Despite being rather moth-eaten and while still missing a claw or two, the Russian bear is definitely back in business.
The conflict with Georgia over its troublesome breakaway provinces has as much to do with nationalistic pride and the Kremlin's wish to reassert itself on the international scene as a determination to protect the predominately Russian citizens of South Ossetia or the determinedly independent-minded Abkhazians.
Despite constant assertions by Washington that Russia risks isolation for its military actions of the past week, it is arguable
that it is United States itself that faces the greatest dilemma.
To enforce any form of diplomatic or economic "punishment" on the Russians, Washington desperately needs the wholehearted support of the international community and its closest allies in particular...."
"The bear is back
By Richard M Bennett
Despite being rather moth-eaten and while still missing a claw or two, the Russian bear is definitely back in business.
The conflict with Georgia over its troublesome breakaway provinces has as much to do with nationalistic pride and the Kremlin's wish to reassert itself on the international scene as a determination to protect the predominately Russian citizens of South Ossetia or the determinedly independent-minded Abkhazians.
Despite constant assertions by Washington that Russia risks isolation for its military actions of the past week, it is arguable
that it is United States itself that faces the greatest dilemma.
To enforce any form of diplomatic or economic "punishment" on the Russians, Washington desperately needs the wholehearted support of the international community and its closest allies in particular...."
Read the rest here:http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/JH16Ag01.html