Russian Ships Steam Toward Georgia as Conflict Grows

http://www.bloombrg.com ^ | August 9, 2008 | By Paul Abelsky and Alex Nicholson

[Maelstorm]

Tell Pelosi she won't be saved by lower gasoline prices before Christmas. We really need make a move or this is going to get even worse. I saw the Russian UN ambassador and he was talking like someone who is in this for the long haul. Georgia is one of our strongest allies. We need to move ships or fly in plans to nearby airfields something to offer a show of force to give Russia and Putin pause. We don't want all out war but if it comes to it we may have to intervene. This seems to be a calculated move to keep Oil prices high worldwide which benefits Russia and also take advantage of the Olympics, the congressional recess. I think President Bush would be wise to call Congress back to work. I don't understand why he hasn't with such a serious turn of events. He also should leave the Olympics and come home. I saw his speech but he really needs to do more. Right now even with the strong language it appears that we are going to stand by and let Russia beat the crap out of Georgia.

[SpaceBar]

The Oily Tracks Running Through Kosovo

Michael Savage
November 30, 1999

[oceanagirl]

If we let the Russians “beat the crap out of Georgia” then the market value friendship or alliance with the U.S. will plummet, as will the number of friends and allies that we can count on if the going gets tough.

That's not a situation that we need, but taking on the Russians at the same time as Sadr, the Taliban and the nut in Iran will be a very, very difficult task. I wouldn't expect too much help from the Euros, though. They're already dependent on Russian gas.

[blam]

I’ve lived through the entire Cold War...

At this late date, I could still die from Russian nukes.

[Lijahsbubbe]

I don't understand why he hasn't with such a serious turn of events.I had the same thoughts. Why is he spending time in that communist cesspool for some sports games? I see no good reason for it.

[Finalapproach29er]

What are we waiting for?

Possession is 9/10’s of the law and the russkie bastards are trying to take over.

Is our government really this stupid?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I have a desk I can cower under....it’s pretty sturdy!

[Lijahsbubbe]

Oops, should read:

I don't understand why he hasn't with such a serious turn of events.

I had the same thoughts. Why is he spending time in that communist cesspool for some sports games? I see no good reason for it.

[Chgogal]

We here in the US had better get real serious about developing ALL our own natural resources in a wise and intelligent manner. The bad guys are getting real serious. Europe is in danger of becoming a Russian Puppet.

[blam]

"I have a desk I can cower under....it’s pretty sturdy!"

LOL. I thought my 'duck & cover' days were done.

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

And better do it !PDQ!...

[Chgogal]

“EU foreign ministers will meet early next week to discuss ways to resolve the crisis, French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s office said in an e-mailed statement from Paris yesterday.”

This turn of events affects Europe much more seriously than it does us. Europe should be up in arms about this. But they are not. It is time that Europe grows up real quickly otherwise Russia will become her puppet master.

[JSteff]

” I don't understand why he hasn't with such a serious turn of events.”

Most folks don't understand the import of this situation. For example, what about the Baltic states and how does it look to how we defend our allies? What about Iraq and them considering our importance to them as friends and allies.

What about Iran? Do we look very strong or does Russia’s move look stronger? What about how we look to China considering our other ally, Taiwan?

This is a very messy situation and could/should get critical.

[Cementjungle]

This just in from Reuters:

GEORGIAN FORCES WITHDRAWN FROM SOUTH OSSETIA - GEORGIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL

Hard to say if it's true or not, this is Reuters after all.
link: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LA653684.htm

[Stonewall Jackson]

Here is the current strength of the Russian Black Sea Fleet:

1 Slava-class cruiser
2 Kara-class cruisers
1 Kashin-class destroyer (old)
1 Krivak II-class frigate
1 Krivak I-class frigate
1 Kilo-class submarine
1 Tango-class submarine (undergoing repairs)
7 Grisha II/III-class corvettes
6 Natya-class minesweepers
2 Bora-class missile boats
2 Nanuchka III-class missile boats
1 Matka-class missile boat
4 Tarantul III-class missile boats
1 Tarantul II-class missile boat
3 Alligator-class LST's
1 Ropucha II-class LST
3 Ropucha I-class LST's

Reports indicate that only half to two-thirds of these vessels are capable of combat operations.

The Georgian Navy currently consists of twenty small patrol boats and two missile boats:
1 206MR-class missile boat
1 ex-La Combattante II-class missile boat

If it comes down to a naval fight, the Georgian Navy might give the Russians a bloody nose as the ex-French/Greek missile boat Dioskuria is armed with four Exocet anti-ship missiles and the ex-Soviet 206MR missile boat carries two Termite anti-ship missiles, but they will be unable to stop the Russians if they close in to attack the Georgian ports of Poti or Batumi or to land troops in support of the Russian Army's offensive in Georgia.

[JSteff]

“Why is he spending time in that communist cesspool for some sports games? I see no good reason for it.”

Oh, because just maybe if he can horse trade with them they will see it is in China's interest to put some pressure on Russia too.

Leaving China would look very bad. Timid and scared even. He has more communications capability with him than the leader of any other country who is at home.

Anything he wants to do or order he can handle where he is, with no need to run home to do it.

[Chgogal]

I read that too. The interesting times are getting far too interesting.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

BBC Reports that also; ...I posted this:

Georgia 'pulls out of S Ossetia'

[Lijahsbubbe]

Anything he wants to do or order he can handle where he is, with no need to run home to do it.

That's very true. Schmoozing didn't work with Putin though, and I don't think it will be happening with the Chinese either.

[JSteff]

“Here is the current strength of the Russian Black Sea Fleet:”

How convenient, all bottled up in the Black Sea. A couple of B1’s with bellies full of Tomahawk missiles on the rotating racks would finish them off quickly.

Actually given the number you mentioned only one B1 would be necessary. Then we would have no fear of them getting out to the other oceans of the world.

Not to mention the Israeli subs in the Black sea would probably be a nice backup and they owe Russia for a sub the Israeli's lost a several years ago in the Black Sea.