Never put Russia in a corner. If it is in a corner help her OUT. Remember Russia has 20,000 nuclear tipped missiles.

Larry Tan, Duncan, Canada

NATO troops marched last September on the Red Square. The same will happen in Moscow this year and I hope Americans will send their guys too.

Search for Kremlin Zorya on youtube.

Come to Moscow on September 11-14 this year.

Let the military play drums not guns.

And let's live in peace

Zloy Tugarin, Moscow, Russia

What is the US doing? Let the geriatric and hypocritical tiny European states quibble, squabble and fight amongst themselves over their lost glory. They're done anyway. We should focus on Asia where the future lies. Get out of European entanglements!

Greg, San Francisco, United States

Russia helped US in fighting against terrorism & spreading of drugs, helped at august 11, USSR freed Cuba from nuclear missiles,.. How does Bush thank USSR & Russia? USA stomach started to shrink, they search for new sources of fat. Bush hands of from Russia. Think of your debts to the whole world!

ilnur, Kazan, Russia

"first realize that Russia started this little "war"
Edward, Atlanta, US

You've been there?! You've talked to osetians?! Did you watch a girl talking on CNN? More than 150 claims came from Osetia to Hague and none from government of Georgia. People like you start wars! Think before you say.

ilnur, Kazan, Russia

This has been obviously coming for months, how long can we and the US keep on sticking our noses in without someone eventually punching us in it? If this was a pub brawl and you or I got involved invariably sooner or later we would get hit. Its all very 'caps off' for being right but lets leave it.

Elizabeth , Aldershot, UK

Best way to stuff Russia is to get our gas from elsewhere, and start building alternatives to the oil/gas economy which makes us reliant on Russia. They only have oil and gas, nothing else. It may cost us in the short term, but we need long term reliability........

David Cook, Broadstone, UK

I personally just hope that everyone comes to their senses and works this out at the negotiation table.

Seán, Kansas City, Kansas, United States

"Defend" missles in Poland is offensive weapon of first strike.

Alexey, Moscow, Russia

Why doesn't David Miliband go and live in Israel? He already supports Zionist interests 100%. The man is a war-monger and no different from the Neo-Cons in America. Lies, lies and more lies, that's all we hear. Russia is doing what is right at the moment. We in the west have lost our moral compass.

Ian deMontfort, London, England

Couple days ago Medvedev proposed to enable European peacekeepers in a buffer zone only. It means no Russians and Americans there. West did not respond to him. Why?

Alexey, Moscow,

I have read the majority of the posts here and conclude the EU / EC is EXACTLY RIGHT. The US should close all its bases, end all our military and financial aid to the EU / EC and bring our war mongering troops home and let you handle the Russian Bear. It would only be days until the Bear wins

Hersh, Los Angeles, USA

You can like or hate it , but the fact is Putin is the most effective politician right now.

Gary, PHILADELPHIA,

To Simon.
Russia's "failing" economy rose from $200 bl in 1999 to about $1,6 tril in 2008. PPL is about $2,5 tril (surpassed britain economy). Russia became #1 auto market in Europe surpassing Germany in 2008. So, think before you say or give the facts.

Gary, PHILADELPHIA,

If missle batteries were placed in Cuba or Mexico that would be a violation of international law. Contrariwise, missle batteries placed in Poland are a different animal. The hubris and the hypocrisy are staggering. There is a gargantuan and growing disconnect between the US people and its 'guvmint.

Jack Burton, Stephenville, Texas

My country needs to mind its own damn business. We need to close down all of our military bases outside the US and get out of NATO. We are up to our eyeballs in debt and our dollar is dying. This is a cold war that we cannot win. Currency Collapse ended the Soviet Empire and it will end ours.

Andy White, Los Angeles, USA

Popularity contest: George Bush v/s Vladimir Putin.

Any thoughts?

Vishal Patel, London, UK

Bob R,
I think you are right.
It's all a big setup to finish of the US.
The bushy's are insiders making the us look dumb and setting us up for someone to save the day.
It's quite classic and repulsive all at once.

Mike, Lithia springs, USA

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION IN THE WORLD TODAY THAT NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED RIGHT NOW. Why does the USA have almost 750 foreign military war bases spread across 140 countries throughout the world? What are these bases there for?Why are they there? Is there a US military war base in your country

Rob, Sydney, Australia

This is going to come as a shock to you. But did you know country's that have allies will always side with their Ally.
America-Israel
Russia-Iran
China-Sudan
Russia-Cuba
America-Columbia
America-Georgia
Russia-S Ossetia
Shall I go on, or do you get it?
Who started it, is irrelevant.

