So, Russia can’t prevail unless we stand down, right?
That makes me nervous.
I am not at all sure how you reached this conclusion, at least from my little narrative.
Because I don't think Russia will prevail either way.
I think the USA will quietly equip the Georgian army as well as send in a few military "teachers". I think that very quietly those Russian military guys, who are stealing copper pipe, did you hear this?....will be blipped off easily.....one by one given a ticket to freedom, given some money, or maybe some vodka to warm the chill nights.
In time I think the pitiful Russian force will wane and Georgia will assume control of the country.
Putin was desperate and hey, his ploy might work. As others on this thread have said, Dubya's on the job and someday he, and Cheney, won't be. Obama would probably give Putin Tiblisi and throw in Sacramento for good measure.
I think Putin will lose with this battle.
There's also the possibility that the Russians will die laughing at the sight of the Georgian President's hair. It's a longshot but keep it in mind.