Reason?
They get 50% or more of their Nat gas from Russia, and Russia put everyone on notice during this decision process that they would gleefully turn off the taps on anyone who pisses them off. Or at best raise the price to the sky.
So.........they were intimidated, and it was not a decision taken with any other reasoning.
"Natchez Hawk" hearts Russian intimidation.
anyone remember the old simpsons episode called “Simpson Tide?”
Simpson Tide (1998)
Homer becomes a captian of a submarine and almost starts wwIII when they are discussing the matter at the UN this exchange happens....
Russian UN Rep: The Soviet Union will be pleased to offer amnesty to your wayward vessel.
USA UN Rep: Soviet Union? I thought you guys broke up.
Russian UN Rep: Nyet! That’s what we wanted you to think, hahahahahaha!
(then it should tanks coming out of floats in a parade and Lenin breaking out of his tomb)
Fox is reporting at this very moment Russians have NOT pulled back, they have pulled into Gori. Mr. Harrigan from Fox is showing video of Russia tanks moving INTO Gori this morning our time. They are also 12 miles outside of the Capital.
The Georgian President is stating that the city will defend to the last drop of blood, there will be no surrender and there will be no cease fire if they enter the city.
The end is near for the Georgians, and we’ve done nothing to help them. Diplomacy isn’t WORKING folks.