Russia moves SS-21 missiles into Georgia: US defense official

AFP ^

[maquiladora]

Russia moves SS-21 missiles into Georgia: US defense official

24 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Russia has moved short-range SS-21 missiles into South Ossetia, possibly putting the Georgian capital Tbilisi in range, a US defense official said Monday.

The development came amid other signs that Russia was adding ground troops and equipment to its force in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, strengthening its hold over the breakaway regions, officials said.

"We are seeing evidence of SS-21 missiles in South Ossetia," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official said the short-range missiles should be capable of targeting Tbilisi.

"We're seeing them solidify their positions in South Ossetia and Abkhazia," the official said, adding that "more troops and more equipment" were evident in the enclaves.

[brytlea]

But wait, didn’t they say they were leaving? Didn’t France broker peace?!

[Orange1998]

No one around here wants to believe Russia and Cuba will join hands. I get grief for bring it up.

[1rudeboy]

Bush’s Fault™.

[taxcontrol]

Respond by sending in a MEF, a couple of Army air defense units, a mech Infantry Brigade, a MASH hospital, some SeeBees and a couple of missile boats to park off shore.

Set up a couple of scout / sniper schools for Georgian volunteers. Train up a couple hundred scout / snipers and then have them spread out across the rest of Georgia. At those schools, train another hundred per school every 3 months. In 18 months time you can have 25,000 trained and armed scout / snipers that would be able to wreck huge losses on any invader.

[1rudeboy]

It's hilarious. Those crafty and vaunted Russians, able to outsmart us at every turn, with no regard for public opinion or retribution . . . wait until Bush is at the Olympics, so that conservatives on a conservative forum will whine to themselves about symbolism.

[the anti-liberal]

Would it make a difference for President Bush to break away from the games, come home and demonstrate seriousness on the issue of defending a member of NATO as per our responsibly, or would that be too strong of a statement? Is what he's done so far sufficient?

Is there a reason he's staying in China?

I ask these questions seriously as I've been away over the weekend.

[1rudeboy]

eh, no

I just think it's funny that you are hammering the "Bush was watching volleyball" meme in the same fashion folks were hammering the "Bush was reading a children's book" on Spetember 11th.

Anything to score cheap political points.

[firewalk]

.

[the anti-liberal]

"He’s back."

Thanks, that's good to know.

I was impressed with the announcement he made informing his intent to send humanitarian aid and sending Rice and such, but given Russia's obvious duplicity and continued aggression, I wonder if that's isn't enough - ought a stronger stance, or even military action, be warranted, or has other steps been taken over the weekend that I might be unaware of, iyo?

[1rudeboy]

So what? Bolton said something about symbolism (I gather) that confirmed your bias. I’m supposed to be impressed with your acumen?

[SeeSharp]

I think those SS-21’s are probably even less accurate than the Russian Air Force. The Red army is probably desperately hoping for a chance to expend them so they can be rid of them.