Any opportunity to apply pressure to the states interested in NATO membership can be expected to be taken.  The Russians perceived a setbak in the NATO decision to go ahead with the missile shield and "postpone" consideration of membership of Ukraine and Georgia in NATO.

 

What is underway now is intended to destroy that consideration.  Russia is going to operate in her sphere of influence without interference from NATO/US.

 

Understandable.  One side makes a move; the other counters. 

 

 

 

If you move your nose toward Brussels you will find that this smell becomes even stronger. And the strongest smell comes with Atlantic storms

 

Answering your question elswere in this topic -- what do Russians do in Georgia -- the answer is: protecting her geopolitical interests. One of which is influence in Caucassus region. Whether one likes it or not this is a reality and Russia has political and economical power to realize them. And it was huge mistake from the side of Georgia to make a direct confrontation with Russia. And especially crazy was to make military confrontation. Finally it was stupid to belive that appart from political support they will get anything more from USA. Note that large part of Georgian economics come from Russia and direct arguing with Russia simply leads to decrease in life standarts in Georgia. So instead of concentrating on their problems they waste limited national resources for nothing. If they were freezing the situation with Abhazia and SO and concentrate as I said on development of their economics (they have all resources  for that) they would create a confederation with Abhazia and SO within next 50 years. They should have learned Balkan mistakes.

 

And you too Al Jassas have to be careful.

 

Everyone, please presume good faith.