ANALYSIS: Older weapons' efficacy evident in Georgia conflict

NATO has deteriorated into dysfunctionalty. This apathy combined with Russia's economic prosperity and energy independence will probably lead to NATO's downfall. The EU has no teeth without a constitution, common weapons systems and for now the support of the U.S. Their command and control functions could not react cohesively and quickly enough against even T-72's. The only advantage they have over Georgia is control of the air which was probably Georgia's biggest tactical vulnerability. The EU has an additional vulnerability with a lack of energy independence which is not an issue with Russia. Putin recognizes these vulnerabilities and is putting political, economic, energy and military plans in motion to dismantle NATO. The EU may be leaning that way anyway. It is interesting that Sarkozy left some significant loopholes in a very distinct request for Russia to withdraw completely to the prewar lines.