The only problem is that the plan isn't what the Russians want...they want it all. Which means that any plan that doesn't involve them having control of the government and the pipeline is really no plan.
As long as Rice/Bush continue to stumble and mumble around and Gates keeps on telling everyone that were not sending military aid. The Russians will become more adamant in their demands.
Bottom line - we loose they win. And when Obama becomes President, partially because of all this, as well as other matters, then we loose permanently. Or at least until 2012,the next time I intend to vote, when the Republican's regain control of the House. By that time we should however all be walking around the streets in our old clothes, penniless, looking for work. Which isn't too far from where we stand today under 8 years of GW. If we had only been able to nominate Forbes for President in 2000 (blame Rush Limbaugh and the conservative establishment for that because they feared McCain more than they wanted a real conservative to win) we'd be celebrating eight years on unparalleled American growth. Yes, even greater than that under Ronald Reagan because we had a Republican Congress for most of it, although it wasn't used at all. Instead we're overjoyed that we're now paying a penny less than $4.00 a gallon for gasoline. Sing Hallelujah ! Amen. P.S. Expect oil prices to rise precipitously when the Russians get to Tbilisi and the pipeline falls into their hands that's why the oil futures have been increasing in price during the past week after nearly a month of decline !