That's why both are not interested in confrontation.
Not over Georgia. Russia will lose G8 and maybe WTO unless they spend some time pretending to kiss ass. Which they probably will. But continued efforts to reestablish a Soviet style intimidation over Europe will over time erode willingness to invest in Russia or deal with them. That will probably happen also. Russia has not had this economic resurgence in a vacuum.....and will not be able to maintain it when they create a vacuum.
Hardly possible.
Clinton is an example of short term thinking. Kosovo was an example of Clintonesque short term thinking. I am not sure its a good idea for Russia to emulate Clintonian strategy as a revenge for Clintonian strategy.
Either way one wants to put it, the damage has been done.
Take me for instance...I fully supported Russia in the efforts against Chechnyan fanatics and was irritated that the West was not more supportive of Russia. Now, after the Georgia episode, I will not be mustering any support for Russia.
But the FNC said a couple days Georgia embarked on that military adventure against the advice of the State not to do so. Am I missing something?