Georgia: Europe wins a gold medal for defeatism

The Times (UK) ^ | 8/15/2008 | Gerard Baker

[1066AD]

From The TimesAugust 15, 2008

Georgia: Europe wins a gold medal for defeatism Sarkozy's ‘peace in our time' deal is a reminder of what could happen if the EU wins more clout Gerard Baker To some, China's muscular domination of the Olympic medal table is a powerful allegory of the shifting balance of global power. A far better and more literal testimony to the collapse of the West may be seen in the distinctly weak-kneed response to Russian aggression in Georgia by what is still amusingly called the transatlantic alliance.

Once again, the Europeans, and their friends in the pusillanimous wing of the US Left, have demonstrated that, when it come to those postmodern Olympian sports of synchronized self-loathing, team hand-wringing and lightweight posturing, they know how to sweep gold, silver and bronze.

[1066AD]

There can be no clearer indication of the perils that threaten the West if the EU gets its way and wins more clout in the world.

Probably add Obama to that list based upon his responses to date.

[Man50D]

It’s tantamount to the pre WWII European attitude towards Nazi Germany.

[Revolting cat!]

The game isn’t over. Our friends the Russkies will pay.

[PGR88]

The USA needs to consider a world where, as in the 19th Century, we have no permanent allies in Europe, besides a cultural and linguistic connection with the UK.

[paul51]

I'm curious to know what you think is the price the west can extract that would have them regret their foray. It seems to me the Russians will have there way with little concern for any ramifications that are meaningful to them. The west/NATO seriously over played their hand and the Russians called them and raised them and now about all the west can do is fold and leave the Georgians out to dry. I hope I'm wrong but regrettably that's how it appears to me.

[Revolting cat!]

Read Krauthammer.

[paul51]

Thanks for the link. Interesting read. Unfortunately, I see none of the suggested responses as a reality. They would require a cooperative effort by a number of countries with different priorities and agendas. It would be like trying to herd cats and the russians will be willing to pay any costs that can ultimately be organized.

[MarMema]

The Georgians have a lot of support, both at the table and in the field. I wouldn't underestimate that support just yet. We may not be alone in having to keep Georgia from being overrun.

And, there happen to be a lot of Armenians living in Georgia. I am curious how they will deal with this, if it gets worse.

[Paleo Conservative]

The game isn’t over. Our friends the Russkies will pay.

What about taking away the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russi which is less than 300 miles away from South Ossetia. How can the IOC even consider allowing a nation that started a war the day the 2008 Summer Olympics started continue to be on the list of contries designated to host an Olympics in less than 6 years. Also, the G-8 should revert back to being the G-7

[goldstategop]

Europe is a Potemkin Village. The kindest thing we can do is dissolve NATO and force the Europeans to be responsible for their own defense. They will never renounce their pusillanimousness in the face of autocratic intimidation until they are faced with real danger. Removing the protective American umbrella in Europe would force them to grow up.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Renkluaf]

The Ruski economy is based upon three pillars: energy, organized crime and assination of critics. Were the price of oil/natural gas to decline over time (i.e. 5-10 years) as a result of aggessive development of US-based resources plus accelerated R&D on alternatives, the financial catalyst for their bloated self-image would be materially deflated. Consequently, they would return to their status as a destitute, third-world backwater.

For me, I can think of no more appropriate gift to the thug.

[Revolting cat!]

This is 1938 (Sudetenland), the Western leaders know it, and (presumably) don’t wish to repeat 1939. Presumably, probably, we hope. Eastern Europeans are standing up, they’ll fight if they have to, Sarkozy is a Hungarian, the only problem, where the heck is Churchill? The Russians have shown themselves for what they’ve always been - part of barbaric East more than of civilized West. They miss their Stalin, even though he murdered millions of them, but then it was the better millions, the educated, the aristocrats, the business owners. The savage genes stayed and multiplied.