[E. Cartman]

There's another port we can use and do an end run around the Russkies.

Precisely. Why pointlessly infuriate The Russkies just for show? Moreover, though in dealing with them the rational person will always "trusts but verifies", why aren't we trying to win them over to our side in fighting our common enemy Islam? Or, must history repeat itself yet again: While West fights East, Islam benefits, just as happened in the 12th century?

[webrover]

Dammit, Cartman, you're exactly right. We need to work together to defeat a common enemy. Leaders of both Russia and the US don't seem to realize that. Putin will deal with anyone for his benefit. Bush lives in a world of abstractions about democracy and jussis.

[justa-hairyape]

Why pointlessly infuriate The Russkies just for show?

Its about access to the largest and most strategic port along the eastern coast of the Black Sea. It also happens to be a major port for oil from the Caspian. Economic and Military implications. The Russians have no legal right to be in Poti. Is Russia infuriating the west just for show ?