I’m back from Mass.
I think Putin has three goals. First, to restore Russia to the hieghts she was under the Soviet Union. I don’t think Putin is a communist, but rather a facist. He misses the time when the Russians were ruled by men such as he.
Secondly, the Georgians, like many of the former Sovirt Republics, were uppity. Putin wanted to show them Russia was still the boss. The actions against Georgia is a good test case for the Russians; not very strong, small population, far from NATO/EU. The actions are meant to be seen bu the Ukraine, Poland, the Baltic states, and even Kahzahkstan and the lesser stans.
Thirdly, the oil pipeline, and Georgia/Turkey/Azerbijan’s attempt to build a huge pipeline without going through Russian control. That is too much for Putin.
Thank you for providing your insights.
And here’s the best part: I agree with you.