CNN

To scare the other countries into believing they may be next, if the keep trying to join NATO.

Knowing that America is overextended thanks to Bush, Russia is pounding their chests trying to bully the little kid on the playground. They would have never tried this years ago. However, due to the many wars and our economic woes, Russia is playing a power play. While they think they can play with us, it only takes one to end it all!!! They might get more than they wish for.

Wildwood Crest, NJ

Russian's are securing their part of the world, and will not be bullied by George Bush and his cronnies.

Probably three fold Jack,

First the Russians are interested in regaining former lands from the old empire, secondly to show the world they are back and strong as ever and did I mention the oil and oil supply line?????

crushing defeat followed by blind obedience.

Puttin wants to goad the US into military action and McCain wants his own war. Elect McCain and the US will be going into yet another war and probably the final one.

the empire strikes again comes to mind

Russia wants to flex its muscle to see what the rest of the world will do...and they got their answer....Nothing

Jman,
When it comes to a missile defense (star wars) system – What are our (Bush Regime) intentions? Are we rewarding Poland for their "renditional" cooperation? Why are we doing joint military training (last month) in Russia's back-yard anyway? Sounds like another stupid mess the Bush Regime has created.

As she has for hundreds of years, Russia is expanding toward warm water ports and toward providing buffers on her borders. Putin is just another in a long line of nationalists with imperial anbitions. Looks like "Vlad the Invader" has made a fool of "George the Soul-Dearcher."

The news media aren't doing a very good job reporting this (they all sound like the Bush Channel, also known as Fox News). The Russians are being portrayed as the bad guys in this mess when it was the Georgian military that attacked Russian citizens in Georgia. Almost nobody interviews Russian officials but a lot of time is spent by the media with the President of Georgia. This sounds very much like the buildup to the invasion of Iraq. After all, the Republicans aren't cruising like they did in 2004 and the old Fear Routine has been effective before. Why not try it again? And, how come no one talks about the longtime connection between the Georgian government and John McCain's staff?

The Russians intended to show the idiots who rule the US that they have no power in their land-locked areas of THEIR world and the BS the US tried to pull didn't work and won't work in the future.

I have no clue but we can't let Russia surge forward. God forbid they don't stop at Georgia and surge into Florida or even South Carolina. We must stop them now!

Simple it's all about money, property, and prestiege. They want the money from the oil pipe line, just like our administration wants Iraqs oil, then there's property, man has been fighting over land for ever even back to the caveman; that about says it all in this crazy mixed up world.

Jack, Russia downsized a few years back to recapitalize and rebuild their crumbling empire. Now, they are back. They want an “independent” Georgia under Russian hegemony. Therefore, they want all the perks of ruling a country with none of the headaches.

Russia and Putin are sending the message to the other former Soviet republics that they should not get to friendly with the west and they should not expect protection from the United States. We've overextended our military with our policy in the middle east and we've betrayed our old alliances with the cowboy politics we've engaged in over the last 8 years. We have reduced our options against Russian aggression to barking in the wind like an impotent old dog because we no longer have a strong pack around us to help.

Um, isn't it pretty obvious. Let's see Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and McCain take us into not one but two wars. Are military is tired, over extended and the infrastructure is broken, we have huge debt and our economy is faltering. Russia saw an opportunity to show dominance and regain control in the area and moved. You see when your weak, like we are at the moment, it's easy for other countries to move. The real question should be, "Would Russia have done what it did in Georgia if America wasn't bogged down in Iraq?" That is a better question.

Russia had supporters that Georgia attacked and Russia basically put them in their place. There isn't anyway Russia is going to let the U.S. surround them with missile bases.

You have to remember the U.S. has proven it will invade other Nations without justification so every other country has to look out for their sovereignty and their own national security.

With John McCain bad mouthing Russia and threatening to have them expelled from the G-8 the U.S. might be well advised to keep your heads up as the big bear just might give you a slap to keep you in line.

A better question is "Was Georgia encouraged to invade South Ossetia by Bush"? (especially since both Rove and Cheney have visited Saakashvili recently).

I think Bush wanted to test the Russians, and Russia gave him his answer, "We're back."

I think Russia's intent was to give Georgia–and Bush–a message which was–Keep to your own borders and don't attack small countries that we are allied with. Personally, I hope that point was made.

Exactly the same as his buddy bush's were in Iraq. Putin is a bully who wants to get his own way and become more powerful by scaring the rest of the world. Get ready,because world war III and the apocalypse is just around the corner.

Russia is after a change in leadership in Georgia so that they can have more influence within that country. Right now Georgia has a leader that detests Russia. Russia will never stand for that. Not as long as Vladimir Putin is calling all the shots which you can bet he is. Russia will not stand for democracy on that continent because it is a direct threat to Russia's very existence. Dictatorship is all Putin knows and feels that it is what's best for Russia.

History is repeating itself. Russia is on the move again to try to be the most powerful nation in the world. Buckle up folks, it looks like we may be in for a wild and turbulant ride.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

I like the " The Empire Strikes Back" comment. That pretty well sums it up. But this is also just another example of Bush backing the wrong horse... again. Between seeing Putin's soul, backing the Georgian agressors, and Musharraf it's a wonder we are all still here. How many more days are there before we are rid of G.W. Screwup????

Unknown. They would like to pull Georiga back in but will probably settle for more control of the breakway provinces.

Russia is like a spoiled teenager. The more you tell them they can't do or have something the more determined they are to get their own way.

That's what concerns me so much about John McCains sabre rattling speeches. The Russians have the money and a fresh military to do whatever they want. If McBush continue to give orders and make statements for Political purposes like they have been doing for over a week now then they better get prepared to back up their threats.