Tyler, Springfield, USA

No one cares Putin. Old KGB boy isn't going to start anything and he knows it. Just more old Cold War rhetoric from a insigificant leadership. Come back when your relevant Putin.

John, Maryland, USA

Putin is an absolute punk! I cannot help but feel like this is somehow orchestrated by he and the Bush Administration, if not on purpose, at least accidentally. Either way, this little Napoleonic complex of Putin's and Bush's stupidity has all the makings of a war waiting to happen.

Bob R, Tulsa, United States

poor russia upset with following UN resolutions after kosovo, secede two regions by giving them "Russian" passports, provoke Georgia by killing their soldiers, and blame it on George Bush. Threaten Poland for anti missiles. Putin has lost his mind, clearly. Premedated rape of Georgia in one day.

da vergonick, moscow, russia

To change Russia’s course real sanctions are needed.>>>

Yes! Please stop selling US chicken meat to Russia.

Zloy Tugarin, Moscow, Russia

Dan, don't you know what NATO stands for? Did you ever hear of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? Is Africa anywhere near the North Atlantic?

Russ, Ellensburg, USA

USA is not a legitimate counterpart in this crisis as his position is influenced by gas and oil interests, EC should speak up and shut them up (USA). Ever better opportunity for EC to show integrity and steadiness?
RF might listen and back EC if they do so. Let´s give RF a chance. Go recognition !

Inaki, Madrid, Spain

Some of the comments from US and UK are staggeringly stupid and uninformed. Russia did not start this, Georgia did with a green light from the US. Russia is not a 3rd rate power like Iraq, they have nukes too! Nato has no business in Russia's backyard unless you want Russian nukes in Cuba.

wendy, Memphis, US

The Gog-Magog war in Ezekial 38-39 may have just begun.

Lee, bend, or

Completley agree with Henry. Hardly anybody seems to see that Kosovo was setting an illegal precednt for anybody to march into any minority state and declare independance. I also back Russia in the shield fiasco. Britain wouldnt like Europe to have a shield without us

Heeners, Bath,

Russia has been manipulating this situation since the beginning, encouraging S.O. and Abk. to revolt because Putin does not like the fact that Saakashvili was elected and Schevardnaze was ousted. Under Saakashvili, corruption is down.

Brian, Detroit, US

Anyone that thinks China will choose Russia over the US is kidding themselves.

ryan, Chicago,

The notion the two US Naval/Coast Guard vessels constitute a threat or pose a challenge to the Black Seas fleet is a bit silly. The Dallas was launched in 1967, carries no offensive ship to ship missiles or other offensive weapons and mounts an ancient 5" gun that once shelled the Vietnamese coast.

Woody, Paris, France

Nato has added countries around Russia because they have expressed interest in joining. Nato would not want to join up with Africa because to do so would be to be responsible for Africa's problems, which Nato would not be effective in solving. Ask a ridiculous question, get an obvious answer.

Brian, Detroit, US

Weird timing. Why all this, all now? Playing with US internal politics? Scare US into voting for McCain, thereby ensuring another 4 years with an internationally unpopular leader, thus weakening US global cloud even further? Is this the real motive?

Jay, Shanghai,

I think the west is looking for its grave and the destruction of this earth.

Nicholas, LARNACA, CYPRUS

Wy is it that NATO or USA not interested in Africa or elsewhere? In the last 5 years, NATO has added 10 countries around Russia? Why around Russia only??

Dan, Tucson, USA

Unlike the Iraq operations which most Americans oppose, this conflict is likely to receive overwhelming support. If Russia isn't afraid of the consequences, then it's time we show them something to be afraid of. Their ignorance is staggering.

Chris, Vermont, USA

"John Howard, Brisbane, Australia"

I wish NATO and the Administration of the USA would give ol' Putin a call and tell them we broke with Australia and if they want your lead mines or Uranium mines, they are free for the taking.

And then just sit back and watch.

JP, Chehalis, USA

Are we still talking about this. There will be NO WW3. How do I know? All of these talking heads are greedy, politicians.
What is the one thing a politician will never do. Put himself or his money in harms way.
It's ok for you to be poor,uneducated,hungry,or even dead.
But not a politician.

