[microgood]

How much that resolution was worth became apparent in 2007 and early 2008 when the United States and the major European Union governments pressed for Kosovo’s independence without Belgrade’s consent and—once again—without UN Security Council authorization. Moscow warned at the time that such action would set a dangerous international precedent; countries as diverse as China, India, Indonesia, Spain and Greece expressed the same concern. Most ominously, Russian officials specifically cited Abkhazia and South Ossetia as places where the Kosovo precedent could apply.

We cannot say they didn't warn us.

[griswold3]

interesting

[kronos77]

[webrover]

"Russia has now demonstrated that two can play the game of using military force against another country to detach discontented ethnic enclaves."

That pretty much says it. NATO, with its sanctimonious and false self righteousness had no business in the Balkans. This proved that the intentions of NATO and its eastward expansion were not benign and harmless.

Sure Putin is a thug and a predator. But now he holds the winning hand. Without US muscle, NATO is nothing. They will do nothing.

In truth, good relations with Russia is more important than our relationship with any so called NATO allie. That's only my opinion. But there was no reason for this to occur, except for the ineptness of the West. This phony self righteousness and sanctimonious fantasy that we have the right to bring "democracy", even if it puts mortal enemies of civilization in power will kill us.

The more our leaders talk regarding this situation, the more they embarrass themselves. The empty huffing and puffing puts us in greater danger. Because meaningless statements eliminate credibility and invite aggression.

[Tailgunner Joe]

Russia said the recognition of Kosovo’s independence was illegal. So if it was illegal, then where is the legal precedent?

[Tailgunner Joe]

quasi-democratic Georgia’s territorial integrity is sacrosanct while fully democratic Serbia’s is not.

Serbia fully democratic? Isn't Serbia run by Socialists including the party of the mass-murderer Slobodan Milosevic himself? Does the party who got the most votes in the last election run Serbia?

[TigersEye]

Why should the U.S. play trading cards games with Russia over Kosovo when Serbia isn't keen on Russia's play in Georgia?

Moscow’s Actions in Georgia Have Undermined Russia’s Ties with Serbia