Diplomacy is something that McBush really doesn't have a clue about.

Jack:
It doesn't appear the American people are being told the entire story. There appears to be a lot of "Stagecraft" in this "Crisis" Do you think we are in late summer reruns?

circy in New Mexico – Thank you. I thought that I was the only one who'd heard that the Georgian military was in fact the instigator. Anyway, there's isn't any difference between Georgia and warmongers like McCain and Bush. Russia has every right to protect its citizen,

Bernie,
Texas

Who knows, Jack.
The world is in such a mess, in part due to our interference
where we don't belong, it is hard telling what is going to
happen next.
They all know with our military has been stretched beyond their
limit we certainly cannot do anything but talk big. And, who
do they expect to listen??

I think their intentions are to establish a base for Wheapons of Mass Distruction, hold rigged elections, replace an elected president with a brutal dictator and re-establish Russia as a world power...they know there ain't much the rest of the world can do about it.

I think Russia going into Georgia was a farce, during the Olympics, Putin didn't want to be upstaged by the U S so he started trouble in Georgia.

He wanted to outshine Bush

The free world is too weak to do anything...the UN is worthless...,Russia (and China) will be the next world powers.

At a minimum limit Georgia's ability to go against Moscow and also to warn the other former Soviet states that there is a risk in opposing Vlad the Destroyer. At another level they could be trying to scare the Europeans- not to tough to do- or even to get complete control of the energy pipelines upon which the Europeans have become so dependent.

Unfortunately the Kosovo intervention gave them a perfect cover for the intervention. Clinton went to war against Serbia because he wanted to protect a minority and then Bush and the Europeans looked the other way when the Kosovars declared independence. Putin was able to play follow the leader!

Jack

I wish that George Bush and John McCain would stop treating this like a game of RISK. The Russians want to be taken seriously and we need to show them some respect. Beating on your chest and making bold statements without the might to back it up is like playing with fire. In this case Nuclear fire. This is why we need to change the tone and tactics in Washington. We need someone with intelligence and an understanding of exactly what diplomacy is and how to use it. I know that man isn't McBush.

take over and rule

perry j

Russia's intentions are questionable at this point. I believe that it is attacking Georgia in an attempt to gain control of its oil wells and to show the world that Russia can become a super-power again. The worse thing is that NATO doesn't look like they want to confront Russia and the United States is too caught up in its own problems to be in a position to even help Georgia.

Russia is sending us a signal that allowing Pres. Bush to squander our national power and pride has its consequences. While we've been hoodwinked by fear tactics into sacrificing our liberties and economy, Russia has been dilegently waiting and watching. It's time for some real leadership, Jack.

We have no moral ground to stand on nor any say in this issue. Russia will do what it wants, we already set the example.

I agree with Jim in BC...elect McCain and we will see our FINAL war.

We do not have the money to finance all the things he promises, keep the war going, give his big tax breaks, etc – McCain is a say anything to get elected official. McCain was in a POW camp during the Vietnam War and he doesn't realize we didn't win that war.

I am tired of hearing how the surge worked. If it really worked, let's get our military out. I don't think that is his plan.

My personal feeling is there is more to the Georgia conflict than we will ever know...as in 'Wag the Dog'. How much did McCain promise Georgia's president? The time was too much of a concidence...

PLUS...who really believes he was in a cone of silence and who was all involved in the fact he wasn't?

Russia wants the entire regions they lost back into the fold – what else makes sense? Will they accomplish that? I think not !
They have energy power now and know that.......look who went to Russia to work w/the Russians? France Leader ! Why? Because France is powered more or less by their own Nuclear Power and Russia can't control them w/energy.
Everything is as clear as the nose on "you know who's face".
The truth is that USA does not always have clean hands either – however USA Leaders have accopmlished some of the dumbest moves in history in the past 30 years.
Jack Colson
Portland OR

Oh how the desire for power corrupts humans ! The good, decent and moral citizens are the ones that invariably suffer.
Russia is Stalin like 60 yrs ago and is same today.
Janet J
Milwaukee WI

Russia is paranoid and for good reason. Read your history. Bush and the US are encroaching on Russia's soil. Look what happened in Cuba and the near catastrophe that took place. Bush has no right pushing this missile defense system in their back yard and no right pushing some of these countries to join NATO. It is just looking for a war or at least another cold one. The man has got to be an idiot. Bush and McCain talk this garbage of being foreign policy experts but Bush's policies have hurt America and its people. If this policy is kept up look out for WW-III.

Since the most of the world views the U.S. as a rogue nation and now realizes it will attack sovereign nations without justification my guess is Russia just showed everyone they aren't prepared to be next on McCain's list.

Once you elect another war President, Georgia will only be the beginning so hold on tight the future might get a little rocky.

Jack, Russia downsized a few years back to recapitalize and rebuild their crumbling empire. Now, they are back. They want an “independent” Georgia under Russian hegemony. They are well aware of the oil dynamics of the world and with that pipeline, they can put a stranglehold over all of Europe.

We all know what Russia is doing Jack!
I think the real question is: What is Georgia doing?
It just seems kinda funny that after they're denied membership to NATO due to their border disputes, they decide to poke the bear then turn tail and run! They had to know Russia woul'd come back in full force. What were they thinking?
We'll see if they get a fast track into NATO now with the border's they wanted all along. Maybe this was a good thing for the Georgian cause in the end! Funny they couldn't have planned it better if they tried!

The Russians want to control the region and its oil, plain and simple. In addition, the Russians know that we are strapped financialy, miltarily, and emotionaly so we are going to do nothing to help Georgia outside of humanitarian aid.

Jack I can sum up Russia's intentions towards Georgia in one word.

OIL!!!!!!!!!

