Putin puppet: Georgia cannot go “unpunished”; Update: Russian navy to “visit” Venezuela
posted at 3:56 pm on August 18, 2008 by Allahpundit
No word yet on what the punishment might entail, but placing short-range ballistic missiles aimed at Tbilisi in South Ossetia may offer a clue. Oddly enough, the withdrawal that they promised would begin today doesn’t yet seem to involve much actual withdrawal. The Times reports Russian tanks smashing through Georgian police barricades and lounging beside the highway to the capital, but the Telegraph says it’s worse than that:
An American defence official said that Russia was actually sending more troops to South Ossetia and another pro-Russian enclave in Abkhazia.
“We’re seeing them solidify their positions,” the official was quoted as saying…
There was little sign of redeployment from other major towns like Kaspi, Zugdidi and Senaki that have fallen under effective Russian occupation. Six Russian checkpoints blocked the route to the strategic town of Gori where Russian officers prevented journalists from entering to monitor the withdrawal…
Despite US pleas to Mr Medvedev to keep his word after reneging on earlier promises to withdraw, there were further signs that Russia was preparing to bolster its forces in Georgia.
A battalion of Russia’s 76th Guards Airborne Division was moved from Pskov to Beslam, a few miles on the Russian side of the Georgian border.
The confusion here may have to do with the wording of that EU-backed ceasefire that Sarkozy seems so proud of. We didn’t commit to “withdrawal,” claims one Russian diplomat, merely to a “pullback,” diplo-speak for saying that when they do get around to leaving they’re going to occupy South Ossetia, not retreat all the way back to Russia’s borders. What may be the most important detail in all of this, though, is buried in the last sentence of the Telegraph piece, describing Ukrainian alarm at reports of Russian passports being handed out in Crimea. Why’s that significant? Because, per the Times of London, Russia’s been flooding South Ossetia with bogus Russian passports for awhile now to stake its claim to the territory. It’s a Sudetenland strategy, in other words, based on reunification of “ethnic” citizens with the mother country, and it has regional implications:
At the start of the war, Mr Medvedev said it was his constitutional right to defend the “lives and dignity” of Russian citizens, and Georgia’s allies fear that Russia will now begin to throw its weight around in defence of the millions of ethnic Russians who live outside Russia.
The break-up of the Soviet Union left a huge Russian diaspora outside the country. There are more than 8 million ethnic Russians in Ukraine, 4.5 million in Kazakhstan and 1.2 million in the Baltic states.
Russia justified its attack on Georgia as a way of protecting the 90 per cent of South Ossetians who have Russian passports.
How many of the passports are genuine is another question, as the region was infamous for smuggling and counterfeit passports and dollars. Yevgeniya Latynina, a columnist, wrote last week that when the South Ossetian President, Eduard Kokoity, received his passport, he opened it to find that it contained the picture of Abraham Lincoln from the $5 note instead of his own photograph.
NATO’s meeting tomorrow, with some sort of suspension of diplomatic relations on the docket and maybe sanctions. Exit question: Will they actually do anything, or are we in for another stern warning/statement of concern?
Update: Oh good, they want to play in our backyard now. Starring Vladimir Putin as Khrushchev, Hugo Chavez as Castro, and as JFK…
President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday that Russian President Dimitri Medvedev wants to send a Russian naval fleet to visit Venezuela.
“Russia has informed us they intend to visit Venezuela, that is, the intention that a Russian fleet should come to the Caribbean,” Chavez said on his weekly radio program.
“I told the president (Medvedev), ‘If you’re coming to the Caribbean, we’ll welcome you,’” Chavez said, adding that the Russian naval fleet would pay “a friendly and working” visit to Venezuela…
“We very much need them here,” Chavez said of the Russian weapons. “We’ve got the helicopters, the Sukoi fighters and we’re now considering buying some Russian submarines to patrol our territorial waters,” Chavez said.
Blowback
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Hitler puppet: Czechoslovakia cannot go “unpunished”
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Looks like they are staying put(in)
William Amos on August 18, 2008 at 3:59 PM
When does Russia stop playing and say that it has formally annexed South Ossetia and Abkhazia?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 18, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Sudetenland II. No wonder Poland’s worried.
