Martin, that the point, the "Russians are not protecting their people", the Ossetians and Abkhazians are no more 'Russian' than you are.
The Russians simply handed out passports to non Russians in order to precipitate this farce, even now they are forcing their passports on occupied non Russians.

Dr Andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada.

Russia is defending its own peoplem this is not to do with us in the west.. we have made enough mistakes - we were lied to abotu Iraq, our combined troops killed innocent people by the thousand dont let them do it again, it is shameful

martin, London, UK

Preizidentu U.S. should not urinate against the wind ... And a Georgia must understand their puppet.

Kompot, Voroneg, Russia

Kosovo?Iraq?Afghanistan? The USA are being ridiculously provocative, imagine Russia building missile bases in Mexico. Delivering humanitarian aid with destroyers...are you joking? Russia must protect itself and assert its dominance just as the USA and Britain do. Bush-Saakashvili reaks of corruption

S. Ben, London,

Neither side is in the right. Why don't most of you realize that?Don't be such programmed pawns! It is about world domination. This planet is only big enough for one empire. We're just the ballast or cargo at best, of two giant ships on a collision course. Both will sink and the "cargo" with it.

John, Vancouver, Canada

I had hopes for a russian democracy a decade ago, but have since realized its people prefer totalitarianism. They've no initiative for governing their own lives.

Sad. Until they wise up, the West will have one dictator after another aiming missiles at us, daring us to do anything about it.

Mark, Calcasieu Parish, USA

I watch bbc news and euro news: further they go - less truth they show. My west friends may be it is time for you to solve your own problems? What about your population? Is it growing? Or maybe its a matter of immigration? Are you free of corruption? Europe & RF must cooperate not confront!!!!

Oyratt, Ufa, Russia

Mikhail Saakashvili, leader of Georgia, is the hand-picked protege' of George Bush.
What does that say about Bush ?

Norris, California, USA

Can it really the western community don't understand that if South Ossetia and Abkhazia won't get the right for independence, all its people may die?

Mihail, Madrid, Spain

"Russia want a second cold war to show they come back in the world"

True - although they haven't - & no amount of military posturing can hide the abysmal, shambolic failings of the Putin government. Where are the curbs on corruption? what about education? infrastructure? health care? its a mess.

Simon , Birmingham, UK

Actual head of Russia want a second cold war to show they come back in the world.
The USA government want to in order to erase from consciousness their failure, theirs defeats in Irak etc...

jack, varsailles, france

Thanks to Putin, Medvedev and other members of the Russian Oligarchy, the new cold war is now a reality. The one-party propaganda machine shrieks its single message to the disenfranchised Russian population and to the world. Familiar territory.

Ian, Berwick, UK

Perfect! They want to lose another Cold War! Well thought through boys!

Roo, London,

to tanya, moscow:
Republic of Chechnya ...have president and government who completely support our politics at the Caucasus

yes, ramzan kadyrov is loyal to the kremlin, but then he was also groomed by putin and installed with putin's backing. he's hardly an independent democrat, is he?

sarah, london,

Russia has been blamed couslessly for so long, so finally it had to comply. Any way it makes no diffirence. Whatever we do we are always "bad guys" in Western media unless the Russian economy colapses with kind help of American advisers in the 90's.

Alex, St. Petersburg, Russia

"but Russia would have found any excuse to do what they did,"
I agree with you, Norm Stonefloor but It seems rather stupid for Saakashvili to have given them one. If you want to pick a fight, you don't choose the biggest bully in the playground.

Carol, Leicester, UK

I don't understand why the people compare the behavior of USA to Russia. The war is very very bad, I really know it. Even in Iraq, it was russia who made mess, with Miloshevic too.

Is somebody suggesting Georgia should join Russia? Would you like to get one more real Stalin?

Nodar Dugladze, London, UK

Look at all American posters. Aside from a few to whom I apologize, the rest of the comment is based on very simple ideas:
1. US is good, always was, and always will no matter what it does.
2. Russia is bad always was, and always will no matter what it does.

Alex, Toronto, Canada

Please hear us, the WEST! We, Russians, do not need neirther a new Cold War, nor any confrontation with any country in the world. We want to live in peace, healthy and wealthy. We're all people and we all need wisdom to solve world problems.
DO NOT ALLOW YOU MEDIA MAKE YOU BRAINWASHED AND HATE US

Leonid, Moscow,

To Joel, Des Moines, USA.
Of course US spends money in countries it invaded. Needs infrustructure to pump oil for example. This is a government way to convert your taxpayer money to profit for people who real run US.

Alex, Toronto, Canada

Russia should be economically and diplomatically isolated and ignored....Europe's energy needs should be addressed using strategic reserves. And Russia should be made acutely aware of devastating consequences if they take any further military action anywhere in Europe or elsewhere in the world.

joop de klerk, poti,

The Russian's seem completely ill at ease in the modern world and determined to turn back the clock to an era which held more simplistic certainties for them. There is no more reason for a renewed US-Russian Cold War than there is for a US– Indian one. Yet the Russians want one anyway. How Reckless!

Simon , London, UK

It's a bluff...call it before they start marching further afield. Their military is in pieces and while it wouldn't struggle against an EU force, the Russians wouldn't find the rest of us such a walkover. Call their bluff NOW.

James, Oxford,

i think that what russia is doing is wrong

chris, eastington, great britain

Oh no this is really bad news. It's getting worse by the day.
No more wars pleaseeeeeeee!

The good American people must stop Mr Bush at any cost. His administration are destroying the world.

jayil, london, uk

The U.S., U.K. and Europe recoginzed Kosovo as an independent nation the moment it declared its statehood. Kosovo is a remote, bed and breakfast part of Serbia until Albanians flooded the region illegally; Muslims steal a state-ok. Ethnic Russians want autonomy--thats evil. Hypocrites!!!

Lenny, Lancaster , US

We can all blame George Bush. Bush threw US credibility into the toilet by illegally attacking & occupying Iraq, and violating the Geneva Conventions by using torture. And Bush has weakened the US with his foolish economic policies .. Now Russia is supposed to "play fair" with a weak USA? Oi vey!

Mary Costa, New York, NY , USA

If all you have is a hammer, then every solution will look like a nail. My guess is both east and west will somehow again forge more complex solutions, in time, that truly benefits each party in such potential conflicts.

Jerry Owens, merryfield, usa

as usual the soviet politburo (oops russian federation), under their Commisar Putin (oops Prime Minister Putin ) are just getting back into the act as a World Power. Maybe they need to get some cash to pay their army and update their outdated land and naval assets. Of course, there is the Mafia lol

Tony L, Greenville, SC, USA

Just unbelievable and sensless headline, the article by trying to make of a criminel saacchvily a saint , as well as the reactions of Bush, David Miliband or Kouchner. When they speak I wonder if they really have an idea what the matter is about .

Valery, Paris, France

Why is Russia pushing for a new cold war? Perhaps they have calculated that this is the perfect time to start an arms race with America, now so deeply in debt and entrenched in Iraq + Afghanistan. With Russia controlling oil access to the EU, it has chosen this time to bleed the US dry.