This looks like a job for, Sen. McCain and his sidekick Joe Lieberman!! The GOP Fightin' Machine!!!

The Russian bear is awake, hungry, and on the prowl again. Georgia is just the appetizer. The rest of the old Soviet Union is on the menu and all the foes are too weak or too distracted to stop it. Here we go again. Putin's timing is perfect.

I think that Russia's intentions were to used that opportunity to the fact that Georgia attacked first and try to take back control over Georgia and wipe it off the map but because the Georgian president did not fight the Russians back and used diplomacy calling on the US and the international communitities to take actions, their spirit became weak as the international communities critised the Russians for taken advantage over a mistake caused by the Georgians and called for the Russians to leave Georgia immediately by pushing for a peace deal that was finally signed by both parties..

The Russians will move back to South Ossetia and stay there as long as they want. The United States and the rest of the world will do nothing and the Russians could care less what the rest of the world thinks .

The disturbing thing is, the casual observer like yourself, has asked a question that speaks volumes.... Had this been a minor military operation your question might have been... When it comes to crime and disent in the region, do Georgia's intentions affect Russia?
Should Georgia ask for Russia's assistance?

Instead, we have Russia acting much like Isreal did towards Lebanon... asserting it's power over their governmental authority, and that does not bode well for the future of stability in the region.

They probably want to see which Presdential candidate is the strongest. One will meet them head on and chase them to the gates of hell and the other will run back home and build a fence around the US.

carol in Oregon

Clearly Russia is securing its borders. Imagine Lou Dobb's reaction if the situation was reversed and an similar incident happened in Mexico. It was complete folly for Georgia to provoke Russia, unless who ever advised them to do so wanted to provoke an international crisis, maybe to highlight a candidate's image. Bottomline, the US military is already overstretched to help Georgia, and US taxpayers can not afford the billions McCain is lobbying for Georgia.

Can't help but believe that Russia has always remained the Russia of the past – I wonder how many people honestly believe Russia is willing to show some humility and really be a part of the world of nations. I've never trusted Putin, and my distrust became even more intense after George W. looked into his eyes and saw his soul! THAT IS SCARY!!

Russia wants to control the world and will continue to take over countries like Georgia, or at the least see what they can get away with. They know the U.S. is helpless militarily at this time.

Russia is sending a message. The message is one they sent in WWII, which is that Russia is a powerful warrior and is capable of ruthless behavior when provoked. There is an inferred message as well, and that is with America proving herself dumb enough to spend her defenses in needless preempitive striking, Russia becomes a viable competitor on the world stage.

South Ossetia was originally part of Russia. When Georgia seceded from the Soviet Union, South Ossetia stayed with them. Eventually They got tired of being pushed around by the yokels in Georgia and decided to return to the North. Russia is simply fighting for them in an ugly way, in much the same manner that the United States would fight for the upper Michigan peninsula if they decided to go back to Canada. Upper Michigan should belong to Wisconsin in the first place but some darn fool president gave it away to Michigan. I'm glad we don't have a dumb president like that anymore.

Russia's intentions are the same as Pinky's ( Pinky & The Brain), to take over the world. That hasn't changed since the cold war began. I wonder if the world will have the same high expectations for reparation and rebuilding as it has for the U. S. when we blow up some foreign country. I enjoy your insight and appreciate your attitude....Smiling Jack, keep it up.

You're asking the wrong question. It should read: "When it comes to Georgia, what are America's intentions?" If the USA government would stop harassing other nations, the world would be a much safer place.
And for the record: there's more sympathy for Russia in Europe than than America likes to believe. You just don't like to hear it, but someday, you may start to feel it.

There are three pipelines operating or under construction in Georgia. They are financed by the Europeans to bring oil from the Caspian Sea via Georgia to Europe without touching Russian territory. Putin couldn't care less about the tribes of Ossetia and Abchasia, but he simply had to get his hands on these pipelines to keep his oil monopoly in Europe. Russia's entire military power and its entire economy is financed by its European oil revenue.

Hi Jack:

Ask President Bush. And I use the term President lightly.

Ron San Diego

Show America that they are not invalids in the powers in the world. That America is not the only country who can attack another country uniliateraly like they did in Iraq. I do not think America has the moral authority to teach any other country on this issue after what we did in Iraq. What Russia did in is very wrong so does what America did in Iraq. Both acted on nothing but self interest.

- Nuwan from Houston, TX

Does anyone know the answer to this one except Putin? My opinion is that he is just flexing his muscle much like the U.S. did in Iraq, however he has more to gain. I think he would like to unify Russia again into one country, and just may be willing to use force to do it. If he should be sucessful, Russia would be one strong country, however unlike the U.S., where all that the Iraq War has done is cost us many young lives, weakened out nation, and has cost us the trust of our allies, and our money.

From what I can gather, Russia wants to get rid of McCains buddy.

Other than that? Why not ask Condi? She's the Russian expert. Most of us are not.

Thanks

Russia is sending a clear signal that they will not sit idly by while former breakaway republics are courting a relationship with NATO and missile batteries are placed on their doorsteps. Russia seems to be struggling for relevance and grasping at their glory days of power. A place the US could easily find itself unless we get our own house in order.

Clearly Russia is securing its borders. Imagine Lou Dobb’s reaction if the situation was reversed and an similar incident happened in Mexico. It was complete folly for Georgia to provoke Russia, unless who ever advised them to do so wanted to provoke an international crisis, maybe to highlight a candidate’s image. Bottomline, the US military is already overstretched to help Georgia, and US taxpayers can not afford the billions McCain is lobbying for Georgia.

Jack, you remember these questions...

What did we know? When did we know it?

