In her interview with ABC's Charlie Gibson, Sarah Palin was asked what her thoughts were with regard to the continuing international tension in Georgia. She responded that in her opinion Georgia had not provoked the Russian invasion, that the two provinces in question should be returned to Georgia, and that she would recommend that an invitation be extended to Georgia to join NATO. When asked what would happen if the Russians invaded again after NATO membership were granted, she responded that she "wouldn't blink" but would recommend a military response.

Gibson was clearly impressed with her zealous response, and did not pursue further questions on that issue or what the world might look like after a nuclear exchange.

Of course, Palin is an international expert with regard to Russia,, given the proximity of Russia to Alaska. Why you can even see a Russian island from an Alaskan island on a clear day. What I fail to see is any sign of understanding, or "lessons learned" from the Bush Administration's international military interventions, on the part of this Vice Presidential candidate. Evidently, diplomacy is not one of her smart suits.

Charley Noble