BLeF, Manchester, UK

If two negatives make a positive, then two wrongs make a right! So long as the last wrong obliterates the enemy. It appears that enemy is an old acquaintance of ours. The Soviet Un...I mean Russia.

Tom , Seattle, USA

Bush administration does everything to beat democrats, even not to shy to support Georgia in war vs S.Ossetia, of course it's more interesting to spread phantom idea of USSR renewal, "agressive" Russia, Cold War etc than financial crisis..and of course only McCane can suppress Russia and EU sucks..

tata, Moscow, Russia

>more photogenic than their counterparts in their old communist regime?
You mean you comparing presidents of Russia and Bush on this newspaper page and you like Bush more? This is a question of taste, but conclusion is not that obvious for people outside US.

RG Weiss, St Petersburg, Russia

This is double standards by the west. Recently Nigeria was arm twisted to give up the Bakassi region to Cameroon despite the population of the region being 100 percent Nigerians and has been governed by the Nigerian government.
Despite the people saying they want to remain with Nigeria.

Brian, London, England

2 Raynor, Long Island, USA and another Americans:
Did You want only one US Empire in the World? And what is the difference between US and Soviet Empire? Any empire (so-colled "democratic", "totalitarian" and so on) is the threat for peace in the World. Don't trust to politicians and corrupt m-media.

Andrew, Moscow, Russia

Western encroachment almost up the the Bear"s lair has roused this huge creature. It should be no suprise if Russki Bear growls and stands upright.

Victor Unwin, Totnes, UK

I think many Americans underestimate the economic health of Russia. Just like many still think that Russia and China are still communist soviet states. In an all out cold war, it is not a given that the US would win. Russia is not stupid, she will not make the gambit if she can't win.

BleF, Manchester, UK

Russia's government is just distracting Russians from their country's collapse. The "sick man of Europe" is overcome with alcoholism, backwardness, and a falling birth rate. By the year 2050 Yemen will have a larger population than Russia! Russia is becoming a primitive Third World country again

clint, Dallas, USA

The US spearheadded efforts to defend Kuwait and stop violence in the former Yugoslavia. If we don't take a similarly firm stand against Russia's invasion of Georgia, countries with expansionist ambitions will start planning more invasions.

Joseph, New York City, USA

To Chaz, Honolulu - It surely happens when one plays chess (Russia) whilst the other is addicted to poker (USA) and the later tries to profit even when being evidently defeated (Afganistan) but in this very case abundance in military funding will turn out to be a complete moral disgrace.

Mariya, St.Petersburg, Russia

Norm Stonefloor, USA, declares: "But to compare the invasion of a dictatorial country to a democratically elected one is absurd." So now we know - the rule of law depends on the character of the victim. When will the citizens of the USA wake up to the fact that cowboy justice was makeshift?

Edmund Burke, Kingston upon Thames, England

‘Dimitri Medvedev is playing a very dangerous game. He and his mentor are going to isolate the Russian people from the rest of the civilized world’.
Nathan Clark, Ashland, KY, USA

Nathan, take it easier. If I though the way like you I would not have mates between Americans and Brits to be amazing people unlike Bush and Blair/Brown. So am I unlike Medvedev. :)

Alexey, Moscow,

Russia is the least of Europe's problems, everything they've ever done, ever know, is crumbling under the weight of Islam!! Been to London or Paris lately, looks like Cairo on a good day!!

Daniel, Pleasant Hills, USA

I guess we would haven’t talked about possibilities of Cold War II if NATO didn’t’ expand to Russian backyard. Bring Ukraine and Georgia into NATO and we are going to have a larger conflict. Do you really think that Russia will give up a good chunk of the Black Sea to NATO? Expand NATO somewhere else but not into the face of the country with nuclear weapons. I am getting really frustrated of the bad politicians

analyst, Los Angeles, USA

The US has absolutely NO business dictating policy to Russia. The so called war on terror is a farcical endeavor that WE started by blowing up our own buildings so that we would have an excuse to invade the middle east and profit from it's oil infrastructure. Look up Zeitgeist 08.

Justin, Birmingham, AL, USA

Abhakzia and South Ossetia should have their say as to their own future and both Russia and Georgia should honor that say. Russia should get out of the rest of Georgia completely, they have no right to be there.

Riley, Salt Lake, USA

Russia couldn't have timed this much better. Its almost like its orchestrated. There is no way my country will be able to fight a conventional war on all these fronts. We will see another repub in office. The draft is coming soon, and Constitutional system of government is about to disappear.

John, Tampa, FL

The UN is corrupt. Bottom line. I agree with those of you who say "america should mind its own business". but with that being said, who is going to stand up for the underdog? UK? France? Perhaps... I wont pretend that I know everything about the georgian conflict but I know what doesnt feel right.

Max, st paul, US

Could any body explain me why it is so bad for the Russians to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in detriment of Georgia, when UK, EU and US rushed to recognise the independence of Kosovo in detriment of Serbia. Double stardards? or Do as I say but not as I do? No way Jose!Cheers.

Sebastian, London,

USA has the same veto in UN as Russia. Duaring several years Russia tried to prevent the war between Georgia and S.Ossetia, Abhazia speaking in UN, trying to stop US weapon supply to Georgia - no one cares. Even to the last UN meeting before shelling Tshinvalli US representatives do not even come...

Pavel, Krasnodar, Russia

Edmund of Kingston, the U.N. is the biggest joke in the world!! If it was up to most Americans, not the government, the U.N. wouldn't even be here. Seriously, take it, London, Paris, wherever. Nothing but thieves and wimps. No backbone. "oh, let's pass a resolution". ha ha ha UN out of US!!

Daniel, Pleasant Hills, USA

This issue lies within Europe. The US is playing on the ground that is way far away from their land. Please, remember that, we, Europeans and Russians, need to live together, we need markets, trade, communication, development. Our mutual interests should be the basis for the international policy.

Olia, St. Petersburg, Russia

Joel from Des Moines, you are wrong.

The United States of America (using Marines) overthrew the sovereign nation of Hawaii in 1893, annexed in 1898. Get your facts straight.

Joel says "total of sovereign nations the United States has invaded and incorporated into our empire: 0"

Kimo, Boulder, USA

It is official the U.S. is responsible for everything on the planet that goes wrong. Iran took the British hostage, our fault. The Brits were scared and surrendered, our fault. Russia assassinates on English land, our fault. Why are liberals always so drawn to dictatorships?

Dave, Atlanta,

Wake up, Americe! Remember the history:
August 1945 - US nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, 140,000 killed; and Nagasaki, 80,000 killed
There was the first anf the only use of nuclear weapons in our history.
No Russian likes an idea of a US nuclear missile coming out from Poland. US once did it

Leonid, Moscow,

Putin is a COMMUNIST dictator and runs Russia, not their President. He wants Communism and The Soviet Union reformulated in an attempt to take over the World. Evidence is Russia supplying Iran with Uranium to buid nuclear weapons and now joining forces with Syria as a new partner in World Terrorism.

John Rice, Plymouth, USA

The missiles in Poland are for offensive use.
The idea is to cope with a residual counter attack following a US first strike nuclear attack on the Russian Federation.