"We are all Georgians" but Georgia never told us they were going to provoke an attack by aerial bombing South Ossetia?

Even though the USA supplied the weapons?
And Georgia's lobbyist is joined at the hip to the McCain campaign.

Jack, this is simple. NOT OUR BUSINESS. we have enough problems of our own.

Face it Jack, we have been played for sucker by Russia. We backed off and helped them with their economy. We allowed countless thousands of immigrants to come here to the west. Now that they have cleaned house and rebuilt their armed forces they can go back to playing the big bully again. As long as there are no consequences to their actions why shouldn't they.
Georgia would never have happened if they new they would lose their position in the UN , G8 or anything else they benifit from. But they know our wimpy politicians will do nothing so why not?
After all the hoopla is gone they will be back for the oil pipelines, I have no doubt.

From thousands of miles away it would appear that Russia is flexing their muscle and seemingly quite upset to have a democracy thriving under her belly. While I agree that the US should support Georgia and its democratically elected leaders...I think it's time for Europe to handle the bully in their backyard, whether or not it is in their self-interest to do so. This is not the time to "sit on the sidelines".

It is nothing but for the control of their oil flow into rest of Europe. They don't have any bigger plans- at least ones they think they can get away with. S Ossettia and Abkazia have never been part of Georgia- if you go back couple of centuries; so Georgia overplayed their hand when they sent in forces into those 2 areas to "control" them, and Russia sprang the trap they laid and were waiting. You reap what you sow!

I think Russia's intentions are to keep the USA out of their business over there. We have to stop getting in the middle of these conflicts and thinking we can call all the shots. It's all about oil there, too. I think before we rattle our sabers, the republicans and others that support war should enlist and also thier immediate families. I think the saber rattling and the call to war would stop and a solution without conflict would be very workable and done quick, fast and in a hurry.

To scare the non-thinking religious right wing fanatics into voting for McCain. The Russian’s do not want a smart, competent, capable as well as peace loving President that would be Barack Obama.

Their intentions are obviously the same ours were when we invaded Iraq, meaning, it's always about the oil. The Russians are very different in the fact that they can pull it off, though. Any country that either has acess to, or known quantities of, oil will forever be in the crosshairs of Russia and the US. We are blatantly hypocritical when we get indignant about Russian ambitions, and so, we should take a long hard look in the mirror before condemming them or anybody.

It didn't work, Jack! McCain and Bush were not aided and abetted here. It is not a Russian concern but a republican concern AND IT DIDN'T WORK!

Georgia's leader dared the Russians to do something and got his nose bloodied in the process. The Russians are daring the U.S and Europe. Thus far it would appear that we are getting our nose bloodied.

Harry
Ky.

They are letting other people around the world know that they are bullies on the playground much like Senator McCain is doing. That's the scary part of it bullies have to know at some point they will meet their match. Let's hope that Senator McCain doesn't get in a we meet our match.

The same as Bush's intentions for Iraq in March 2003. Regime change. And Bush has no credibility to complain.

And we thought the Cold War was over...

They are securing an area which Georgia attacked, thats why peace keepers were there, America's really don't understand anything but sports and beer.

Who knows what their intent is, Jack. I wouldn't believe anything coming from this administration. After watching the endless parade of TV interviews of the Georgian President, I don't think I believe anything he has to say either. I'm not even sure about who was initially at fault here. Let's ask Michael Ware......he'll know.

Henry Kissinger once advised that we should never assume the Russians have a strategy about anything. I know for a fact that the Bush administration doesn't.

The russians wants to take over Georgia for their oils !! Houston Texas

Why would we know or care? There ain't much we can do abouth it and the Russians know about it, first hand. They have been where we are and it knocked them off of their "superpower" status.

Putin is just having a gay old time. Years ago he looked into Bush's eyes and saw a vacant sign. He decided then that it was time for Russia to regain it's old power and stature.

When is this country going to wake up ? Bush and Mcsane are behind anything that has to do with oil.Somebody better start getting the facts straight and we don"t need Mcsane shooting off his big mouth, also want to know what the lobbist on his staff had to do with this..

Wasn't it Georgia that attacked South Ossetia first, running over the villages, killing the elderly and children with tanks, and thus, starting the conflict which required Russian intervention? How would the U.S. react in a similar situation? Until we know more facts, perhaps, we should withhold judgment of how properly or improperly Medvedev has responded.

Georgia is to Russia what Latin America and South America is to the USA. We can and have invaded countries in our hemisphere without any interruption or interference from Europe or Asia. To think Russia is acting any different than America is to ignore our whole policy toward Latin America starting with Teddy Roosevelt.

The only time anyone ever tried to interfere with us was Russia with Cuba, the proverbial thorn in the side of America's hedgemony of the Western Hemisphere.

Michael
Voorhees, New Jersey

Russian is protecting his own. North Ossetia is Russia property and South Ossetia is right next door with Georgia on the other side & was not invited to enter South Ossetia but it did. Russia, USA, and many other countries have tons of Nukes and all these mega countries know once the nukes get in then goodbye world! Russia made its point to Georgia to back off. Unfortunately looking at the carnage & lives destroyed, kinda makes you think about our invasion into Iraq.

Hey Jack
This is what happens when you try to set up missile bases in someone's back yard. As Musharraf now knows the cost of being a friend the the Bush/Cheney Administration is way to high
Cinti, Ohio

Jack:

When Bush said that he looked into Putin's eyes and was able to see his soul, that was the beginning of trouble. Intentionally or not, Bush has been breaking bric-a-brac ever since. My Russian friend said to me "You must realize that Russia has power and is worthy of respect".

How do we know that Russia is not Iran's silent partner? Their recent military moves knocked Iran right out of the headlines didn't they? There's not much smoke, but there's a lot of mirrors.