Cicero43 on August 18, 2008 at 4:00 PM
You have been a very naughty boy, Pooty Poot.
- George W. Bush says sternly with concern rising in his voice
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Putin’s Punish List:
1) Georgia–done
2) Ukraiane–
3) Poland–
4) Hungary–
5) Rumania–
6) Lithuania–
7) Latvia–
8) Estonia–
9) to ?_______________ (fill in blank)
sdd on August 18, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Pootie is doubling down. The Ukrainian passport thing shows how this is going to go. Didn’t I read somewhere that Russia said they were going to ignore any attempts of the Ukraine to deprive them of the Black Sea ports?
a capella on August 18, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Never. It’ll keep de facto control of the regions while leading the western morons playing leader by the nose for years.
Darth Executor on August 18, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Most of those are NATO countries. It’ll be interesting to see what happens if Putin tries to invade a NATO member.
Darth Executor on August 18, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Time for another strong comment from Condi. That will teach them a lesson!
Aristotle on August 18, 2008 at 4:07 PM
He won’t get to number 3. Poland is a Nato member and we just signed a defense agreement with them. Any attack on Poland will result in the United States and the other 24 members coming to Poland’s rescue.
amerpundit on August 18, 2008 at 4:07 PM
If an Iraqi citizen got shot during a firefight, Murtha, Durbin and the MSM would be howling and calling the USA military ‘Nazi thugs’.
Now we have a clear vision in Georgian when reporters aren’t shot of just how the Nazi thugs actually behaved, and these voices remain silent while a country that is suffering due to its alliance with the USA is slowly tortured.
It’s the actions (inclusive in inaction) of these elected sleaze bags that puts this country and our true allies in jeopardy when it comes to this type of situation.
US military involvement would turn Georgia into rubble, but watching the senseless murder of these people by Soviet forces and their drunken militia allies is truly sickening.
Hening on August 18, 2008 at 4:07 PM
I think it is time to give our troops a rest and start deploying some of the hardware we can’t use going “door to door” in Iraq……………….. and aim it in the general direction of Russia.
Seven Percent Solution on August 18, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Never mind Bush and Sarkosy(sp)!!!Are we actually stupid enough to put Obama in charge of something like this? He has no idea what to do or what he’s up against. If we’re headed for another war(cold or hot)no one anywhere can possibly concede that Obama can handle it.(except the MSM)What is with those “patriots” in the media? Surely they cannot be so stupid as to continue to promote Obama amid the threat of Russian aggression in it’s satellites and possibly Europe.
jeanie on August 18, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Of course Medvedev is moving short-range missiles into Georgia.
The guy is only like 5’2″ tall.
pseudonominus on August 18, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I vote, stern warning.
MarkTheGreat on August 18, 2008 at 4:16 PM
When does Thacker write in and ask us all why we are complaining. The Russians won fair and square, that’s all that matters.
MarkTheGreat on August 18, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Even the western eurowieners would ask for military action if Pooter were to move on Ukraine, its a lot closer to Berlin and Paris than Georgia is. Those Russian missiles are much scarier when they put you into range.
Bishop on August 18, 2008 at 4:18 PM
The Russian troops are drunk too. A Skye TV reporter mentioned encountering many drunk Russian troops, even a batallion commander.
pseudonominus on August 18, 2008 at 4:18 PM
I wonder how much this has to do with the invasion of Georgia. It should certainly destroy any chances they have for getting the 2014 winter games, if there’s any justice left in the world.
spmat on August 18, 2008 at 4:19 PM
So far, reaction in the US to Russia’s invasion of Georgia has been all Vladimir Putin could have wished
Exhausted in every way by its experience in Iraq (a failure not much mitigated by recent progress there), its authority and sense of purpose quite depleted, the US looked slower and less decisive than Europe in its initial response, and that is saying something.
It took repeated prodding from presidential contender John McCain to draw President George W. Bush’s attention from the Beijing Olympics to the fact that Russian forces were overrunning the territory of a US ally.
The US has to set the course in dealing with Russia. Europe ought to, but cannot and will not.
Exercising such leadership means getting over Iraq. Sadly for citizens of the former Soviet republics and their neighbors in central Europe, that is going to take a while.