Tyler, Springfield, USA

USA and rest Nato can do anithing they whant like what they did to Serbia its same what Russia doing in Georgia .So if kosovo can be state what never in history existed than Russia has every wright to give them indepadance . But i forgot USA is runing this planet so be good or we all know!!!

sinisa, haute-nandaz, switswerland

first realize that Russia started this little "war"

Next realize that the question to answer is "can you trust Russia?"

the answer to that question puts this little Russian "war" in context.

i am hoping that the answer is yes.

Edward, Atlanta, US

US has no place in this. Like adding fuel to the fire the west is making the threats and adding a lot of tension to this situation. Speaking of adding FUEL to the fire, can i say pipeline!!! Is it expected that everytime the US makes a threat they are obeyed???!!!

brooks, California, USA

All of the Russians commenting here seem to be forgetting one thing: Chechnya. Where was your noble compassion for the seperatist movement then? Selective morality = immorality and Russia has cornered the market on it.

Tonym, Washington, DC, USA

How many more military mistakes can GB make before he goes!?

brooks, California, USA

You dont know history. In most cases Russia defended from interventionists and many times protected Georgia from Turkey.
Georgians are obliged Russia by the existence as the state.

Georgi, Kiev, Ukraine

Putin was actually saying that the US caused the invasion he has been carefully orchestrating for months!

Putin-Russia is a failing economy propped up by short term petrodollars which fall mainly into the hands of the corrupt. I hope for its peoples sake that the orange revolution spreads.

Simon, Birmingham,

Russia has successfully test-fired an RS-12 Topol intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk space center, a spokesman for the Strategic Missile Forces announced on Thursday. The RS-12 (NATO reporting name SS-25 Sickle) has been in service since 1988. It is a road-mobile single-warhead ICB

Andrey, Ukraine, Kiev

The tension would be much less if the U.S. were not involved.
Nato's name North Atlantic Treaty Organisation should be changed into E..T.O.European Treaty Organisation.We don't need the U.S. here.Europe must be able to care for it self,It is!!.
I

W.Groeneveld, Almere, Netherlands

This is a tragedy on all sides. The international community (and OSCE) share blame with break-away region disputes unresolved for 15 years. Russia and Georgia HAVE TO normalize relations. Int'l involvement delaying progress and escalating tensions is reckless disservice to all. Diplomacy please!

Rapp, Seattle, USA

Mihail, Vladivostok, Russia

The two areas are tiny. No-one believes they could be 'independant' economically or otherwise; not even they do. What you actually mean is 'back under Russian control'. & did Russian troops care about people dying when they were firing on Georgian soil? I think not.

Simon , Birmingham, UK

Why do we still see Putin. I thought Russia had elections and Medvedev was your president. In America will have a new president and Bush will not be seen anymore. Do you see the difference between a real democracy, and a real regime. Dictators need a enemy so thier people have someone to blame.

Tyler, Springfield, USA

Russia will not be allowed to re-create the Soviet Union. What does Russia expect the final result of this? Do they expect America to just sit back and do nothing? Maybe Russia has forgotten that the Cold War is over and that they lost.

James , Atlanta, USA

Reason of current crisis in relations between Russia and West is that West forgot such words as humanity,compassion,kindness.EU,US don't care that people of S.Ossetia and Abkhazia during 15 years lived in isolation,they didn't live,they survived.They made choice for independence,it's their right

Alina, Ufa, Russia

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, Vladivostok, Russia

henry, london
SO and kosovo arent the same, the russians have been manipulatiing the situation, handing out passports and supporting the breakaway leaders. 99% of SO voted for independence, even tho 25% are georgian and a significant minority of ossetians are pro georgian.

will, grimsby, uk

BaiDaLong, Brisbane - "their (Russia) only strategy for survival is to keep the world imbalanced so the price of oil/gas goes up."

That's a pretty potent strategy.

Javid, Greenwich, UK

History should have taught European countries at least that appeasement does not work. Based on Russian history Russia will continue to attack its neighbours until it is stopped by outside force or internal conflict.

Sander Heinsalu, New Haven, US

Comparisons are made with Kosovo, but Russia alone has rushed to recognise South Ossetia & Abkhazian independence, not a single country has moved to follow them not even the SCO States are doing so. It will be interesting to see for how long Russia is determined to march out of step with the world.