The concept is that Europe will go along with the strike to get at the oil, providing they have the necessary assurances

Richard Timis, London, UK

I completely agree with the statement that NATO and its expansion is creating the current crisis, pushing RF into its limits.
USANATO is a belligerant ente by definition. Admitting that USA only wishes protection with the missile shield is ridiculous, we all know it'll be an offensive weapon aswell

Inaki, Madrid, Spain

"Putin's Russia needs a 'cold war' to rationalize increased authoritarianism; it manufactures enemies abroad in order to justify the deprivation of political freedom at home.
Witness the diversity of opinions emanating from outside Russia on this forum and the unanimity from within."

Spot on.

DW, Beijing, China

Dax, Weatherford, TX, USA
No big difference. It is all about the stretegic advantage. If you can stop the missiles launched reaching your country this is a stretig advantage. Just ask how the US would react to Russia stationing a similar system in Venezuela. Me thinks they would not be too happy.

John, Reading, uk

Dr Andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada.

Congratulations: You win best post of the day
After reading your comment I realized you must be a real doctor.How do I know? You used actual facts.
Now if we could get the rest of the people posting to read, instead of rant.

Facts, you should try it

Tyler, Springfield, USA

People can argue causes and who's the worse, America or Russia, to tediously tiresome extents; the reality is, though, there is no way the U.S. public would support U.S. military action in any sustained or significant way for Georgia. In effect, there is no real opposition to Russia. Unfortunate.

Vik, Anchorage. Alaska, USA

This was entirely predictable after the West used NATO to circumvent the UN in Kosovo. Similarly, it is entirely predictable that Russia will move technical “advisors” into Iran after Israel bombs Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Quit scaring Russia with NATO expansion.

Martin Wilt, Sacramento, USA

in the words of rodney king, can`t we all just get along. oh well i guess not. these world leaders have to put their brains in gear before they put their mouths in motion. and think about the right course of action availiable to them and their countries.

ralph walton, warwick, usa

The US got what it wanted
thank you Georgia for helping the US get its missiles in Poland

Luke, Brooklyn, America

It is wrong for western nations to support the theft of Serbian territory, and it is wrong for Russia to engage in the theft of Georgian territory. Everyone is wrong. And everyone is a hypocrite. Russia, get out of Georgia! And NATO, get out of Kosovo!

Agnitio Veridicus, New York, USA

Russia this, USA that., blah, blah, blah.... I'm surprised the Russian tanks haven't seized up or broke down yet. New cold war with Russia? They're still paying for the first one. And how can Russia threaten anyone bigger than Georgia? Patton had it right, rearm the Germans and send them to Moscow!

Brent, MI,

@ Geoffrey: I understand your point but don't forget the missiles in 1950's Cuba were offensive nuclear weapons that were 2 b aimed at US cities. The missiles Poland wants on their soil are not nuclear and are not offensive weapons they are part of a NATO defensive shield. That's a bit different.

Roger, Orlando, USA

To Geoffrey. Big difference. Russia tried to base offensive SS-4 (R-12) MRBMs with 2.3MT warheads 60 miles off our coast. We are basing defensive ABM interceptors and RIM-104 Patriot PAC3s. These are purely defensive in nature with conventional warheads no offensive capability. Big difference!

Dax, Weatherford, TX, USA

Russian response to former western provinces (and sattelites, like Poland) is highly telling. Membership in NATO, desire for missile defense, etc. (i.e.: moving AWAY from Soviet influence) is deserving of threats, both veiled and now overt with Georgia. In Russia's mind, shields = swords? CRAZY!

K. Westfall, San Pablo, CA, USA

The west is not to blame for this situation .. We have ignored most of what Russia has done. Russia's concern with "ethnic cleansing" didn't stop it from slaughtering the people of Chechnya. You know what else didn't stop em? Us. We let it go on. It's time to act like we care now.

Richard, Syracuse, USA

to Joel, Des Moines, USA

I study history. Your country is country of fugitives and emigrants. Your forefather killed Indians. It was first aggression. Now USA is world cop. And Europe is puppet of USA. We have our standpoint and pride that.

P.s. give back Alyaska!!!! Term of lease is finished

Julia, Moscow, Russia

We'll never know who is the aggressor in that situation unless go there and check ourselves. But I'm wondering are all americans happy sponsoring Georgia (not that one between Alabama and South Carolina :))? I'd definitely not be happy paying my 13% tax sponsoring Canada's or Mexico's military..

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

USA, upset with Russian missiles not across a border, but across a sea in Cuba. This was unacceptable to the USA, but nearly 50yrs on. Same problem in reverse, Russia backed off last time shouldn't the USA this time and apologise to the world for forgetting history

Geoffrey, Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom

When Mr Medvedev says he is not affraid of a new cold war he's the absolute edge. The CW is hardly the thing for which he got mandate at the elections or the thing that most Russians want (do not believe stupid polls). Psychological exhaustion of last weeks - the only explanation for such statements

Anton, Moscow,

Since everyone is throwing accusations about the US invading a soveriegn nation when we went into Iraq, let's settle that right now. We did not invade Iraq. We were at war with Iraq since 1992 and under a tenuous cease-fire. We simply and legally resumed hostilities after multiple violations.

Dax Morgan, Weatherford, TX, USA

So this what Russians did is bad, and what US did with Kosovo is good ?
Hmm, I see.

Logan, Mundelein,

Perhaps 2 missed opportunities. West should have ensured nobody starved in Russia after the Wall came down. We lost potential friends there. And Russia should have joined NATO. A strong minded man like Putin could have influenced things in Russia's favour. Oh well, back to the Cold War...

Dave, Edinburgh, Scotland

Does it really matter who created what atrocities where? We are all guilty. We are all allowing the powers that be to usurp rights not granted them, and make war.

My problem is not with Russia, its with Putin and Bush and Blair.

Bob, Houston, TX, USA

The western scientist won The Nobel's prize for arguing effectivenes of Win-Win mutual strategies. Whether we all including Americans and Russians, shall be "a meat" in so clear games for money, what will be shared without us?
I'm from Russia, Saint-Petersburg.

Ilya Zaytsev, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Anyone claiming that the U.S., or for that matter Georgia, are the aggressors or somehow the "bad guys" in this situation needs to revisit Russian history. It is appalling that many Americans are trying to find a way to make this into a scenario in which America and the West are to blame. Wake up.

Tom, Ft. Myers, United States

I am all about supporting your country, but deal with the consequences. Attacking a sovereign nation in "retaliation" - I get it. Your troops probably shouldn't have taken American military supplies.

America can't sit avoid this one. We tried isolationism in WW1 and WW2 - it didn't work.

Ben, WI,

Russians - buy a history book. total of sovereign nations the United States has invaded and incorporated into our empire: 0. We aren't the aggressors, never have been. Even when we defeat nations we spend billions of OUR tax dollars rebuilding them, not stripping them! Can Russia say the same?

Joel, Des Moines, USA

We the west are to blame for this situation, pushing Russia into a corner since the break up of USSR. Ask the USA advisors to Georgia why Georgia invaded and committed atrocities ethnic cleansing. Georgia president will soon be wanted for war crimes if the truth comes out.

