Russia In Georgia

There seems to be little doubt Russia would like to see a reconstituted Soviet Union. Russia’s invasion of Georgia appears to be the first step in testing the will and the resolve of the western powers. History has examples in which bullying nations were allowed to grow in strength, because other nations resorted to appeasement in attempts to maintain the peace.

Russia is now conducting a test to see how much, if anything, the world has learned from history. In order to prevent yet another repeat of the past, all western powers should make it clear to Russia that if it does not withdraw from Georgia voluntarily, it will be ejected.

Russia has made a calculation that the US is in no position to use its military, and that other western nations would much rather beat their chests than form a coalition willing to use force.

Russia must be shown to be wrong, so that peace can be achieved now at a lower cost, rather than later, at a much higher cost.