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 4:19 PM
To show the location of Sochi with respect to Georgia and the Russian-controlled regions, here’s a map.
spmat on August 18, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Not to change the subject–too much anyway. But I have often read that alcoholism is in Russia’s top 5 national problems.
jeanie on August 18, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Hmmmm.
It’s like I’m reading Pravda again…
spmat on August 18, 2008 at 4:24 PM
The all out sons-of-#itches, barbarians, and chronic drunks with no regard for human life, otherwise known as the Russians are like that you know.
- HT: George S. Patton
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 4:25 PM
I suspect the top 5 of Russia’s problems go like this:\
1. Alcohol
2. Alcohol
3. Alcohol
well, you get the idea.
Israel?
mjk on August 18, 2008 at 4:25 PM
9) Alaska
ronsfi on August 18, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Not to change the subject–too much anyway. But I have often read that alcoholism is in Russia’s top 5 national problems.
jeanie on August 18, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Being Russian is the top problem for Russians.
Bishop on August 18, 2008 at 4:26 PM
#9 Germany
Bishop on August 18, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Just like Hitler first went into Czeholslovakia, before you know it he took over half of Europe.
9)Armenia, East Germany, Alaska…
nazo311 on August 18, 2008 at 4:31 PM
The US cannot – will not – start a war with a nuclear-armed Russia over Georgia. It’s simply not a vital national interest.
Whether the US was in Iraq or not, or Afghanistan or not, or had a 10 million man army or not, is meaningless to this matter.
Does anyone think we should send ground troops into that area? They’d get slaughtered.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Aren’t the forest fires enough?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 18, 2008 at 4:33 PM
In 1973 Pers. Nixon went to Defcon 3 over aggressive moves of the Soviets to move nukes and airborne division to Egypt during the 1973 Israeli-Arab Yon Kippur War. In the 50′s and 60′s, every-time we didn’t like a Soviet move, we put nuc bombers circling just beyond the Soviet radar horizon.
Plan A: Continue diplomacy. We need the Turks on board. So far they are not. If the Turks do not step up, we will probably have to let the Russians rape Georgia.
Plan B:
Defcon 3. No Pearl Harbors.
We can:
Move a defensive force onto the ground in Georgia. Do this first, a platoon at a time. Say we are going to ensure that the signed agreements are met. Draw a line in the sand in front of the capital. A reinforced battalion should be enough, with air support. Use the Georgian International airbase to base a squadron of A-10s.
Deploy the AF. Get ready for cutting all supply line to the Russians in Georgia. Get enough targeting assets and laser guided bombs to hit every Russian tank force in Georgian territory. With our current accuracy rates, we should not need too many sorties. F-22s in top cover.
Aircraft carriers south of Turkey, if needed. With AF tanker support, they can help.
Target every Russian aircraft approaching a US task-force or airspace. Weapons tight – warning yellow.
Send in the attack subs to trail any Russians sub deployments.
We don’t want to fight, just stopping a bigger war in the future. This is just to make sure the Russians follow their signed agreement.
Do not let the Russians get stronger, and I’ll bet the Russians will blink.
NaCly dog on August 18, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Israel
right4life on August 18, 2008 at 4:36 PM
you think so little of our troops….keep dreaming, its the russians that would get wiped out.
right4life on August 18, 2008 at 4:37 PM
You know what Mark, due to your great debating skills, I’ve changed my mind. Where do I sign up? This is the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. Lots of people signed up for our military when 9/11 happened to defend America. But for me, it was this Russian aggression against Georgia. Somebody tell me where I can sign up to defend the mother land (well someone’s mother land).
Being the only superpower means that we must be the world’s police force without collecting taxes from the communities we police. This is beyond taxation without representation. We are so moral we give our tax dollars and military away and expect nothing in return.
So I’m in agreement with you. Let’s get those commie bastards. . . after all, we are all Georgians (though I doubt most Americans could locate it on the map). Any attack on the Georgians is an attack on the USA – even if they do have Russian passports and ties to Moscow.