Alastair, Rye, UK

Western countries could recognize the independence of Chechenya and other small nations inside Russia to punish Russia for the Georgian invasion.

Sander Heinsalu, New Haven, US

Why did the West did not take similar positions on excessive use of force in Lebanon by Israel and call for sanctions! It still continues to occupy large parts of Palestinian teritories and the world stands idle! Are the sufferings of Palestinians and Lebanese people less in the scale of repression?

RK, BROMLEY,

its amazing how important americans see themselves in the world !! i think it is the rigth time to face the truth - America is not the only country that can make decisions and control people's lives.
for those who need photos from ossetia i advise to search some other source and not just americans

Nadya, Moscow, Russia

Russia handed out passports to the people living the breakaway republics in Georgia. When will Putin provide passports to Russians in the Crimea? Or in the Baltics? Better yet, when will Putin recognize the sovereignty of Brighton Beach, New York?

Glen, Philadelphia, USA

In Osetia there is oil.It is one of the main reasons the US
are shouting.Osetia was neve part of Georgia.I wish Georgia
will never join Nato. As EU made a terrible mistake to allow
the three Baltic state and Poland to join EU

B.Benzi, Cesena, Italy

The United States has nothing to lose at this point in case you haven't been watching the banking crisis. They could easily break free of all prior obligations under the guise of another all out World War.

Manfred, Halsey, UK

Whilst I depore the Russian presence in Georgia proper, it does seem that the people of the two breakaway regions probably don't want to be in Georgia. Perhaps we should consider recognising their independence as being the demotratic will of those people, also helping Georgia with reconstruction.

Martin Sach, London, UK

Mr. Miliband compared Georgia with Chekhoslovakia(1968).
I have to remind what Chekh President have said:
"....that Chekhoslovakia had not invaded others militarily...,
Chekhosdlovakia had never bombed civilians....
and that Mr. Dubchek (former Chekhoslovakia's leader) is not Sakashvili..."

Rita Rogach, Prague, Chech Republik

Why should the kind hearted U.S.A. be sending 'aid' to Georgia? And why should the kind hearted U.S.A. use missile warships to deliver this 'humanitarian' aid? Bush and Cheney surely wish to crown their 'legacy' with the Third World War. Imagine them calling Iran-N.Korea-Iraq the Axis of Evil!

San Ying, Montreal, Canada

Russia is clearly telling the world it will not stand for NATO expansion into what it sees as its backyard. That may be wrong and outdated, the simple truth is that, unlike in the 1990s, Moscow is both able and willing to prevent it. So unless you're prepared to risk WW 3, you better take note

Kevin, London, UK

It's all a bit tiresome hearing people say that 'Russia won't tolerate...' The truth is that Russia will have to tolerate whatever we damn well tell it to tolerate. They can't even feed themselves and their only strategy for survival is to keep the world imbalanced so the price of oil/gas goes up.

BaiDaLong, Brisbane,

Is is to strange that wherever in the world that oil are abundant gas and pipelines are required, the Americans are involved in promoting "democracy" EU leaders come across like american puppets dancing to the masters tune. Behaviour of the western world is disgraceful. THERE ARE NO WINNERS IN WAR

Navdee, Durban,

What the H for are you going to fight with Russia? For a stupid guy in Tbilisi? Georgia is not a democracy! Read about the latest election. Your hatered towards Russia is completely irrational. We didn't start the war, it would be very silly to do it.

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

Dear Tae, Daegu,
How would You feel if Your government in Seoul will bomb Daejon or Pusan?

Andrey, Moscow,

A coast guard cutter? When did the Black Sea become part of US coastal waters? Someone send them a Tom-Tom for Christmas before they try to sail the star-spangled banner up the Volga by mistake.
As for Georgia - Serbia, Black Hand, read history and gag Miliband.

KR, Stockport,

Why EC do not call for a multilateral ( US, Russia and Black Sea counries ... etc) peace conference on Caucasus crisis? That would be much better for everyone than this chilling warship show off on Black Sea.

Alexey, Moscow, Russia

"August 12 President Medvedev of Russia says that he has decided to stop military action against Georgia. "

August 13 Prime Minister Putin has other ideas.

Who, exactly, is in charge in this new Russia? I know who is the richest.

J. Christian, Birmingham, UK

Cold War? - if then turn off the gas, it will be freezing. The realization that energy is a defence issue might finally be sinking in...