Jamie, Cardiff UK,

I think, that somebody "big people" of our contries want to play WAR. And we must stop it before they will begin to play their bad game

Georgy Petrov, Saint -Petersburg, Russia

NATO shouldn't exist anymore, it's simple as that. By inviting more countries to join NATO and by setting up Missile launching platforms in eastern europe we're pushing Russia into a corner. NATO is beginning to be the cause of a potential crisis rather than the solution to it.

Xav, Toulouse, France

Russians in Georgia under the pretense of peacekeepers is synonymous with Russians sending "librarians" to help the Afghanis back in the 80's.

Using the logic of many (anti-US) on this board, I suppose then it should be ok for the US to wipe out Cuba and Venezuela? Russia was looking for a fight.

Keith, West Orange, USA

That's probably too much for Russia to recognise the independence of the republics.
But it would be stupid not to control Potti and other parts of Georgia by Russians troops.
US already showed us how they control georgian leader providing him with weapon.
If nervous Saakashvili once started first to bomb, why Russians have to believe he will not do it next time.

Alex, Minsk, Belarus

How do any of you that agree with or give excuses for Russia's invasion , allow your common sense to be so out of touch. Russia invaded a sovergien country, killed hundreds, and refused to leave.
They now talk of invading Poland (as of this morning). This a major threat to world peace Wake up!!!

John Boarden, Dallas, USA

Russia is in cahoots with Iran.

Carly, Bridgeport,

Chris: nobody in the region wants indepedance for Ossetia including most Ossetians. The problems in South Ossetia arose because the South Ossetians wanted to become part of Russia, not a separate nation, and as far as I am aware, the North Ossetians are quite happy where they are!

Dan, Harrogate, UK

Only natural resources in russian economie? Where you come from? Mid 90's? But still think this way and will be surprised one day, when you will discover that all your car components made from russian steel for exemple.

Dmitri, Monaco,

America/NATO have no right to condem Russia for protecting their people. America has no right to go to war with Russia hot or cold because since the start of the millenium the wars they have faught have been more unjust than anything that Russia has done. America should keep out of this one!

Andy , Glasgow, Scotland, UK

The policy is a kind of a show.
Every our government is eager to amuse its people. That's why they organise now and then Olympics, wars, etc.
Simultaneously they pump taxes out of our pockets and enjoy themselves.
Everybody every time has something to discuss, and no time at all to think.

Tom, Berlin,

If russia really does want indepence for ossetia, surely the next stage is to unite North and South Ossetia as one country seperate from russia and georgia

Chris Kimberley, london, UK

Russia is going to attack Poland? Smth new...)
Please dont frighten the Poles, they are afraid enough of USSR re-establishment)) And of course wild and cruel Russian Bear will start with poor Poland, it is our style))))

Irina, Moscow, Russia

"The West" carved "independent" Kosovo out of Serbia and recognized it for its own selfish ends. It saturated Serbia in 1999 with depleted-uranium cluster bombs, including in cities (the bombing of Nish). It armed Georgia and implicitly encouraged it to take over S. Ossetia by force.No end to lies.

A. Lemke, Hamburg, Germany

Why the West supports America? After all it is Georgia has started to kill civilians and peacemakers the american weapon? America imposes to the world the domination. it tries to finish all who disturbs to its definitive domination.

TES, Ekaterinburg,

Hi Russian posters. Forget the illegal annexations, and the ridiculous comparisons to Kosovo.

Tell me, what the hell are your troops doing occupying Poti and other Georgian towns?

John, Clifden, Ireland

Russia's recent actions are because of US hedgemoney. The US has been encircling Russia with NATO nations and trying to get Russia's neighbors to turn NATO. The US has over 400 military bases in the world - Russia has none. Obviously the Bush administration is the aggressor here.

Tom, Council Bluffs, US

Let's not compare US action in Iraq with Russia in Georgia. How many UN resolutions has Georgia violated, making it necessary for Russia to enforce them? None? Correct! Who is it that is starting this new cold war? Russia? Correct! Czar Putin holds unlimited power in his country, and will not stop.

Glenn Wright, Annapolis, USA

we,the west have been etxremely shortsighted in the fact that that after kosovo(lets be honest,it was a part of serbia) and the invasion of a sovereign state (iraq) under the pretence that it was ruled by a tyrant,that it was only a matter of time before a stronger russia picked its moment to invade

trevor, bristol, united kingdom

I feel sick listening to European leaders(UK, FR, GER etc.) speak of "Russia aggression". All of us who would agree with them, need to answer this: WHO ATTACKED FIRST, Russia or Georgia?.....WHO KILLED 2K OSSETIANS, Russia or Georgia? & where Europe stands here.

sergipavl, Moscow, Russia

This is nothing like Iraq. For a year and a half and 14 UN resolutions the World tried to get Sadam to comply with weapons inspectors. The UN failed to enforce anything. The USA and it's coalition of forces warned for months that they were coming to disarm you. Russia went in under the Olympics.

Bob, Atlanta, GA

Russia is playing a dangerous game. They need to smarten up and worry about their homeland. It's not just the US that they need to worry about. Russia invading Georgia and the US led invasion of Iraq are as different as black and white.

Mike, Washington, USA

I do not agree with any cold war but I think for once America should keep out of this one. America is condeming Russia for going to war with Georgia and saying te reasons were unjust but America does the exact same e.g the Iraq war. America should stop being hypocritical.

Larry, Glasgow, Scotland UK

Vlad Putin cannot get over the fact the USSR lost the Cold War. He came to believe the USSR's propaganda like any good KGB agent, New Soviet Man and all. He is following a historical track similar to Hitler's after WWI. He will not be happy until he plunges the planet into another war. You Ready?

Al J, Ft Myers, USA

EU should stop buying any oil and gaz , - russia , will be out of cash , within a year,

zakay, london,

Ronnie R. destroyed "the evil empire" once, and we should not hesitate to do so again - no matter what it costs.
Georgia presents the ideal justification to teach them another lesson like the one we gave them just a few years ago.
Next time they come with their begging bowl, we must disarm them

ste, manchester,

Pull all troops out of everywhere. Secure our borders, start drilling, (more oil than the middle east). Every man (country) for themselves!!! They don't want us, why are we there?? All troops home to guard our borders only, trillions of dollars of overseas aid, done. All for it! Good luck!

Daniel, Pleasant Hills, USA

What bothers me is why GWB allowed Shakasvilli to pack his soldiers in pick-up vans during the conflict when he knows (or ought to know) that Russia still has USSR tanks intact on their soil. Or is the West suffering from dementia resulting from 21st century prosperity?

okame, london, uk

Georgia is none of the US bussiness. The american people must know that their prof. army is stretched thin. The conclusion is that these internet and TV "hawks" may see the draft reinstated, and then go and fight in Ossetia, Iran or North Korea.

Dejan , Belgrade, Serbia

Georgia is none of the US bussiness. The american people must know that their prof. army is stretched thin. The conclusion is that these internet and TV "hawks" may see the draft reinstated, and then go and fight in Ossetia, Iran or North Korea.

