Open Topic: Russia vs. Georgia
Admittedly, I've been so focused on new semester preparation that I really haven't had time to keep up with this rapidly developing crisis. But since I don't want it to slip by, I thought I'd give you some of the raw data I'd use to start vetting what's going on.
First, you always need a map (From the Associated Press):
Now for the raw data pages. From Global Security.org:
Running Analysis at Order of Battle.com and 1913Intel.com
Yahoo! Georgia Full Coverage Page
The Economist, of course (If you don't have a subscription, there's still plenty of free content)
CIA World Factbook: Russia, Georgia
And these just scratch the surface! Please feel free to add your favorite sources in the comments, and I'd love to read your thoughts on this development. Anyone happen to know how to say "get pigeoned" in Russian?
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Maybe you or one of your commenters can explain to me why it's not in our best interest as a country to be allies with the Russians at this point in history when we surely could use a powerful partner and when our interests seem to intersect more so with Russia's than ours do with many of our current allies. Russia is no longer the Communist bogey man the USSR once was so a negotiated partnership seems feasible-and able to be effectively monitored to insure a "trust" would be honored. An alliance with the US might, in and of itself, restrain Russian "aggression" because the power of the partnership might make such action unnecessary. It seems to me that a US/Russia alliance presents an effective, strong entity to stand/fight against things from which we must protect ourselves... things like a de facto Chinese takeover of the world and Islamism. NATO seems to cause more problems for us than it solves; EU countries are, to a large degree, a weak, parasitic drag on us. Why not shuffle the deck, join with Russia, let all the little nations (in which I include the toothless nations that once were powers to be reckoned with: Germany, France, etc.) choose either to be with "us"--or not, at their peril and put the rest of the world on notice that they'd better back the [pigeon] off.
This strategy/scenario makes sense to me but no one in a position of knowledge/power seems to think this way, which makes me doubt it really does make sense or could be done. So, what am I missing?
Posted by: carly | 12 August 2008 at 16:52