I see the discussion between Carol and BB as having reached a point where it can no longer serve to advance the discussion helpfully.

I understand and agree with both points as summarized below.

BB - It is complex messy and we shouldn't be too quick to conclude who is at fault.

Carol - The wests response flies in the face of any fair assessment of the root causes of the conflict.


My view is that while I don't trust Putin (any more than any other politician) I don't blame the russians.

NATO seems to be suggesting that the Georgian atrocities in south ossetia can be overlooked as their actions were about asserting control over their own sovereign territory and Russia has no mandate to judge, let alone act.

Russia on the other hand seems prepared to overlook south ossetian atrocities committed under their noses in the area around Gori, no doubt on the basis that they are just getting a bit of revenge after the aggression of the Georgians.

In fact, the georgians and ossetians should both be getting their knuckles rapped for playing with peoples lives.

The fact they aren't could suggest that there is a power game going on between Russia and Nato ...

But my guess now is that they have just gone and got themselves entrenched, a bit like Carol and Bruce, and aren't listening to each other.

Russia should be withdrawing to the ossetian border and taking the ossetians with them.

Nato should be supporting russia and finding ways to work with her to bring peace to the region.