Dejan , Belgrade, Serbia

Russia has delusions of grandeur rather like the UK. We used to be a world power too, remember? That's why we're in Iraq.
However, if I was a disliked big empty country surrounded by the Chinese, Islam and the west I'd think about making a few friends now before they all started ganging up on me.

Dave, Slough,

There are wider complication at stake for the US and its European pets, if they carry on with this biased action and start a cold war, Russia will play their game and Iraq and Afghanistan will be getting supplies and modern Russian weapons. Thus more a higher death toll for the UK and US

Jag, London, UK

Abkhazia and S. Ossetia deserve independence much more then Kosovo. Georgian dictator Stalin gave their lands to Georgia. Stalin, Gamsakhurdia, Shevardnadze, Saakashvili, all of them same. Congratulations Abkhazia & S. Ossetia!

Massimo Supini, Adige, Italy

Kyle in Bristol, I think that your comment about 'the west' winning the cold war is a little erroneous. No country or set of countries really won the cold war as only ideology's really 'fought'. See Fukuyama's 'end of history' theory. This is worth keeping in mind with the present 'cold' conflict.

Mark Hurst, Leicester,

No Alex
its the right to drink cola and eat big macs if you so choose . There's the difference.

David Morton, Stourbridge, UK

Russians should be very careful in attacking Poland, as that will be an attack on a NATO country and result in an immediate attack on Russia. This could result in a nuclear war in which everyone will lose. This is a very dangerous game little Medvedev is playing.

jeremy, San Diego, USa

The equipment and troop caliber sent to Georgia is pathetic>>>

Did you mean to "say adequate to the military power of Georgia"?

No need to use modern weaponry to pacify a hooligan.

Zloy Tugarin, Moscow, Russia

Russia is absolutely right to enter S.Osetia. Russia has fully moral and legal right to do so. If American government thinks to get back what it has lost during 8 years of Georgian Bush's policy It will not be possible. Do not find an external enemy in the face of Russia just before elections in US

Bakhtiyor, Almaty, Kazakhstan

It will be a cold war if Russia withhold supplies of oil and gas. Better not bite the hand that heats us.

Cal, London, UK

From their reaction and our usual poodle compliance the US and our take on history is from the Henry Ford school. The other even more worrying trend from the USA comment here is that they seem to think a nuclear war actually has winners.........no, no one wins!

mike gee, bournemouth, uk

If Russia did start something it would be short lived, their submarines sink, their troops have awful equiptment and their missiles are rusty!!!! Nato would totally wipe the floor with the sick angry bear of of Russia. having said that I do like russians but not the government (any govenment)

michael rich, london, uk

Guys, even if we are doing something wrong in this conflict (which I personally doubt about), we are in any case just defenders. We have not intervened other contries' politics since the fall of communist ideology, and the USA has long been walking over the dead bodies!

Maxim, Moscow, Russia

Igor, Ljubljana, Slovenia
If there came a time when Sovenia is aggressed. Who will you call for help...the USA? The EU? Or the aggressor.. you know who. The EU will not help as it is based on talk, the USA may not help you why should they? Forget about Britain, this country is tired to help.

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

Putin's Russia needs a 'cold war' to rationalize increased authoritarianism; it manufactures enemies abroad in order to justify the deprivation of political freedom at home.
Witness the diversity of opinions emanating from outside Russia on this forum and the unanimity from within.

Dr Andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada.

How can Europeans and Americans have right opinion about the situation! You know about Georgia and Ossetia only from West Press, that is always against Russias dessisions! How can you trust: at first all press wrote that Russia attacked Georgia, now almost all agreed that Georgia launch the war!

Svetlana, Moscow,

Alex, St. Petersburg, Russia

I know that you do not know about American values, as we have found no value in Russian commitments and words.

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

2kyle@bristol, uk

Russia is not SU. There is nothing in it to crumble or fall apart)

sergipavl, Moscow, Russia

Proofs and video-materials look on : http://www.1tvrus.com/ , http://www.1tv.ru/owa/win/ort6_main.main , http://www.rian.ru/ , http://www.vesti.ru/news , news.ntv.ru/ , http://www.ren-tv.com/ , http://www.newsru.com/ .We shall tell is not present to WAR!!!

Aleks, Kharkov, Ukraine

Mark Hurst, Leicester, UK

That is why is called politics

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

If America is going to insist on an abrasive or confrontational international scene, as they are doing, then I think a Cold War is better than a hot one. Let us be absolutely clear. It is America that is the problem. It is America that projects its huge military power around the world and holds any actions it takes to be justified. Naturally all they have to do is say this and people in America believe it. Most countries have to accept being pushed around by the US monster but a country the size of Russia can hardly do so. If, therefore, the US persists in its authoritarian attitude internationally, Russia would seem to have no choice but to take an oppositional stance; call it a cold war, if you like. If there were two or three other countries the size and power of the US in the world we wouldn t have this problem. That is the nature of the problem.

Henry Percy, London, UK

Kyle, Bristol, the West also lost the cold war in terms of a huge diversion of economic resources. It is one major contributor to the UK's economic recovery over the past 15 years.
The gullibility and hypocrisy of the Western leaders is gob-smacking.

Steve, London,

There is hypocrisy and absurdity in the parallel Kossovo/Abkhazia. The Serbs lost Kossovo for they had failed to answer to the long peaceful albanian-kossovars' claim for minimal civil & cultural rights. Russia made sure Georgia was never in the position to answer the abkhazian claims.

Pierre, Paris, France

we need to have wars so we can sell the weapons we are making.This issue justifies many more contracts to military contractors in both Russia and the US.Its all about the sales! Democracy died a miserable death on sep11 02 .Guantanamo anyone?

sejor, korogocho, kenya

Russian demands on Ukrainian territory will be next, just watch. Medvedev is a clown.

jeremy, San Diego, USa

Please don't compare people of Ossetia with Chechen militia who have made a huge number of terror acts inside Russia, people of Ossetia never took hostages inside Georgia never the did any bombings and killings of people living in Georgia's capital, theynever hijacked airplanes withpeoplefrom Russia

Anton, Tallinn, Estonia

Time to let them know the US isn't kidding around- Next time Russia flys a Bomber into Alaskan Air Space (Which they've started doing again by the way) The US should shoot it down, and keep doing it. If war starts we can 'liberate' all the Russian states. Therefore completing this silly circle

Dave, Jacksoinville, USA

Nathan Clark, Ashland, KY, USA
You think just west civilized?you think east is wild?maybe east more civilized than your west.Look at us education system,look at your society.You can buy drugs easy, in Russia is difficult. how many there are illnesses in US and west.Georgia is just us puppet&its down

DON, LONDON, UK

Its funny that the Russian president says that there are no winners in a 'Cold War'. However if my history is right which i think it is didnt the west win the cold war 1945-1990 as the Soviet Union crumbled, a fate that the new Russian state will face if they continue their war mongering

kyle, bristol, uk

What the hell are those American values everyone should share?!
Drinking Cola and eating Big Mac!? So, I can't they make me sick.

