For crying out loud! Don’t start reading and spinning into whatever term I used. I am ex-military I served in intelligence during my 22 years in the military. I take no sides in this dispute, but simply see it from a perspective of an ex-intelligence analyst.
It is quite clear exactly what the Russians wanted out of this. To the Russians, regardless of how I word it, it was the ultimate solution to the problem once and for all. A push to remove ALL Georgian forces and influence in the disputed regions. I stress again that I take no sides in the dispute, but simply see it from the perspective of an ex-intel analyst.
Maybe you intend to take no sides but you have been providing cover for Russia all morning. If this was the final solution for Russia why the oblique threats to Poland, Ukraine and the Balkans? McCain was right about Putin..when he looked into Vlad's eyes he saw three letters, KGB. I don't think Russia is finished at all. They've just put us all on notice.
That's the status quo!
Georgia has no influence in these areas. These areas have their own little Russian puppet governments. One area, S. ossecia, has been provoking a response for many months, and Russia was ready when it finally happened.
Russia invaded because they wanted to set back democracy in their most favorite a first satellite country that formed the old USSR. They wanted to put the others on notice that if the flirted with NATO and put in U.S interceptors that the same will happen to them. Had the world not reacted, they would, and may still occupy for the strategic value of the oil ports, and pipeline.
Issues like Ossecia are only valuable excuses to them. Not real desires.
“I take no sides in this dispute, but simply see it from a perspective of an ex-intelligence analyst.”
I think we’re wondering if it’s the GRU or KGB? Really, if you think your posts are objective, we’re pretty shocked to see it cast from an intelligence perspective when you haven’t even acknowledged the overwhelming military planning in advance of this operation.
How an intel person can overlook that “objectively” raises even more questions.
Not trying to offend you personally but really, it’s glaring.