Not none of our business. When did we get elected world's police man. I have enough to worry about on how I am going to feed my family and I cannot worry about another war Bush might get us in.

Russia is trying to prove something we all need to wake up to: American enchrochment into other parts of the world only serves the interest of our political elites and not our own. Does it matter to you that we have a missle shield in Poland? Does it matter to you if Georgia is a "democracy"? Do you care who is the President of Ukraine? No you don't. It doesn't effect your life at all. But, for military contractors, areospace engineers, and even presidential candidates (McCain/Schenerman), there's alot of money to be made.

Jack, the Russians are simply trying to quell Georgia's meddling in areas not of their concern. They rightly stepped in to put a stop to rebellious behavior. Since Georgia is a U.S. ally, most of the U.S. media have given us a biased report trying to portray the Georgians as the good guys. During this episode, not one media expert ever explained the reasons why the situation developed in the first place leading people to believe Russia acted irresponsibly. Imagine George Bush accusing someone else of invading a sovereign territory!

I do believe there's a certain amount of muscle flexing going on, but there are certain regions that were afraid of the
Georgian administration. This guy is nuts! He provokes Russia by threatening his own people then by firing upon them, then he blames us for the Attack by Russia, because we wouldn't let him in the U.N.
Russia's gesture was mostly humanitarian. (sounds crazy but true)
G.W. is out from fear, of losing the pipeline, and McCain, well, he's McCain, he thinks he's Reagan incarnate!
This was handled very badly by the United States.
I think if Russia knows that Georgians will not be slaughtered by their own leadership, they'll leave.

Jack, I think they are trying to rebuild their empire and I fear for the Georgians. Looks like a new Cold War is ahead of us!

Russia, specifically Vladimir Putin, wants to be the next CZAR of Russia. Effectively he is. The invasion of Georgia was just to see how much control of the Soviet Empire is really lost. Putin must be sick of hearing that Russia is no longer a super power. Ive met many Russian people over the last 30 years and they are just like Americans. The freedom bell in Russia has been sounded. Putin better not miscalculate because I dont think Russians want to go back to Stalin or Kruschev.

I think there is more behind the Russian invasion than we will ever know. Americans seem to think everything is about them when there is a world out there where people have values that differ from ours and who live in a culture that we do not understand.

This conflict between Russia and Georgia has been going on since the early 90's. It started in an area of Georgia that is a resort area on the Black Sea with surrounding mountains. Evidently both countries want this tourist area. There are a lot of other ideas out there, but I have no idea which are fact and which are baseless opinion.

We tend to jump to all kinds of conclusions based on partial information and based on our own culture and values. I would need a lot more information – like a course in Russian history – in order to figure out what Russia's motives are in Georgia..

I am very positive, however, that the U.S. needs to keep its nose out of it

Simply put – it was Russia reminding the world that they are still the number two superpower in the world, and with the US weakened and spread out, are capable of causing big problems.

It was a demonstration for the UN and the US, nothing more.

The USA has been extremely foolish to try and influence the eastern bloc countries that have always been aligned with Russia. Georgia was a part of Russia for close to 200 years. To place missiles in Poland, on the Russian border, was an open invitation for Russia to take action against the west. What affects the USA also affects those of us who reside north of your border and I am in despair about the lack of sensible diplomacy conducted by your administration and the possibility of electing another war-monger like McCain. God help us all!!

Simple Jack. The Russians have sat back an watched to Bush regime weaken our military with thier lie-based war of choice, then when we were far to weak to defend anyone, including ourselves, they attack. It's a win-win for Russia. First they show the world that they have the power to reconstitute the old Soviet Union, and as an added bonus they show us to be utterly impotent to do a damn thing about it.

Bush was trying to neuter Russia with such arrogance as, "Putie-Pute."

Respect and fear are the goal of the Doberman that Bush mistook for a Pekenese.

I think the real message is to the United States and that is "IF you want a 21st Century version of The Cuban Missle Crisis by putting an ABM system in Poland and the Czech Republic, THAT can be arranged and YOU will be destabilizing Europe".

American politicians have to realise that the Russians are second only to North Korea in paranoia and, consisdering they have been invaded at least once every century going back to the Mongols in the year 1223, it's maybe rightly so. ANY action seen as even possable aggression against their borders can light them off.

Bush, Cheney and their Neocon "advisors" are playing with fire and DON'T have an extinguisher.

Who knows? I think we have to take them at their word for now. They say the Georgians were ethnicly cleansing South Ossetia and maybe there is some truth in that. This appears to be another Bush messup. Nothing new.

How much oil is in Georgia?

They are going to have a SURGE for the next month and then slowly remove their troops. The just want to follow in the steps of the United States. There is just one difference they're not dumb enought to spend millions rebuilding Georgia.

Jack,

Perhaps if you looked into Putin's eyes you would be able to get the answer to that question and of course you would be able to see his soul as well, I'm sure that is a real treat.... As far as I'm concerned the real axis of evil is Bush/Putin/Musharraf/Hu Jintao (US/Russia/Pakistan/China).
The reality is it doesn't matter what Russia's intentions are, there isn't a damn thing we or anyone else can do about it because of the idiot who's been in office for the past 8 years.

Luwanna Guysville Ohio

The thing motivating the Russian's is the fact we moved in and told the Georgians that we will back you and help you with arms help make you a super power so you can stand up to the Russians. What would we do if they did the same to lets say with Mexico we would be protecting our interest if say Mexico attack Texas. Its my understanding that Georgia started this. Even if this is not just the way it came down I think we lost the moral high ground after Iraq.

