August 19, 2008
The conflict between the nations of Georgia and Russia, which grew very hot last week, has very long historical roots and has been potentially ready to explode since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The comments of John McCain on the recent outbreak of war has demonstrated the close connection between “sounding strong” for domestic political considerations and “being stupid” in the execution of American foreign policy.
2 comments:
American voters always pick "sounding strong and personality" over common sense, facts, logic, reason, etc.
keith campbell
denver
Wasn't it former President Bill Clinton who famously remarked how Americans would prefer a president who is strong but wrong, rather than a president who is right but weak?
Regardless, in the laundry list of goals American foreign policy should be striving to achieve in the Georgia/Russia war over south Ossetia, the most revealing goal is the one about securing the "international oil pipeline" that crosses Georgia's territory.
You can bet your last ruble that the oil/natural gas pipeline goal is also right up at the top of Putin's laundry list. This pipeline did not just fall from the sky. It was consciously routed across Georgian territory to provide an alternative supply source for the European market in particular which was not under the control of Russia or Iran.
"Securing" that pipeline is very much at the heart of this whole brouhaha. Keep your eyes on that prize as this shell game runs its course.
Bill from Saginaw
Post a Comment