Thank you for showing me the light oh great Mark. How can I thank you. . . would the ear of a commie bastard as a trophy be enough to show you I’ve changed my mind. I look forward to this new Cold War. I wait it with baited breath. I fully expect our leadership to handle this ‘war’ with as much dignity and forethought as they have handled all of their other wars.
Oh yes, war with Russia please. Lets see if we can get them to nuke us so that we can use that as an excuse to nuke them. . . wouldn’t that be just fantastic?
ThackerAgency on August 18, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Great story.
But please, if you’re going to use a quoted word in the headline – “unpunished” , please actually use the phrase or reference you’re referring to in the story. I read the story twice, then used CTRL+F to find “punished” to see who you were quoting, but no dice.
Thanks,
RightWired on August 18, 2008 at 4:40 PM
we’ve been in it since Putin was elected…we’re just too stupid to realize it.
same with the war with iran…we’ve been at war since 1979.
right4life on August 18, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Please. One-to-one or even three-to-one our troops would destroy the Russians. But the numbers/logistics are the problem.
It would take several weeks to move enough troops there to setup a base. And then how would we supply them?
This is right on the Russian border where they can mass hundreds of thousands of troops.
Besides, we’re dealing with a nuclear power here. We’re not risking a nucler escalation over a non-vital interest like Georgia.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 4:44 PM
What do you think? As of yesterday on Meat the Press, Secretary of State Rice couldn’t even bring herself to call Russia’s action an invasion. Rather, she called it “use of disporportionate force against a neighbor.” Pathetic, Euro-weenie Speak. No wonder Russia pays no attention to Mme Secretary and NATO.
james23 on August 18, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Condi = HotAir
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…..
Starlink on August 18, 2008 at 4:51 PM
The all out sons-of-#itches, barbarians, and chronic drunks with no regard for human life, otherwise known as the Russians, would be able to slaughter an expeditionary force of American soldiers, or American Marines, even a 10 million man army?
Wow! Now I think that I really have heard it all.
You may want to rephrase that.
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 4:53 PM
This is not going to get any better.
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 4:54 PM
I think that I will put my chips with you on this one. I think that Patton would too.
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Dear Lord, do WE have any Russian nationals in our country? Someone quick, do a survey in Alaska!
ThePrez on August 18, 2008 at 5:00 PM
In my opinion, the American Army as it now exists could beat the Russians with the greatest of ease, because, while the Russians have good infantry, they are lacking in artillery, air, tanks, and in the knowledge of the use of the combined arms, whereas we excel in all three of these.
- George S. Patton
Much has changed. Much has not changed. I’ll bet that the Russians are no match for the United States Army when it comes to the use combined arms.
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 5:01 PM
That, of course, is not what I said.
It doesn’t matter whether we are in Iraq or not or whether we had 10 million men in uniform or not.
We are not going to risk a conflict that could escalate to a nuclear war with Russia over a non-vital interest like Georgia.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:01 PM
The pieces are in place. Next move: Europe/Europeans.
Sir Napsalot on August 18, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Umm that was not smart.
There is about 3 thousand Russians here in Alaska. Mostly Russian Orthodox. Your post really wasn’t all that funny.
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Does anyone believe that the Russian military in Georgia will simply sit there and do nothing while we transport the thousands of soldiers needed to the region?
Then, we would need to setup bases and supply lines to feed, house and arm those troops.
Meanwhile, the Russian army will just sit there playing with their ushankas and do nothing while this is occurring? They won’t increase their presence in the region? By the hundreds of thousands?
I have no doubt that in a fair fight on relatively even ground that the US military would overwhelming defeat the Russian army. But the advantages for the Russians in terms of terrain and location is enormous.
They may be drunks; but they’re not idiots.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:05 PM
First they came for the Georgians, then they came for the Ukranians, then they came for the Poles, then … … …
Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way!
- George S. Patton
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Ain’t multiculturalism grand?
madne0 on August 18, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Does anyone think we should send ground troops into that area?
Yes.
They’d get slaughtered.
If Russia will murder us now, how will their behavior change in the future when they own more territory, have more control over the oil market, and perceive us as cowards? If they would slaughter us today, what will they be like in the future? Will their perception of our weakness somehow make them more kind?