Alex, St. Petersburg, Russia

Kosovo, Serbia, South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Georgia are tools by which US and Russia show their muscles to each other!
Isn't Bush being a hypocrite when he condemns Russia's actions of recognising a region's will for self-determination when he supported Kosovo? Medvedev, why Georgia but not Serbia?

Kreshnik Hoxha, Prishtina, Kosovo

How two faced can the West get.
The British insist that peoples in a isolated Country, should determine there future by "Self Determination" then we would back them for independance, i.e. Gibraltar, Falkland islands etc.
I see no difference in the two breakaway states within Geogia doing the same.

Steve Fitzgerald, Romford, U.K.

I see Russia have accepted the rules the USA set in the international affairs. That is why the US is so indignant.

Maxim, St. Petersburg, Russia

to Mark, Brisbane, Australia:
Republic of Chechnya founded in 1922 is a part of the Russian Federation, they have president and governement who completely support our politics at the Caucasus

tanya, Moscow, Russia

Those who doubt ! There is one simple reason why you can't find out the difference between Kosovo case and Georgia-lack of knowledge! Just open some books and study more history lessons! You can use encyclopedia as well.

Nari, Tbilisi, Georgia

What a new great chance to start pumping fools' taxmoney into military budgets. Just keep heating taxpayers fears and ambitions

Al, Moscow,

Americans supporting Georgias territorial integrity should shut up. Why did you have the right to declare independence 250 years ago? Why shouldn't Osettians have equal rights as you did back then?

Igor, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Have you noticed that the new Russian leadership is much more photogenic than their counterparts in their old communist regime? Ah the wonders of capitalism, free markets and infotainment.

Jack Reeves, Sacramento, USA

I think Michael has the mark, I don't condem Russian actions, Georgia overstepped the mark, if they have true intentions I eagerly await the day they allow North Ossetia to join to south & become a nation once more. (Scepticaly it will never happen) Russia is no better then us it turns out. Shame!!!

Matt, London, England

Are Medvedev's actions any different from the support for self determination that the US holds so close to its raison d'etre? The entire 'conflict' between the 'superpowers' exudes far too much hypocrisy for my liking.

Mark Hurst, Leicester, UK

If the Assetians want to be part of Russia - why should we stop them and why shouldn't Russia help them?

tim, peterborough,

It's not Georgia who started this conflict. They just had enough of bombs from South Osetia falling on their heads and of Russian fighters flying over their territory. There's been many incidents and Georgia had no other solution.
And now Russia occupies Georgia and de facto incorporates parts of it

Michał, Rumia, Poland

I dont like the Russians, but in this case they may be right. They have suppressed a megalomaniac. The West shouldnt intervene and we will be better off.

louis, Liverpool, UK

Once again, Western double standards! !! How different is Kosovo from Georgia situation?!? Why can not South Ossetia and Abkhazia have the right to idependence like in Kosovo? US and Britian supported Kosovo separatists and recognized its unilateral independece...

Martina, London,

The US and Britian shouldn't have gone into Iraq. But, to compare the invasion of a dictatorial country to a democratically elected one is absurd. Sorry to burst your little worldview, but Russia would have found any excuse to do what they did, whether we invaded Iraq or not -- and that is a fact.

Norm Stonefloor, Bellingham, WA, USA

Leave Russia alone.
And you will live in peace.

Viva Ossetia North and south.

Nostra, Vladikavkas, Ossetia

west should listen to what Russia has to say and desperatelly try to understand. if they do, it will only work for everybody's adwantage. and peace!

Evan, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Thus consigning Russia to irrelevance. Again. With an ageing population, antiquated businesses, intellectual capital deficit and now isolation from global markets another cold war has indeed returned, complete with two speed world, Russia in one, China, India, US, EU, LatAm et al in the other...

John, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

Its almost impossible to believe that anyone, especially anyone from the United States, would have the nerve to compare the United States to these hegemonic regimes like Russia and China who the oppressthe masses and civil rights to protect those in power.

Arthur Machado, Windsor, CT, USA

What is the current status of Chechnya?

Mark, Brisbane, Australia

I'm surprised by all the americans commenting here about Russia's economy as if it was still the 1990's.Russia's GDP has multiplied by 30 since 1995 and their growth is roughly at 8.5%. And they've more natural ressources than you can shake a stick at. Russia is in pretty good shape right now.

Xav, Toulouse, France

Russia is right to cite the precedence of Kosovo in recognising the two new Caucasian states. We should be glad that it has not used the precedence of Iraq to force a "regime change" in Georgia.

An Qijie, Hong Kong, China

The hypocrisy is Russia's, previously suppressing Chechnya's attempt at secession, and then insisting South Ossetia and Abkazia have a perfect right to secede.

This is not about principle, it's about raw power.

Chezwick, Sterling, USA

Dear fellow americans! Please focus on your internal issues. Please stop act like a superpower country. There is no such thing! Wake up!!! What Russians did was right -- USA or China would do the same if someone tried to mess with them. Let's live in peace! Read history! Educate yourselves! Obama!!!

Pavel, St.Petersburg, Russia

The Russians have over played their hand at a point in time that is to the benefit of the outgoing American administration and have provided President Bush with the opportunity to erase the blunders of Iraq, coalesce the fractured NATO alliance and obtain additional military funding.

Chaz, Honolulu, Hi, USA

Go and ask Iraqis do they want your "democracy" to be set up in their country. and please coould anyone explain me what do 10 american warship do in the Black Sea with about 100 cruise missiles aboard which range is 2500 km?

D.A., Ekat,

Russsia does't want another Cold War! No country would. But that's exactly the thing US is trying to frighten Russia with. Cold war should be the punishment for quite the same actions US did and does so often in the world! Instead of cooperation they try to press, destroing peace in the world.

Eva , London,

all is about the country interest. NATO now have no excuse to interfere the relation between Russia and Georgia though they wanna to. Russia is not like Iraq that can be easily invaded. Powerful military of Russia can fight with any troops in the world.

Stone, Mingren,

John from la, I hardly think the US economy is "collapsing inwards". We're in the downphase of a normal economic cycle - it happens every 5-7 years. No-one is under-estimating the threat that a re-vitalised Russia offers, but I think we can all be spared your depressing, poorly articulated rant

Pete, San Francisco, USA

What worries me is that the US is watching it's power rapidly reduce in relative terms to Russia and China. The power in the US lies with nervous Conservative hypocrits with their fingers constantly on the trigger. The US senate is where the real danger lay and this episode is great for McCain!

ipd, London, UK

Despite its imperefections, democracy is the best form of govt that man has come up with. If Russia does not operate in a democratic manner, its downfall is near. History is littered with nations who lead with inconsideration and ended up destroyed by their own narcissism.

majora, georgetown, cayman islands

Why there have been no one ever to accuse Georgia's very first military action (including killing innocent civilians)? I do see that provoked Russia's following up move that it has to act. I'd assume that if western countries had critized Georgia's action first which it should, things'd be easier.

Yang Liang, Beijing, China

General Patton was right.