Bill Bird, Wallasey, Wirral

For those who think that it is just about pipiline in Georgia: Please, do not think that you are the most clever in the world, or at list much more clever then russians - it is much more easyer just to build another oil and gaz pipeline to the east in China, India, Japan... then to war with Europe.

Pavel, Krasnodar, Russia

Does the world remember how the Americans reacted when they had found that Russia had installed missiles in Cuba? Now the USA and NATO have encircled Russia trying to isolate it from the rest of the world. They signed an agreement with Poland to install missiles.Russia is right to defend herself.

Paul Karkanidas, Sydney, Australia

To: Tae, Daegu, S. Korea
my friend! s. ossetia was never been as a part of georgia. it was made 60 years ago by another famous Georgian - Stalin! Even after that this two regions had autonomus status broked by first georgian president Gamsahurdia in 1990! we must ask the people who live there first!

Kamil, Chelaybinsk, Russia

Does the world remember how the Americans reacted when they had found that Russia had installed missiles in Cuba? Now the USA and NATO have encircled Russia trying to isolate it from the rest of the world. They signed an agreement with Poland to install missiles and encouraged Georgia fight Russia.

Paul Karkanidas, Sydney, Australia

I was in US for the half a year. I like this country and this . I don't understand how politicians and peple can be so different there. Also I want to say that in Russia in a lot of aspects I feel more free than in US. we can read and watch your media to see the situation from many sides. Can you?

Kamil, Chelaybinsk, Russia

If American and Nato hadn't interfered in Georgia and similar countries with oil (MONEY) in mind, none of this would happened.
We don't have wars of ideology, but of greed.
Russia, America - for gods sake!

Is anyone else thinking " this is STUPID"

ayla, london,

Stalin was half Georgian, half Ossetian.

John J. Kavanagh, Mercer Island, US of A

It's all matter of oil business. the USA seem to be looking for another oil source, why then, Iran has got much, and Russia too. Split RF and get damn siberian oil. Supporting Georgia they provide themselves with control over caspian oil pipe.

Ilya, Moscow, RF

Count Down to Crisis whitewash crucial events 8-12 Aug. German press defended Kremlin friends; EU was silent. Only Polish president Kaczynski voiced support for Georgia called Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania presidents to fly with him there and made brave stand in Tbilisi. That shamed EU & moved Sarkozy

Krystof W, Warsaw, Poland

The Russians hold the trump card, otherwise known as oil and gas. If they wanted to they could put large parts of Europe into darkness and cold by turning offf the gas taps; they could also strangle the world's oil supply with the same tactics.

The west know this, especially the Germans who are so heavily dependent on Russian gas.

Sam, Durham, UK

to andy:
You are absolutely right! But it was so, before USA made "democtatical" revolutions there. Ukraine had non-aligned status officialy. Georgia was more democratic before Saakashvili.
Do you now that there government have their salary's from US admin? Why so? Because of caspian OIL!!!!

Kamil, Chelaybinsk, Russia

We do not want another lengthy stand-off with Russia. There are more important things we need to concentrate on than flexing military muscle overseas. Are we not committed enough in this area? Do we not have enough problems to fix in the World? Do we really need a new one?

Charlie, Exeter, UK

Just facts: Georgia receives 40% of required electric power from the hydroelectric plant placed in Abkhazia.

Though some people think it comes from the outlet in the wall.

vlad, moscow, Russia

Occupation of parts of Georgia? Don't forget - those parts are Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Now it looks like confrontation between USA and Russia. Indeed, it is. But how about people living in Ossetia? Read theirs history. Look at what is happening inside Georgia last 15 years.

Alexey, Krasnoyarsk, Russia

I see that Americans and other Western nations dislike when Russia do not deliver on their instructions on Georgia issue. Now you can see how Russia felt when was ignored by US and NATO for years. And the culmination was Saakashvily who was biting Russia for years and loved to be loved by US for it.

Gary, Novosibirsk, Russia

"to put men on the ground to protect neocons' east-west oil and gas pipeline from the Caspian and Central Asia.” In other words, who cares how many people gonna be killed in this fight for oil mafia property!! Still beleive we fight for democracy in Georgia?!!

Aida, Miami, USA

only US and EU seem to be absolutely focused on cold war again, phantom idea of "agressive" Russia and etc! who gains scores of that? maybe mccane now.. I think you can accept congratulations with a new president already! We don't intend to invade, restore USSR terretories and others.

tata, Moscow, Russia

The writing was on the wall after Kosovo.
Time to reappraise Western Policy Objectives.
Start by electing Obama as President.