If they’re willing to go to war with us, then war will happen, regardless. I say they’ll back down if we challenge them. We should call their bluff.
sandberg on August 18, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Thanks for the survey.
ThePrez on August 18, 2008 at 5:08 PM
MB4 on August 18, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Sorry, how are they murdering us now?
More important, how are we going to move the troops necessary to fight the Russians in time? This will take weeks to accomplish just as with the Iraq war. Months more likely.
The logistics are almost impossible. We have no bases in the region to supply these troops.
The Russians aren’t just going to sit there while we transport the material and troops to the region. This is, as we know, right on the Russian border. They can move hundreds of thousands of troops to the area while we move the 50,000 or so we have.
In a fair – or even relatively non-fair battle, we’d destroy the Russians. But they have all of the advantages to offset our superiority.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:12 PM
There was an “if” you seem to have missed.
Esthier on August 18, 2008 at 5:15 PM
This whole affair is damaging America’s image around the world.
Russian soldiers are making fun of the Georgian military, saying that the Americans taught them how to run. They make fun of the Georgian civilians they are abusing, asking them when America will come rescue them.
Who will be our ally in the future? How does it benefit anybody to side with America? Smart nations will cozy up to America’s enemies, then demand concessions from America in order to buy their neutrality. This is what our foreign policy is teaching the world.
We don’t just look like a paper tiger. We are a paper tiger.
sandberg on August 18, 2008 at 5:15 PM
I see a certain poster in noticeably absent. Wonder why?
MadisonConservative on August 18, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Sorry, my error.
Still, it doesn’t make sense: If they’re murdering us now?
Either they are or they aren’t murdering us. There’s no “if” involved.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:17 PM
SteveMG
If you are in a hole, stop digging.
Murphy9 on August 18, 2008 at 5:19 PM
What hole is that?
That we shouldn’t go to war with Russia over Georgia?
That is flat out insane. And stupid.
And logistically impossible.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Do you mean freevillage?
I have him tied up to a tree.
Tuco on August 18, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Sorry, I wasn’t very clear. Here’s my point:
You wrote:
Does anyone think we should send ground troops into that area? They’d get slaughtered.
What I’m trying to say is:
If the Russians would be willing to slaughter us now in Georgia, for merely defending an ally, then what will they be willing to do in the future?
They will take all of Europe if we let them. They’ll take the middle east if we let them. When does it stop? It stops when we finally stand up to them.
If we show a spine, I think they’ll back down, rather than risk an all out war with America.
sandberg on August 18, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Looks like I will have to tie SteveMG up to that tree along with freevillage. I better go to the general store and get more rope.
Tuco on August 18, 2008 at 5:23 PM
SteveMG, I am glad you live in that area called the lower 48.
I live in Alaska. The possibility of Russia coming “over” is more so now then even during the cold war. The Russian Military fly their planes in the airspace up here all the time and are constantly escorted out.
As you sit there, in your nice house in the middle of OUR country. Think a little further then outside your walls. Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Puetro Rico, Virgin Islands. Why am I naming these, because at one time Alaska and Hawaii were territories.
Also Alaska was bought by the Russians.. Putin has stated he wants the “Russian Lands Back”. Do you really think Putin wouldn’t go ahead and try?
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Um, its a short drive by rail, or truck, from Iraq through Turkey, to Georgia.
We currently have bases in theatre, just no permission to use them.
Key would be, what does TURKEY want for us to be able to use those bases… ie… whats the price.
We have HEAVY divisions sitting in Iraq, with more equipment in Saudi Arabia…
Now, how does American training/equipment stack up against Russian? Might want to ask the Saddam’s Iraqi army, which was trained and equiped by the Sov Union/Russia. The only victory which overshadowed Desert Storm, was the invasion of Iraq… Two fastest advances in history, and both times against a numericly superior foe.
Romeo13 on August 18, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Ok don’t say the name. It is like beetlejuice!
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Obviously, you haven’t read my posts taking freevillage to task.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:26 PM
It’s not about just Georgia. It’s about Russian expansion.
We’ve been through this before. Nation after nation fell to the Soviets, who built walls around them and prevented the movement of people and information. One after the other, entire countries went dark, until we finally drew a line in the sand (NATO) and said “here we will fight”. And then they stopped.