Mike, Sacramento, United States

Repeat after me: Kosovo, Kosovo, Kosovo, Kosovo, ......Kosovo

Paul Brown, Montreal, Canada

I'd not agree more to Paul's comment that "it's amazing to me that people forget how this conflict started in the first place. georgia showed excessive use of force when it FIRST invaded South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia had to respond."

We need a consistent standard here and there in Kosovo.

Yang Liang, Beijing, China

Look up the following:

Security Council Resolution 1441.

The UN Oil-for-Food scandal.

Security Council Resolution 1546.

Go ahead. Learn something. The bad guy was Saddam and his cronies (which had come to include certain Security Council members) not the US and the UK.

Danny, Dallas,

Difference is that Iraq had thumbed its nose for a decade over UN weapons inspections; the UN unanimously adopted Resolution 1441 but was essentially unwilling to enforce it. Conversely, Kosovo would be a better example; and on that basis, it is difficult to argue with Russia's actions in Georgia.

Mark, Odessa, Ukraine

I agree wirh Edmund Burke. USA has not been nominated the cop of the world, do we have to trust the one who defended the poor Kuwait ? or maybe they need to pump their economy and build some trust, creating a new cold war. It is pathetic the position of their european partners, they should be wiser.

Franklin Aranaga, Lima, Perú

Two wrongs do not make a right, Edmund.

nick, Camberley, UK

How can the leaders of the West talk about the integrity of Georgia when NATO and the West had devastated Yugoslavia and hurried to recognize a separatist Kosovo regime. All this after Serbs were being forced out of Kosovo for decades so it could become "predominately Albanian" region.

Eli, Tel Aviv, Israel

It does really seem that our collective Western memory is a bit short. I fail to see the difference between what Georgia did and what Serbia did ten years ago in Kosovo. And I fail to see the difference between our recognition of Kosovo and Russia's recognition of these two republics?

Adam, Carrboro, NC, USA

it's amazing to me that people forget how this conflict started in the first place. georgia showed excessive use of force when it FIRST invaded South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia had to respond, they didn't start this conflict, as the popular press would have you believe. the us won the info war

paul, San Franicsco, US

Ray, Miami, USA
Czechoslovakians its 1968 isnt it? Maybe we should blame US for it either due to US invasion in Vietnam since 1961? And if you've missed the point, its said not about war actions, but about independence of breakaway regions, and here we have kosovo as a good big example

Eugene, Moscow, RF

Russia will always be a force to be rekoned with in world politics, whether we like it or not.

She (Russia) has only done what the EU and the rest of the world for Kosovo by recognising the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Open to the next chapter, please!

John I, London, England

us is ready for anything except time. neocins forget that the old us is collapsing inwardly, from its dead economy. russia learned the lesson of the us failure and now focuses on economic as well as military power. Another cold war will only bring about the collapse of us.

john, la, us

Another Cold War? Brrrrr! Just the thought of it makes me chilly!

Andrew, Godalming, UK

Another cold war will only bring about the collapse of Russia.
-
1, Last cold war was between a nation that could do "butters and guns" and a nation with breadlines . That time has gone .
2, USSR has lost cold war by "overextention" (Nicaragua, Angola, Afghanistan...) . Who is overextended now ?

Leonard, Sardinia,

The Georgians have no one to blame but themselves for this situation. They cynically used the cover of the Olympic's to launch an attack on South Ossetia.

Georgia has proved unstable and should not be allowed into NATO.

Western Govenments - Think Kosovo.

Andy, Glasgow,

How did the the last Cold War work out for Russia, Mr Medvedev?

Nick, Brisbane, Australia

@Edmund Burke

Very amusing that you think the Useless Nations has any tangible power whatsoever. If it had, then Saddam would never have violated 17 UN mandates in the first place, and- as you say- we would not be in this current mess. Bit of a flaw in your logic, no?

Paul, Buffalo, USA

Forget about Georgia. It's an Eastern European problem, not a "Western" problem . If I were Georgia, I'd hand over the Russian occupied states, and join NATO.

CB, Caracas, Venezuela

I wonder whether Russia would be keen to support North Ossetia to seek independence from Russia and join South Ossetia in a new, unified Ossetian republic?

Michael, Melbourne, Australia

Russia is acting like a real power, while it doesn't have reliable toilets. The equipment and troop caliber sent to Georgia is pathetic. Able to defeat a tiny country, but unable to take on real military with technology. Putin and his puppet will bring about their own demise if they push too far.

John Dodge, Lafayette, LA, USA

Dimitri Medvedev is playing a very dangerous game. He and his mentor are going to isolate the Russian people from the rest of the civilized world.

Nathan Clark, Ashland, KY, USA

Perhaps I am missing something but my country's stance on the issue of the breakaway provinces of Georgia smacks of hypocrisy. How is what Russian is doing in Georgia any different than what we did with Serbia and Kosovo?

Larry Moody, Augusta, USA

We need to let this one go, we're too busy elsewhere.

Billy, Tannersville, USA

David's right, as much as I hate to admit it. We've clearly thrown all the 'rules' (if there ever were any) out the window. The times call for modern day versions of Otto von Bismarck, Sir Edward Grey and Theodore Roosevelt, yet both sides of this issue feature leaders with no regard for direction.

Matt, Chicago, IL, USA

Right now Russia reminds me of the crazy guy at the bar just waiting for someone to pick a fight with him. Even a larger and stronger man won't fare well because the crazy guy has all the will in the world to fight and win. Take note, US.

Chris, Atlanta, USA

Russian T-72s against Abrams tanks. Raptors vs Mig-29s.
America's military against Russia's. Didn't Russia get bogged down for months if not years losing thousands in Tora Bora without budging the Taliban. The U.S. has only a small portion of its forces delpoyed at any time.

Chris in PA, PA, usa

I also can't just believe that the nation, which responsible for thousands of innocent lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and God know where else instead of keeping themselves quite is still trying to judge some other countries. What is it? Is this for real? Why don't you focus on your internal problems?

Pavel, St.Petersburg, Russia

Russians see that both our presidential candidates are unfit to run a local Stop&Shop supermarket, not to mention US of A.

Yura, Hamden, CT, US

Another George Bush debacle. The Russians aren't stupid they know the real motives behind the American effort to surround them with the NOT-anti-ballistic missile system. And the Europeans coopted by their usual inability to act in concert and fears of a winter with no oil will do nothing

Sid, Guanghzhou, China

US especially has no moral right to tell other countries what to do.
Condoleza Rice said this is 21 century and other countries can't change government of sovereign nations.
Topple government of Iraq, Nicaragua, invading Grenada, bombing Serbia. Democracy word is only used when it convenient

Serhio, New York, USA

Double standards. The US/EU would support a breakaway Tibet but criticise a breakaway South Ossetia.

David, Shanghai, China

Somehow, Europe has to reduce her dependence on Russian oil and gas. Why finance the arms that potentially may be used against you? Also, the rest of the world has to oppose Russia's bid for entry into the WTO. That done, how can we then also get the USA to respect smaller states?

Ian , Hamilton , New Zealand

To perceive what is happened you should realise also a huge number of historical, cultural, corruptible, relative etc. ties between Russia and Georgia in order to the former one not to recognize independence of these two small nations. Just as a sample: there are about one million Georgians to live in Russia at present.

