Russia Cornering the West

I fear the U.S. isn't equipped to handle this conflict. 

CNN: Russia pressed the United States on Wednesday to choose between "a real partnership" with Moscow or an "illusory" relationship with U.S. ally Georgia.

Washington said it's sticking with Georgia.

"As to choosing, the United States has made very clear that it is standing by the democratically elected government of Georgia," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday.

She spelled out the Bush administration's stance after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Georgia's government "a special project for the United States."

"And we are aware that the U.S. is uptight about this project," Lavrov said in remarks broadcast on Russian television. "But a choice will have to be made someday between considerations of prestige related to an illusory project and a real partnership in matters which indeed require collective efforts."

Rice, amid reports that Russian troops remained on the move Wednesday, pushed Russia to abide by a cease-fire signed Tuesday by the Russian and Georgian presidents.

McCain Ready To Start War With Russia

In this video, Rachel Maddow talks about the differences between Obama and McCain's approach to foreign policy, using the conflict in Georgia as an example. 

The main difference: McCain is threatening Russia, poking them, which pleases many voters who think that America's military can solve any problem.

Obama recognizes the complexity of the problem and advocates solving the conflict by methods other than force. The problem is, America has lost its standing and respect in the world. Nobody listens to George Bush when he calls for cease fire. Nobody listens to Bush when he calls for diplomacy. I think that was apparent on Obama's overseas visit. 



Obama's response