Posted on 08/21/2008 3:32:22 AM PDT by HAL9000
Excerpt -
TBILISI, Aug 21 (Reuters) - The United States expects to help Georgia rebuild its military following the conflict with Russia over breakaway South Ossetia, U.S. General John Craddock said on Thursday."One would assume ... we would have to help them rebuild because they are a partner in the war on terror, they've been helpful. They are going to ask us, I am sure, to replace and rebuild," Craddock, who is also NATO's top operational commander in Europe, told reporters during a trip to Georgia.
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(Excerpt) Read more at alertnet.org ...
We didn’t break it, but we know some great contractors in Iraq.
Yes, Russia is slow in moving their troops out. This tells me that finer negotiations must be resolved. My own hunch is, that So Ossetia will be officially declared Russian. Possibly the other province as well, but I suspect this area may actually be the point of contention due its "coastal" geography. This is where I think negotiation hang-ups are happening.
Should Russia also obtain this other province, this could put US (supporting GA) in direct contact with Russia (supporting the other province). But, OTOH, this could also result in a net positive in re "watching over" what goes on at those ports.
I know there are some who will say: See! That lame US is backing down. Not at all how I see it. I see this as strengthening a nation, GA, which of its own volition wishes to remain Independent, and includes strengthening the other Independent States in the Caucauses.
So. Ossetia has been a burr from the get-go. And has only made economic profits from being used as a "messenger" / "negotiator"/ Rabble Rouser between Russia and Georgia.
In time, So. Ossetia shall learn and see the error of what they've committed to.
Perhaps the Georgians would be well served to look at Switzerland for a military model.
bullish for defense stocks...
That is assuming Russian forces ever leave.
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