Jack,

That's easy they intend to take it over by hook or crook, And and I'm sure if they don't do what the white house wants Bush will leave another war on the desk of our next president ( McCain ) I hope

Russia intends to go back to the old USSR. Its obvious. The next president has his work cut out for him, Bush has sure wrecked our political standing in this world. Obama please hire Colin Powell for your Administration.

Jack I think we have a very "cocky trouble maker" in Russia who is going to do things his way. I really feel uncomfortable about him. So I don't know how Georgia will fair!

To coiunter the United States intentions!
What are our intentions?

The media was clearly on McCain's side when all this started. Now McCain is crying wolf because he does not want a fair media, but one that is on his side. If McCain explains how he intends to balance the budget with his voodoo economics, may be, just may be, the media may love him again.

Jack,

Ask Putin see if you get a straight answer!

Ed
Woodbridge,Va.

Jack, All of these international conflicts , unfortunately, help John McCain. He and too many of the American voters love a tough talking warmonger.

Louise Indiana

Russia's Intentions in Georgia is to send a strong message to the United States, and we folded as usual when jabbed by a real Power!

To show the world that there still powerful and with U.S invasion and occupation of Iraq there is not a whole lot of trust in America anymore.

Russia's intentions are the same as always. They want to bully the region and grab more power and money for themselves. If they
control the oil pipeline, they control more money. The goal of communism is to spread the ideology throughout the world. The bear has been slumbering and is awake again. It does not bode well
for anyone, the US included.

It seems to me that Russia's intentions are quite clear. If they get by with bullying Georgia, then one by one they will try to become the USSR again. What can the US do about it? Absolutely nothing. . . we are so strung out now that we cannot secure our own borders let alone someone else's. Thank you George Bush!!!

What are their intentions? It's obvious. Russia is going to annex both South Ossieta and Abkhazia and establish a new border there backed by their considerable military might. In addition to new territory, this gives them power over the critical east/west oil corridor. Clearly the Europeans aren't going to do anything about it, and Russia knows that thanks to Bush we're already stretched too thin to do anything about it. Unfortunately they are right and the world will complain but in the end do nothing. The Bear is back.

Russia misses the good Old Days of the Soviet Union. I wouldn't be surprised if this is just the first thing that happens in their ultimate goal of creating the NRUE: New Russian Unified Empire

Russia is, as always, trying to keep its own borders secure. What if the Russians made a military alliance with Mexico and started sending military advisors and equipment? Would we stand for it?
If we stopped pushing NATO membership for Georgia, Russia would pay no attention to the country.

Jack,
Clearly 20 years of humiliation for an ex-KGB like Putin is too much to bear. Putin want to no longer be irrelevant in the Eastern European sphere. Russians on the other hand probably want to not go hungry and persecuted as they were under Soviet rule. No matter what they want, Russia is going to come out the loser, undisputedly!

To rid Georgia and the other former Russian satellites of American influence.

Russia is clearly needling the US. They know that the US is bogged down both militarily and financially by wars in the Middle-East. Thus, the US is not in a position to do anything and will further suffer the appearance of weakness on the international stage. Kind of like the 80's, but reveresed.

For all those "old school" Roman Catholics who survived parochial schools, catechism classes, and a few turkey nuns and priests along the way. . . . Remember the warnings about the threat of Russia to the world from the Blessed Mother Mary?

Need to pull out those dusty rosaries, Jack! Prayer can't hurt!

Honestly, I don't think this has much to do with us (blasphemy, I know). That's been a very unstable region for decades with charges of ethnic cleansing being applied to multiple groups. The Russian military went in under the guise of protecting native Russians when they really just wanted to send a message to the Georgian government with some good old fashioned slash and burn. We're going to be seeing a lot of this in the next 10 years. Expect Russian troops to move in and "aid" the regions of Transnistria, Moldova and Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan any day now. Couple all of this with the re-emergence of the Balkan powder keg and we could be seeing something big soon.

Putin is following in this Presidents foot steps.Bush from the start has thumbed his nose at international law and opened up the path for Putin to do the same.From the Iraq war,renditions,torture to secert prisons.Puntin is sending the same message that Bush has sent the world.We do not care what you think.

Ask McCain's chief aid - the guy who has been a lobbyist for Georgia for the past several years. McCain says he talks to the Georgia president every day. It's too bad he didn't talk the Georgian president out of attacking South Ossetia, with Russian troops sitting in wait.

McCain never saw a war he didn't like. I just hope he and George Bush don't hype us into a war with Russia over Georgia.

Clemson, SC

Jack: Russia wants to control Georgia like the old Soviet Union did in the day. We need to admit all the border states to NATO as soon as possible. We need our on peace keepers in Georgia like yesterday. Putin has no soul. George W. does it again.

John

Who cares what happens with Georgia. The U.S. has enough problems of its own without getting involved. Our politicians need to stop posturing. There is nothing we could do about it if we wanted to– we know it and they know it. G.W. Bush, John Mccain, can all talk tough, but when it comes down to it, it is all talk.

Russia intend to protect the Ossetians and Azkhans, who had their constitutional rights to an autonomous local government thrown out in 1991 by the Georgians.
They also intend to demonstrate to its neighbors that it is a force to be reckoned with and that NATO and the US aren't much of an ally when you live next door. (Hey Ukraine we're looking at you!)
But they aren't out to destroy relations with Western Europe since they are Russias best customers. So they aren't going to do anything really immoral.
Like occupy another nation that hadn't attacked it.

Russia's intentions are the same as always, Jack. DOMINATE...any and everything it can get its grubby little hands on. The USSR may be dead but Russian attitudes never change. I think the history books will bear me out on this. READ HISTORY, folks. there are few surprises if one just READS!