We know what’s coming. Russia’s intentions are crystal clear. So, why wait? It’s ugly and scary, but history is repeating itself and its lessons are clear. There is only one way to respond, and the sooner the better.
It’s not just about Georgia.
sandberg on August 18, 2008 at 5:27 PM
No, the point being, if they’d murder us (as you were saying), then….
Esthier on August 18, 2008 at 5:29 PM
If Putin made any move on Alaska we’d destroy his country.
This is about Georgia and our ability (or lack of it) to move enough troops there to defend it.
If I thought we could move enough troops to force Putin out, I’d might be for it. But it’s dangerous risking war with a nuclear power.
From everything I’ve read, we don’t even have enough lift capability to do Desert Storm again.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:30 PM
But it’s dangerous risking war with a nuclear power.
Which is why I think Putin won’t risk it.
Of course, I know full well that America is gonna do nothing about Russian aggression for a long time. We’re just gonna sit around, losing allies, while Russia’s influence grows and eastern European democracies revert to being corrupt Russian satellite mafia-run kleptocracies.
We’re a paper tiger, and everybody knows it now.
sandberg on August 18, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Russia won’t go nuclear,just like Iran,
but,that would be a h#llva gamble,
so,a line in the sand is probably
on its way,Hopefully,if it doesn’t
Change!
Nato needs to get some armor,and park it
along Turkeys border abuting Georgia,and
to piss of the Persians,park more armor
along Turkeys border along the Iranians!
And be a smart ass like the USSR,and tell
Putin if he would like to make Nato’s day!
And I know,easy for me to say,tucked up
here in Canada!
But the USSR is about to make an example,and
literally annilate Georgia!
Remember when Russia finished off Berlin,they
ringed artillary around the city,and began the
slaughter,but World War Two had to come to an end!
Something has got to be done,they are a FREE country,
and are about to be slaughtered in the eyes of the world!
If this doesn’t get stopped,Tiawan,Israel will be next!!
And eveybody knows it,including the Liberals!
canopfor on August 18, 2008 at 5:32 PM
What is the Canadian government’s statement/views on this?
And what are the views of the public? Don’t care? Concerned? Blame Bush?
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 5:34 PM
That would make it pathetic Ameri-weenie speak then. We all know America will not defend Poland or anyone else if it does not suit America’s needs, which is why I am not worried about US attempts to leapfrog Old Europe and seek out gullible speed bumps in Central and Eastern Europe. I find it hilarious that Poland believes in the value of guarantees issued by Western powers.
GermanAtheist on August 18, 2008 at 5:35 PM
RUSSIA: Where they send Russians to die.
pseudonominus on August 18, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Okay don’t say hs name.
upinak on Aug 18,2008 at 5:25PM.
upinak:SSShhhhhhh,does it start with an A,F or a T?:)
canopfor on August 18, 2008 at 5:37 PM
The photographs of the Russian forces that I have seen show them using obsolete T-55 tanks. I have the impression that the Georgians have knocked out quite a number of their armored vehicles.
The Georgians seem to me to be mainly overrun by sheer numbers, not enough Georgians with weapons. They would probably need a Swiss type armed society to stand up well against Russia and even with this kind of total militia, I don’t know if the country’s geography would support the strategy to complement this.
Hootowl
Hootowl on August 18, 2008 at 5:42 PM
You all know nothing.
Being on the recieving end of American commitment to freedom -twice- I think you would realize that.
pseudonominus on August 18, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Looking over Russian history, when nudged hard enough, the Russians halt.
We must have our leadership clearly communicate to the Russians. Tell the Russians, in view of their failure to follow their agreements, do not approach US airspace of battlegroups.
We can start small. Every time a Soviet aircraft overflys a US carrier battlegroup, launch an alert-5 EA-18G Growler. Have it join the escorting US fighters outside visual range of witnesses. Put out all-bands jamming, and shoot down the Russian aircraft. Oops.
Good thing there is no press at sea.
NaCly dog on August 18, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Just a tidbit,the nuclear ballistic missisle subs
should have the conversion done!
They implemented,about a year ago,to be able to strike
anywhere on the globe within 1/2 hour capable!