Alexey, Moscow,

The West should try to bring it to a diplomatic resolution if possible, but when Russia threatens NATO members (Poland) with a "military response", that is another matter entirely. World wars are started in such ways. If Russia sets one toe in a NATO country all hell will break loose... just watch.

Flynn, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

Unfortunately, I think that Putin and his lapdog Medvedev have an agenda that will not respond to reason or discussion. This goes well beyond Georgia. It is a new Cold War, and it's one that the Russian government has begun by decision, I suspect as a matter of nostalgia for the old Soviet Empire.

Raynor, Long Island, USA

Continued Russian aggression will ensure McCain defeats Obama in the US elections.

Thom, Dallas, Texas

"Missile Guided Warships". Did that really make sense when you wrote it? One is a guided missile destroyer and the other is a coast-guard cutter. And they're not going to Poti, they headed out to sea when the Russian fleet sortied from Sev. They don't want to be caught with their pants down.

Matt, Chicago, IL, USA

Putin thinks Obama will become the next President of the Unied States and is making his move now.

When Obama is elected Pres. he will invite Putin for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake and have a little chat. That ought to solve the situation and frighten the Russians!

Jules Levine, BALTMORE, MD, U.S.A

@ Alexey, Moscow

"Only the time will show which economy to collapse."

The soviets have no economy, extortion and prostitution notwithstanding. Even their only source of income, Natural Resources is based on a dilapidated infrastructure dating back to Lenin's youth, and that stolen from the WEST!!!

Gary, Chicago,

REALPOLITIK, folks...."moral authority", "hypocrisy", etc, are just ideas that have no relevance in a PRACTICAL world. Take any advantage you can, when you can. If we (US+UK only...Europe can't be depended on) don't, Russia+China will. Darwinism on a global scale. Welcome to the big leagues.

David, Washington, DC , USA

Another Cold War do you say? And we in the US are about to elect a wet-behind-the-ears appeaser named Barack Obama to the presidency. Now that makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it?

Patrick C., Irvine, USA

you must be kidding about comparing economies! Russia's economy is based on throwing the CEO's of energy companies in jail and nationalizing their profits. That's a great long term plan...LOL.

frank, Milwaukee, USA

A new cold war and the collapse of Russia?

Maybe not.

Remember, US is over stretched in Afghanistan and doesn’t even have enough troops.

Oh, and Iraq.

On top they are borrowing Chinese money to fund the trade and budget deficits plus attacking China over Tibet and Taiwan.

Didn’t Rome collapse?

Vishal Patel, London, UK

Moscow was recently rated as the most expensive city to live in, (20 yrs ago we were feeding those breadlines) in the world. It is naive to assume Russia's economy will collapse first, but perhaps unpatriotic to believe American engenuity and an 80 yr head start with free markets would not prevail.

James M, Dallas,

The U.S. shouldn't run the world, it can't even run it's own country. The U.S. should fix their own problems before deciding that they can fix everyone else's. Russia is right on this one, and I'm an American!

Henry, Los Angeles, USA

Russia's simply taking a leaf out of America's book.

Derek, Taunton, UK

‘Another cold war will only bring about the collapse of Russia’.
Richard, San diego, USA

Only the time will show which economy to collapse.

Alexey, Moscow,

The fact is that at the moment USA and Brits are heavily overloaded with military commitments and then rest of NATO are reluctant to commit front line troops to any conflict.
We need to return to National service ASAP. When we have enough Divisions we can talk at the top table.

m wilson, bidache, france

‘It is therefore extremely naive to think that Russia only attacked Georgia because of the precedent set by the West’.
Andre, Portland, USA

It is extremely naive to assume the USA to arm, equip and train Georgian army because of pure friendship.

Alexey, Moscow,

This is a price for Georgia of draging its into anti-Russian alliance. Recognising the independence of two breakaway republics is just formality. It is wishful thinking they will stay with Georgia after its millitary gamble.

Alexey, Kiev, Ukraine

Those who see moral equivalence between US and Russia should be forced to live under thumb of Kremlin and its invading armies so as to be cleared of their ideological delusions. US is attempting to set up democracy in Iraq. Russia is doing exact opposite in Georgia.

John, Detroit, USA

The least the EU could do is impose an energy tax on petrol and heating fuels large enough to cut Russian energy exports to the EU by 10 to 15%. It would be in the EU's long term interest and would be an unprovocative punishment for Russia's aggression.

pat, Dublin, Ireland

This is one the west needs to stay out of this time around. This is Russia and Georgia's problem. The west is wrong this time.

eddie, trenton, usa

@Edmund Burke

A couple of points about your statement. First, the UN is impotent to take action against any of the five permanent Security Council members - by design. It is therefore extremely naive to think that Russia only attacked Georgia because of the precedent set by the West.

Andre, Portland, USA

Re: Nick from Brighton,

That would be true, except for the fact that the precedent for Georgia is clearly Kosovo, an operation conducted by none other than Bill Clinton and the EU.

Robert Lee, Houston, TX, USA

Nick,
You would be correct, excep that Eastern European countries (like Poland) have seen the aggression in the Georgia and now the populations overwhelmingly want US missiles to protect themselves from a Russian threat.

Joe, Boston, United States

How true Edmund - The US and UK are hardly good role models for Russia!

Andy, Seattle, USA

Our World Is one Governed by the Aggressive Use of Force.
Russia has seized the moment here, and if the US does nothing, they will only become emboldened.

We are in a new Cold War, even if no such thing has been declared. It has been coming for a long time now.

Yes, the UN is totally Useless.

Jon, Port Orchard , USA

The west brought this upon themselves in Kosovo and Iraq. My 2c.

Dave, Seattle, USA

The U.N. and Europe only have hand wringing. Terrorists have been attacking in Europe and elsewhere for decades with impunity. Terrorists attacked the U.S., and our boot has been up their rear ever since. No attacks on U.S. soil.
Russia's oil line is vulnerable. Where will our boot be next?

Tim, Troy, MI

Why is it that everythin is always America's fault? Georgia is a free, democratically elected country invaded by Russia. The Europeans did not learn 2 lessons in the 20th century...and are now poised to be helpless again against Russian domination. Bush had nothing to do with this.

John, L.A., U.S.

Russia is ready for anything except time. Putin forgets that the old Soviet Union eventually collapsed inwardly, from its dead economy. China learned the lesson of the Soviet demise and now focuses on economic as well as military power. Another cold war will only bring about the collapse of Russia.

Richard, San diego, USA

Quite true Edmund the Younger.

This whole round of aggression started with the Bush Administration's implementation of Project for a New American Century. The rules have been torn up, our (the West) actions have given the green light to similar actions by other states, let us hope sanity prevails.

Nick, Brighton, UK

For 'Georgia and the Bear' read 'Albert and the Lion'.

Thomas Denne, 58290 Limanton, France

What action? Russia has a veto in the UN, the UN can't even implement their own resolutions (Iraq in breach of ceasefire).

Glad we agree that the UN is a waste of t