There are problems between Russia and Georgia which are left over from the Soviet split which left many Russians in Georgia. This will continue until the status of the Russians in Georgia is settled. New borders are needed, but unlikely without intermediaries. In the meantime it looks like the Russian military is bored and needs something to do.

According to what the Russian President and a General said, Russia’s intention are to stop Georgian troops from killing over 2000 Russian dissidents in South Ossetia and other border areas. (Did this happen or not?) No one doubts Georgian troops have, will and should be punished for what they did. As far as withdrawl talks, the only people talking about withdrawl are Condi Rice and the Georgian President (kinda like if you keep talking and wishing for it long enough, your wish will come true) The Russians also said they would move backward, not withdrawl. It seems like the Bush administration is again entering into one of those battle of wits and you know what happens when Bush puts on his thinking cap…

There's a few things going on here. Russia doesn't want Georgia in NATO. Russia smells the oil. Russia knows we're weakened militarily and politically by Bush, and therefore can be the new bully on the block.

tell george to have a second look into putin's eye's!

Russia made a calculated move to re-exert its dominance when America is at its weakest due to the Bush-Cheny Iraq War. Russia knows all to well that during the eight years of Bush as president, he has damaged and crippled the US' ability to fully engage in foreign affairs and provide support to its allies in emergencies.

You may recall that there is a major gas pipeline running through Georgia. I'd say control of that pipeline is a bigger prize than trying to intimidate other nations.

Russia's intentions are to show the world that they are a force to be reckoned with and regain the control of the "break away" countries. It's not about us in any way, shape, or form. Maybe as a country we need to take a step back and repeat "it's not about me" until we get it.

Ready or not here we come! More fear tactics just like in 2004

Jack,
Putin is running the show that is no question. Being in charge Putin wants it back wants it all back (The Old Soviet Union). He will not stop now that he has started and if anything goes really wrong the New President of Russia will just have to take the blame. Times are not good and it looks as though Russia wants the same old Party in charge of the U.S. that way they know what to expect from the U.S. with a new Party they just do not know which way we would go they do not like that. Russia will push the West until the West stands firm and say stop and stop now. When will that happen? We can not stand alone.

James Thurber wrote a fable entitled "The Rabbits Who Caused All the Trouble." In brief, the wolves blamed everything on the rabbits and, eventually, ate them. When the other animals asked what became of the rabbits, the wolves said stay out of it, "It's an internal matter." I believe that Russia used similar words. I am pretty sure Secy. Rice knows that fable and all about bears in wolves' clothing.

Russia wants the break away countries back in the fold Jack. Our gaining allies on their door step is not acceptable just as their foot hold in Cuba was not acceptable to the USA. Poland is the same issue with them and they realize as we do that our forces are stretched thin at this time and we cannot respond as we could back in the cold war. Now they are trying to gode the USA into a bad position and praying that either Bush will blink or that McCain will win because they know both are warmongers and would give them the edge when it comes to pushing us into another open conflict.

The Russians want the income from the Oil routes going through Georgia. This would add to Russia being the number one supplier of oil in Europe and they'd get Americas' Money too. Throw in the other two countries and that's real financial gain.

The same as Bush's schemes when he wanted an excuse to take over Iraq.

Russia is about to invade Eastern Europe. Did you hear Russia threaten to Nuke Poland over the US Missle Defense shield deal? Now they are moving Nukes into Georgia.

Thanks George W. Bush, you have destabilized the entire planet in 8 years!

I don't know, I just hope Bush won't let us find out. He's screwed everything else up I hope he leaves this one alone.

Russia is up to no good. Russia has its eye on the pie and It used to be called "Texas Tea", but now it is "Middle East Gold". Russian officials want to make sure that Russia continues to be a viable supplier of oil. Georgia 's pipeline to Western Europe is the Russian target. George Bush has seen Putin's soul, but he forgot to look at his pocketbook. For the most part people's pocketbooks talk more than their souls.

Canada

Russia's intention in Georgia is to challenge U.S. intentions to place missle defense systems along their border and in former Soviet territories. Putin said he would do something in response to the Bush Administration Plan. Giving a menacing scare to NATO wannabes with possible renewed Cold War ramifications is one way of doing so.
Didn't Condoleeza Rice earn a PhD in this scenario?

Jack, I'll pass on the opportunity to say HUH? WHAT?

What does it appear that Russia wants? I'd say they want to bring Georgia back into the fold. They did have a little disagreement at the breakup, and haven't been happy since.

Jack, I think Russia's intentions are very clear. They want Georgia and are taking it. There is nothing we can do to stop it and none of our allies are willing to step up and take their share of responsibility. Sorry Georgia, you backed the wrong horse when you expected the USA to be able to fight your battles. We are overextended and bogged down in Iraq. You should have thought about that before you started this. Of course, Russia saw this as their main chance to take you...end of story.

Russia is just testing the world to see if it can do whatever they want to do, just like the Bush Admin has done.

Also, their military has probably been bored, they needed something to do to get the troops back in shape and to launch some missiles that were about to expire soon.

I've watched a few hours of Coverage and videos on this conflict and I just don't know. I don't feel confident that the media or the Bush Administration know much more than me, either.

Per to President Bush demand of “Immediate withdrawal of Russian Troops from Georgia”, can President Bush use the same tone of voice at the Mexican Government and demand an immediate stop of Mexico’s illegal invasion of America?

Mark
From LA

Jack....What is frightening about the Russia/Georgia conflict is that by all outward appearances--Russia can't be trusted--and in the atomic age.....this is not good news!

Russian intentions are clear. They are just following the examples set by Bush-Cheney-McCain!

Don't you find it peculiar that most conservatives will not aknowledge any ties between oil and our reasons for invading Iraq, but the first thing they point out in this Russia crisis is that oil pipeline?

