stlouisinsite's Blog

     Amid continued Russian pledges to pull their marauding forces from the independent nation of Georgia -- the latest news report now says Friday -- one cannot help but think their actions more likely amount to regime change, Russian style.

     While George Bush was frolicking at the Olympics in Beijing, and while Condi Rice continues to say "stop it, now, and go home," other important Washington politicians and officials say 'there is nothing we can do,' and NATO oldsters walk as if afraid of their own shadow, the Russians continue to steal a nation.

     One thinks Russia's words are more aimed at stalling and misleading than truthtelling.  Sometimes actions do speak louder than words, and few reports indicate the Russians are preparing to leave.

     Regime change, Russian style, could well involve several aspects.  First, an invasion in response to supposed Georgian 'crimes.'  Then, promises to leave, when the situation is 'stabilized.'  All the while, Russia continues to apply mounting pressure to the Georgian regime of President Michael Sakaashvilli. 

     Eventually, the Russians may believe, the regime will fall in the face of overwhelming power.   

    The Georgian military, including ships, planes and troops, have been decimated.  So has much military equipment.  Russian troops continue to occupy strategic points in the country, and have taken some prisoner.  Reports also indicate tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced, and put in dire straits.  

    CNN announcers and other news organizations say these actions continue, and then ask 'what are the Russians up to?'" 

    The end game for the Russians appears to be regime change -- ending the regime of West-leaning democratically elected president of Georgia. (Perhaps the Russians are jealously emulating American actions in Iraq.) 

    Don't we see a pattern here?   

    In the end, events may prove the only way to stop the Russians from accomplishing their goals will be the introduction of American power in the region.

    Certainly, not all of America's carrier task forces, to provide air support for any troops, are tied up in the Middle East.  American power could  -- if not should -- be brought to bear on this crisis.   

          The bet here is that without the introduction of American and/or other friendly forces, the Georgian experiment in democracy will very likely fall within two months. 

    Without any real resistance, the Russians may well feel time is very mch on their side.