group realy just caught up in a border dispute with russia. I know ossientians want to unite with there brothers in south russia, but appears russia is just using this as an excuse to get their old satellite nations back in line. Maybe another U.S.S.R. in the making? With Putin as the supreme ruler?

Hey Steve-

I hope you are staying safe and are aware of all surroundings. You efforts covering this breaking news story are well appriciated. You are a true journalist, and i am glad you are part of the FNC team. You should be comended for your valiant and bravery.

Take Care.

Welcome to the U.S.S.R. 2.0.

Putin has accomplished most of what he has wanted since he took power. Nationalization of the Oil & Gas industries, ousting of political and economic rivals (if not outright murder of them), restricted freedom of the press… all media is now state media, silenced (i.e. murdered) journalists who spoke out against Putin’s government and all in all, reveresed any democratic reforms that may have been made over the last 20 years.

Additionally, Moscow having provoked the situation by giving passports to these two separatists regions to give the Russians the pretext that Georgians are attacking Russian citizens.

Did we suddenly forget the threats, attacks (cyber attacks to former Soviet republics), and economic muscle flexing (shutting of the oil to Europe)? This my friends, is the U.S.S.R. 2.0. What we are seeing in Georgia is another Afghanistan (the USSR one, not the current USA one). Does anyone remember Chechnya? Estonia?

Apparently is not OK for the Chechnyans to break away from Russia, but its ok for Ossentia and the othe provice to do so from Georgia… with overwhelming Russian support.

Russia has, and continues, to lie at every opportunity. On the surface they will talk, but actions speak louder than words. I believe a Russian general said they had no plans to open up another front from the other province and did so just a few hours later. Lies lies lies, that’s all the Russians have given the rest of the world for over a 100 years.

Russians cannot shake their paranoia. First Genghis Khan driving barbarian tribes across the face of the Russian territories, then Napolean, then Hitler. This is a deep culture paranoia that will only bring destruction on their heads, yet again.

It is absolutely clear that Russia is attacking Georgia because of it’s pro-Western stance, and it’s strategic energy position.

You can not deploy 20K troops, tanks and aircraft carriers on 5 minutes notice.

I do not know whether Georgian’s “provoked” this, but at best, the response is “disproportianate” as mentioned.

McCain has had the right calling to hold the line against Russia, and Bush, nor Obama had done so. The Cold War continued, and it has just escalated.

The US and West must hold the line against Russia. We must not lose Georgia.

Rob,

Your comments on Russia are right on .. they haven’t changed and I wouldn’t trust them for a second. Putin is an old KGB guy intent on reforming the soviet union.

Russia did the right thing by aiding the Ossetians. HOWEVER, they are going WAY too far and needs to back off for a bit. Whoever made that coment about Obama keeping quite. GREAT POINT!!! He is not ready to be a leader and this proves it.

Russia does not have any concern about citizens of Ossetian. They see it as an excuse to stop Georgia from running a pipline that Russia could not control, aswell as intimidating them so they stop their Plea to become part of NATO, they are seeing how far they can push seeing now that Europe now depends on them for 25% of their oil. Dependancy can allow them to do as they please before they cross that line. It’s just amazing to me that this day of age men will allow such oppression, criminalism so thay can pay less at the pump. I pray for those victims and I pray for those who are willing to turn their backs on them. The Russian Govt. are thugs with power of their country. Their just trash. When the smell gets too bad, sooner or later the trash gets taken out.

Thanks for your first-hand report, Steve. It brought back memories of you by the western border of Iraq a few years ago.

I studied Russian for three years when I was at Northwestern in the early 1960’s. My teachers were from Moscow and Leningrad. They were good teachers, nice people. My third-year teacher reminded me of Putin — tough, firm, no-nonsense.

Unless there is UN, EU, and US intervention, I’m afraid Russian will win this battle. US troops on the ground in Georgia would be the strongest signal to Russian troops to back off. A limited war, most likely, will break out. But I don’t think the Russians want that to happen. They will lose.

Remember, the Russians have bullied other countries for years. I had hoped that had stopped two decades ago, but it hasn’t. So it is time to give Russia a tough dose of reality.

George Spink
Los Angeles

The russian propoganda machime is in full motion. It is always someone else that is the aggressor against the poor russians. Russia needs to get on their side of the border and stay out of the Georgian(and every other countries) business. The russians never could be trusted and never can be trusted.The expansionist ways continue. The comment about supplying stingers and tows are a step in the right direction. This might end up going nuclear.

Rob, I don’t know that this is going to start Cold War II. I worry that this is going to start a hot war. We have 130K troops in Iraq ready to go that the Iraqi’s don’t want there it seems. I can’t believe that Bush would allow a total Russian victory here. Allowing the pacification of the Georgians would be a grave error in judgment of the US and Europe. Seriously, anyone remember what happened in ‘38 with Austria? Lets go one step further and say ‘39 with Poland.
There are of course wounds that cut deep between these two countries and the people within them but, regardless of all that, it feels a whole lot like Russia playing the bully card for no other reason than to test the resolve of the west. Sadly, they seem to be getting the answer they were looking for. Maybe it is time for the west to grow a spine and fight back a little bit? Maybe the inclusion of 100,000 US troops and 5000 M1A1’s and M1A2’s would be enough to get their attention. It would sure scare the hell right out of me.