The Cold War. Just quote Yogi Berra again.... That's what you get with two wars going on.

The Russian intentions are to cease the Democracy invasion. I can only imagine how the U.S. will react when the Soviets or China put up a military and missile base in Mexico.

It's pretty obvious Jack . Putin wants to conquer Georgia and bring
back the old U.S.S.R .

I think Russia is trying to insure South Ossetia their democracy – they want to go back to Russia. I think the US may be doing a little wagging the dog to insure they don't lose control of some pipelines in Georgia.

Oil! Georgia allowed BushCo to run their oil line through Georgia....mainly because Putin wanted a piece of the action (bigger than the oil companies wanted to give him.) We supported Georgia, Rove was in Georgia 2 weeks ago, prodding the Prez to poke Ossetia with a sharp stick. Russia didn't need much to jump into action and once again, our current administration (even WITH Russia guru Condi Rice) got caught with their pants down.
It's about the oil, Jack....it's ALWAYS about the oil.

Jack,
Russia is pretty much letting Georgia and the rest of their neighbors know :
"Don't start something you can't finish"
I am still trying to figure out why the Russians are being portrait as the bad guy's here for defending their people.
We all have heard that Georgia started this, so what is really the question here??
Oh and by the way, I am not a Georgian please let the old gray haired dude know that.
Thanks

They are stalling us off, and putting are energy on them while Iran continues to arm itself, once it does. Then Russia will back off, but it will be too late for us when it comes to Iran, and they will become the middle eastern Cuba, why not? we have Iraq, it's all stratigic. Hasn't anybody ever played the game R.I.S.K.?

The Russian are senting a message to George Bush and the US. They are staying that if Bush invaded Iraq without cause he capable of doing the same to us and we are not going to allow it. How can he say anything to Russia when he did the exact same thing isnt it like the pot calling the kettle black.

Simple, the Russian bear intends to eventually
roll down south in order to control and dominate
the middle east region because of oil. This is why
we must become independent of middle east oil.

Putin's voting for McCain.

OH YEAH, I think we have Afganistan also.

Russia is trying to stop the spread of Western influence, much like the influence Germany was trying to spread during WWII.

The`re showing the world that Bush isn`t the only one that can make fools of us.

If Florida left the Union and we let it after some bitter back and forth and then 5 to 10 years later INVADED Georgia or Lousianna, WE WOULD SQUASH IT no questions asked and bring it back into the union. Why is the media not reporting that Georgia (the country) brought this upon itself by being to big for its britches, forgeting that America has squandered its millitary might in the middle east and will not come to its rescue.

The leaders of Georgia are stupid to not have seen this coming and if the US was in the same situations American would be calling for the other country's utter destruction

I think Russia is Just trying to Be a Bully! They know that Nobody can stop them! Its Sad

jace mills
kansas

the media reports what the government wants us to hear. its hard to tell. russia will be made the "bad guy" and since we're the only ones allowed to have weapons of mass destruction im sure the bush regime will jump on the opportunity to spread more "democracy". mmmm world war 3?

That is easy Jack. Russia is showing the world it can do any damn thing it wants! Bush has our troops tied down in The Middle East, and the Europeans will sit back and do nothing!

Russia's attentions are to rule the world. They cannot stand it that the Soviet Union has broken up.

Scottsdale, AZ

As the young people say, IT'S A WRAP. Georgia is literally a part of Russia, courtesy of Russia.

Being a WWII vet, this is the way WWII started, same scenario , what did Chamberlain say "peace in our time" This has all the markings of expanding trying to restore the Russian Empire to its old image.

Russia will occupy Georgia until the US drops plans to place a missile defense system in Poland (period)

During the Cuban missile crisis the USSR used the same tactics to get us to capitulate and pull our missiles out of Turkey (enough said)

I think Russia wants to be in Georgia to be just a few hours drive from Disneyworld.

Georgia is Putin's test ground. He want's to see how far he can go before starting WWIII. If he can push the West around in Georgia, it will just make him hungry for more. The man gives me a cold chill. Here we go again, we're damned if we do something and damned if we don't.

You are a straigh shooter Jack, and You deserve to hear a straight answer. Right now Russia is traing to make sure nobody from Georgia or from enywere else will ever violate rights of russian citizens in Ossetia and Abkhasia.

Well, the Russians have one obvious intention in Georgia, they want to occupy the land and regain their old Soviet states back. I think the Russians will not leave Georgian territory until they gain success in their plan to overthrow the democratic President Saakashvili. This is the main intention of the Russians, because if they overthrow Saakashvili they will place their own pro-Russian man in power. The Russians did this to Georgia in 1921, when they were expanding the Soviet Union. They're doing the same thing now, in the 21st century, with the same Soviet tactics and no one seems to have any power over them. We have to stop the Russian advances, before they get out of hand and the world is faced with the terrors of a reamerged Soviet Regime.

Jack,

With the price of oil as inflated as it is (despite the recent decline in price per barrel), Russia has been emboldened to further its stranglehold on Europe's energy supply. By controlling all of the oil that flows into the West, Russia will have the ability to make the EU bow before it. There is noting we can do about this other than push towards alternative fuels and free both the US and the EU from the shackles of foreign oil.

Jack – I think we have to keep in mind that Georgia, who ally themselves with the west, fired upon South Ossetia, who ally themselves with Russia, first. Hopefully they are just there to quell that squabble. As a sidebar it's interesting to see how quickly America reverts to the old cold war mentality. It's easy to see how our politicians keep getting us into needless conflicts.

They will seek to re-establish the old borders of the Soviet Union to the estent that the rest of the world allows them.