Putting a conventional warhead,instead of the nuclear
w-88 merv warhead,go to lauch depth and have that
flexability!
So,that option,like now,should be available!
canopfor on August 18, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Agree that Turkey is key. We were let down by Turkey in 2003. The EU can help a lot by hinting that help now will mean membership in EU down the road. Ok State Dept. Make it happen.
NaCly dog on August 18, 2008 at 5:44 PM
I better go to the general store and get more rope.
Tuco on Aug 18,2008 at 5:23PM.
Tuco: Leave some rope behind,the way the Liberals are
going,their politically hanging themselves!
May I suggest,heavy duty string!haha:)
canopfor on August 18, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Yeeeeeeeearrrrrrhhhhh!
GermanAtheist on August 18, 2008 at 5:55 PM
What’s going to be on those ships?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 18, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Keep watching the news Steve. The Ukraine has sited they would like a missile defense system with the US as well.
Hmmmm, Putin may try to do something off the wall… what do you think that might be. Hold that thought while I go get my Sunblock 1000 version… I think this is going to be a glowing State soon.
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 5:59 PM
BAD, BAD Allah! Don’t make funny flase accusations under a no named Messianic President!
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Oh, yeah. C’mon up in here, boys. We got somethin’ for ya.
mojo on August 18, 2008 at 6:01 PM
See, this is smart. We need to counter Putin in areas where we’re strong.
Unfortunately, he’s got the upper hand in Georgia because of geography/location. For some reason, people think that because I don’t think we should go into Georgia military right now that I think we should just surrender to Putin.
Wrong.
We have to counter in areas where we can match or out-match him. This won’t be won in a single battle; it’s going to be a long, drawn-out affair (Putin will counter by signing some agreement with Cuban, watch).
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Dean fan?
Esthier on August 18, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Blame Bush?
SteveMG on Aug 18,2008 at 5:34PM.
SteveMG: Steve,were helping out in Afghanistan,the
Liberals have done everything in their power
to get even for the Republicans impeachment
of sexual predater lameduck Clinton!
Bush is the last guy to blame,all the uniforms,
tanks,and btw,Ballistic surface to surface miss-
iles are Russian!
Bush didn’t invade a free country,when you don’t
drink Liberal Koolaid,you tend to see the truth,a
lot more clearer!
canopfor on August 18, 2008 at 6:06 PM
I was thinking German Pirate
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 6:07 PM
The short range missles that Russia has moved into S. Ossetia need to be taken out. Period.
Can you imagine if they start to fire missles into Georgia???
WTF is going on here?
Babs on August 18, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Yeah, I know. But is that what the CBC is saying?
What is the Canadian press saying about this? And does the public blame Bush (e.g., his support for Georgia)? Or do they blame Putin?
It’s always interesting to read how people in another country (generalizing) sees things.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Well with the range of missiles today, they don’t need to put them in cuba.
- The Cat
P.S. Permanent pressents?
MirCat on August 18, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Where or what would that be?
I keep trying to picture a German pirate, but I’ve got Dean stuck in my head every time. Yeeeaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrh! I mean what is that? Half between Yea and Arg without the g?
Esthier on August 18, 2008 at 6:11 PM
I wish I was smart enough to know. My guess is do things like with the Ukraine and Poland. Missile shield (but send more than 10 interceptors). Military agreements. Training of troops.
McCain suggested creating a “League of Democracies” to replace the UN. That would be a counter to Putin.
We could also – at last – open up drilling here to offset the influence that Russia has in oil prices. By driving the price of oil down, that will reduce his petrodollars.
SteveMG on August 18, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Think SS look (clean cut, bowl hair cut, little mustache possibly) and you put Capt Jack Sparrow in the mix… and you got a German Pirate!
upinak on August 18, 2008 at 6:17 PM
I have a feeling he migrated over to west Berlin when the wall went down, and since the Stasi went out of the atrocity business, he was unemployed. He is very aware the NATO German troops in Afghanistan aren’t pulling their weight in anything except coffee breaks. Sad,…they used to have some good fighters, but now they’re just talkers and weepers. Afraid to fly at night.
a capella on August 18, 2008 at 6:22 PM
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