I am a native New Yorker but my eight-year old daughter, who was born in Brooklyn and is an american citizen, was in Tbilisi, Georgia until this morning. She had been visiting her grandmother for her summer break from school. She was evacuated, with her grandmother, as part of the US Embassy convoy to Armenia this morning (August 11th). Fortunately the US Embassy did a good job of getting them out safely and we are very appreciative and thankful for all there help. However, for various reasons neither my wife or I can fly to Armenia and pickup our daughter and bring her home. It is unlikely the USA will grant my mother-in-law a visa to escort my daughter to the USA. Under these circumstances I cannot underestimate the importance of my mother-in-law being permitted to escort my child back to the USA. If anyone has any pull with the US State Department and can assist us in securing a temporary visa for my mother-in-law to escort our daughter to the USA and back to us we would really appreciate it. Also, we have heard from people in Tbilisi that Russian tanks are on the outskirts of Tbilisi, the capital city, so it looks like a full scale invasion and occupation is underway. There is no doubt in the minds of anyone very familiar with the situation and history there that the Russians are intent on crushing the fledgling democracy of Georgia. If you can help or have any advice please contact us at ilojg@hotmail.com. By the way, I have met Steve Harrigan in Miami and wish him good luck and safety.

Russia’s attack on Georgia, and it’s proclaimed justification in doing so, are a direct parrallel to Hilter’s efforts in reclaiming the Sudetenland in 1938.

For the United States and NATO to stand by while Putin (remember he headed the KGB) directs the invasion of a neighboring country is no less shameful than Chamberlain’s sellout of Czechoslovakia.

It is high-time that Putin’s dreams of re-establishing the glory days of the Soviet Union are brought down.

Send in the B-2s and F117s.

Dear Rob,

you do not understand anything at all. Your desicision to leave Russia is a right one however as you are open enemy of Russia.

Conflict between Georgiand and Ossetians is more than 200 hundreds years old.

Saakashvilli wiped out Ossetian vlillages last Friday. He killed kids, womens and elderly. He is worse than Hitler. But he hides behind word “democracy”.

If you come to my house and kill my kids but will say that you a for freedom and democrasy and want to join NATO does it mean that I should let you go ?

Rob, Yes or No ?

where`s dick cheney hiding now when Georgia needs him most, or are him and w just to busy counting there profits from there oil adventures to help in this massacre .what happend to supporting our allies.

Once again, the barbarians are at the gates. Did anyone actually think a militaristic Russia…the biggest bully on the block…would ‘change its spots’? Nyet! A bully by any other name is still…..
a bully!

Obama…Commander-in-Chief…I don’t think so!!

The “Bear” has emerged from it’s long hibernation and is finally exposing it’s real self to the world. Russian retoric is not surprisingly remenicient of the Soviet period which Putin says was the greatest single mistake of the 20th century. Russia cannot be believed and certainly cannot be trusted. The Euros who have made themselves dependent on Russian oil and gas should be seriously worried. Since I live in Moscow I can tell you have badly Georgians have been treated over the past several years here. I have seen random searches in restaurants for Georgians living in Moscow without proper documents. I am leaving Russia and I will never return. I don’t care to stay in a country that attacks it’s neighbors using their “peacekeeping” role as the justification. Let “Cold War II” begin! It’s time the west went back to isolating Russia and the untrustworthy Russians can go back to being the belligerants again. Life was simpler then……we knew we couldn’t trust them and kept them at an arms length. Let’s go back to that strategy.

Steve – Be careful! Your writing is descriptive enough to keep me captivated by what you see happening in Georgia. But, I know you are taking risks for us and FoxNews. You are in my prayers!

Here we have naked aggression of the scale of the scale of the USSR invasions of Hungary and Chekoslovakia and once agin NATO and the UN are impotent. Where’s the worlds return on their “international community” investment?

My wife is of Russian heritage and I have been following this story for four days. I should be working in the yard but I can not break away. I have heard the Presidents comments and those of John McCain. However, Barak Obama’s silence this morning is really unnerving. I realize he is on vacation and that he released a statement a few days ago, but with todays events of Russia pushing further into Georgia how/why is he still silent? I thought maybe he was waiting a few hours, but I certainly thought he would comment by noon today. As time drags on, I am feeling that maybe he is not ready to be Commander-and-Chief.

As an ally of ours, the U.S. should give the Georgians an emergency shipment of TOW anti-tank & Stinger shoulder fired surface-air missles to help balance things out, also our 2,000 troops in Georgia should protect Tiblisi & their President, then we’ll see how bold Putin really is about all this.