The Russians have a legitimate sphere of influence in the region. They have legitimate security concerns...Chechneya is right next door. So is Azerbaijan. Iran and Syria directly south of these.
The US should just stay out of this.
“The US should just stay out of this.”
Until when? Hasn’t history taught us that we really need to keep on top of Russian expansionism?
What if they decide they want “protect Russian citizens” in Estonia, a NATO member, next?
We probably told Russia to get with it....
Russia is not just bombing Georgia, they are invading Georgia. Huge difference between this and Serbia...and we were not morally justified in what Clinton did in Serbia. so there is no moral justification.
In addition, Georgia has been a very strong and steadfast supporter of us in the War against the Islamic Jihad. They have a large contingent in Iraq (2400 troops) and have been our ally. We cannot afford to allow them to just be trodden under by the Russians...and neither can Europe.
If we do, then we will embolden Russia (under that former KGB nut, Putin) to look for even more of the former Soviet glory and wherew will he look next?
No, IMHO, we have to support Georgia and make it clear that there will be a huge cost to Russia if they continue offensive operations against Georgia.
There are all kinds of material and logistic support we can give Gerogia to make it very difficult and very costly for Russia, and IMHO we should do so.
Sat info, AEW help, intelligence, defensive weapons systems, etc., etc.