Wouldn't Russia v. Georgia be a red phone moment?

[dkf]

Guess we know how to handle it now. Go watch the Olympics and hang out with the beach volleyball team.

[benddem]

1. well

he's either been on vacation or reading "My Pet Goat" during every other crises in his reign.

[dkf]

4. Maybe people wait for his vacations and then do stuff.

They have him all figured out.

[nc4bo]

2. I'd think it should be. nt.

[ben_meyers]

3. What if the guy on the other end of the red phone

is at the Olympics too?

[IndianaGreen]

5. No, it was Georgia who struck first by moving massively into South Ossetia

While Americans were engaged in our insular issues (tire gages, Edwards' affair, etc.) there have been many warnings by Russia on the situation faced by ethnic Russians in South Ossetia. The BBC in particular has been on top of this issue for several weeks.

Why am I not surprised that American political class is using selective memory when discussing this issue? Why did the US oppose a cease-fire resolution introduced by Russia two days ago in the UN Security Council?

There are people in this country who would love to have a second Cold War in order to keep the arms merchants and the security apparatus going full speed ahead as we disengage from Iraq, and as Osama bin Laden fades from memory.

Day-by-day: South Ossetia crisis

THURSDAY 7 AUGUST

Georgian forces and separatists in South Ossetia agree to observe a ceasefire and hold Russian-mediated talks to end their long-simmering conflict.

Hours later, Georgian forces launch a surprise attack, sending a large force against the breakaway province and reaching the capital Tskhinvali.

South Ossetian rebel leader Eduard Kokoity accuses Georgia of a "perfidious and base step".

The head of Georgian forces in South Ossetia says the operation is intended to "restore constitutional order" to the region, while the government says the troops are "neutralising separatist fighters attacking civilians".

Russia's special envoy in South Ossetia, Yury Popov, says Georgia's military operation shows that it cannot be trusted and he calls on Nato to reconsider plans to offer it membership.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7551576.stm

[dkf]

6. All I know is it seems to be spiraling out of control.

and I don't know what we are doing to fix this. We look AWOL to me.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

10. As with all this things, it depends on whether one considers South Ossetia to be Georgia

If South Ossetia is not Georgian they are being invaded by Georgia.

If South Ossetia is Georgian then Georgia can no more move into South Ossetia than the US can move into Vermont, and Georgia is being invaded by Russia.

It's all about the starting assumptions.

I am not competent to know what those starting assumptions should be. Merely noting that all conflicts of this type are about such starting assumptions.

In any event, since the war has moved beyond South Ossetia Russia and Georgia are in a state of war, no matter the original status of South Ossetia. So good, bad or in between, it's gonna be bad for Georgia.

[Arnold Judas Rimmer]

7. Most pathetic Chimp moment of the Olympics so far.

When Phelps got his gold medal they played a really horribly butchered version of the Star Spangled Banner, and showed the Idiot Son of an Asshole cheering, looking like he had been in the Peruvian marching powder again.

If that moron was running for office this year, the footage would have made a great ad - against him.

(DISCLAIMER: I haven't seen any coverage yet today, so it's always possible that Monkey boy might have done something more embarrasing by now)

[nc4bo]

9. ok, I thought I was mistaken when I heard it. Then at the very end they cut it short.

I told my husband yep, China's f'ing with the shrub (or with all of us).

Just awful.

[nc4bo]

8. at least he sent the Georgia troops home.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20080810/iraq-georgia/

So take that ^^^ and a *firm* statement, I guess that's the best *'s going to do atm.

I'm trying to find out what the illustrious Son (of a B) from Az. has to say about this mess.