EDITORIAL: NATO paralysis

The Russians are, and always have been, thugs. And Europe's western nations are, and always have been, tepid in response to aggression. The outrage over Russia's humiliation of Georgia is, as expected, coming from none other than Europe's eastern countries, who suffered under Soviet communism for 50-odd years. The best course of action for the United States is to press forward with its plan to build strong relations with eastern Europe and the former Soviet states and use NATO and, as applicable, the UN to remove Russia from or consideration for membership into the WTO, G8, etc. Meanwhile, all of Europe (EU and non-EU states) needS to send a singular message to Russia: STAY ON YOUR OWN SIDE OF THE FENCE!

The consequences of NATO inaction go far beyond Russia and Georgia. In Georgia and Afghanistan the west has demonstrated to the rogue nations and the petty dictators of the world that they will not fight. Even if they do fight it will be weak and easily overcome. The response to Georgia will be felt in Afghanistan and Iraq shortly.

The West won't suffer a devastating blow, NATO will cease to exist as a deterrent. Wakee! Wakee! Where is the action? At least when Bush went into Iraq, he went through the U.N. first. This was planned and executed by Putin and he is continuing with the entire plan, leaving outposts for insurgency to control Georgia. How else could a spontaneous incident be addressed with such overwhelming force. They won't pull out, they will imbed. NATO and the U.S. need to move in now with counterinsurgency trainers and logistics just like in Iraq. Everywhere Russia puts an outpost, Georgia puts a counterinsurgency post with capability of destroying armor. Putin isn't talking, he is acting. It isn't just in Georgia Putin is active. He has threatened Poland and Israel and hopes to provoke Israel into attacking Iran now. When the Straits of Hormuz are threatened and Russia controls the BTC pipeline, Europe will have no alternatives but to face energy intimidation this winter. If Israel doesn't then they will have to face a nuclear Iran. Either way Iran threatens the oil in the Gulf and Russia gains energy dependence leverage. Either Sarkozy and Merkel provide some backbone to NATO or become fluent in Russian.

The left is in control of Europe, that is why they want to do nothing, they don't think Russia is a danger to Europe. After all they are all good socialist together.

Message to SDindependent. You may not be capable, but would you at least try to make an intelligent and substantive comment once in a while. That said, Poland and the Ukraine are not Georgia. Did you see some of the junk Russia invaded Georgia with? On top of that, their soldiers appear to be very undisciplined. The former eastern European nations that lived under Soviet rule for so long have a collectively impressive military capability. Coupled with some U.S. airpower support, they would kick Russia's as-s. Putin the thug needs to be stopped and it looks like America once again will have to pull western Europe's fat out of the fire.

I agree with pfb32765 SDindependent is not offering any constructive comment. It is scary that the thinking of SDindependent might be representative of Obama supporters.