LAKSHMAN PARDHANANI, Goa, INDIA

S. Osetia abd Abh. have NEVER been the part of Georgia. In the 19th cent. Russia formed such territory and named it Georgia. S.O. and Abh. didn't belong there. In the 20 c. Stalin gave the latest to the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Then each of thre simultan-ly proclaimed indepen-ce from USSR

Ilya, S-Petersburg, Russia

Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. He is Georgian. You should know it.

How Europeans can keep patience to those Americans, showing such disrespect of culture, history and geography of other countries.

Evgeniy Denisov, Samara, Russian Federation

This conflict was started by the unpredictable and hotheaded president of Georgia and it resulted in thousands of dead, injured and displaced persons. The West is keen to be critical of Russia, but it would be nice if they also directed some of their displeasure towards the Georgian leaders.

George, Westom-super-Mare, England

We should all be thankful that Georgia is not in NATO. To allow a hothead like Saakashvili to start a local conflict then escalate it into a World war because of NATO membership is unthinkable. The USA must take some responsibility for trouble in the area with their aggressive expansion of NATO.

George, Weston-super-Mare, England

Not to worry, Bush has looked passionately into Mr. Putin's
eyes and saw stuff!

Ken, Lavonia, USA

Suddenly all that cold war era weaponry doesn't look like such a waste of money. Our adversaries are once again no longer just iron age brigands, but well armed and determined. The 'Great Game' is alive; Georgia will be sacrificed, but will we draw our line at Poland or further east in the Ukraine? Send an expeditionary force to Sevastopol perhaps... history rhymes indeed

Richard, London, UK

To John, Atlanta.
Russia is JUST an oil rich country,not developing and not 28 years but 300 years behind the civilized world.If no country buys oil from them they'll be finished in 10 years.They can't even feed themselves! They NEED West.
Russia has no right to boo neighbors! Not in 21st century.

Vlad, London, UK

To all the Russians writing here. Where are the photos of the 2,000 dead? The mass burials? the evidence? - Shouldn't be difficult with thousands of dead and injured, to produce even one photo. What a dreadful lie.
Russians paid the ethnic cleansers to mortar Georgia for a week before G reacted.

Richard, Kiev, Ukraine

It's not a secret that Bush, Putin, Sarkozy, Saakashvilli, Blair and lot of other puppets belong to the same masters.I hope that they will be able to earn another couple of billions on this without destroing whe whole world.Unfortunately normal ordinary people alovertwrld can only watch and pray

Oleg, St-Petersburg, Russia

Only blithering idiots advocate reigniting the Cold War Reagan so assiduously ended. What with radical Islam, growing emergence of China as a possible military threat to us, the last thing we need is to needlessly antagonize the Russians. Bush, McCain, and the neocons destroyed Reagan legacy.

jerabaub, daytona beach,

The USA feels it can do what it likes in the Americas (Monroe doctrine), and disregard human rights (Guantanamo) when it wants. Together with the UK, it likes to meddle almost anywhere else (Iraq). Yet Russia is denounced for defending its own interests against an adventurer in Georgia. Hypocrites!

Ian, Liverpool, UK

Phil, Hong Kong
Remember 1956 Hungary. Who was the aggressor??? We hate Russia.
Russia never been famous for giving democracy. They know only dictatura nothing else!!!! By the way , where did you acquire your experience about Russia??? In Hong Kong???

Tessa Hegedus, Swansea, United Kingdom

This started with the mass killing of civilians by Georgia in an area which has had de facto independence since the early 1990s. Does Milliband thinks the peacekeepers should have abandoned the civilians (as happened in Srebrenica leading to the largest mass murder since World War II)?

Andy, Bacup, UK

Russia is back, hurray!!!!!!

dan, uk,

I hope that Bush sends Stinger missiles to the Georgians the way that Reagan armed the Mujahadeen. The Georgians will be happy to fight for their own country as long as we give them the tools to do it. Putin has it coming. He is the new Stalin.

Dave, Santa Cruz, California, USA

USA can not afford another war and Europians are getting
smarter not to kill themself in war.USA are making more
anemies than friends every year.........stop the war and to
regonize Kosovo as a state was big mistake because Kosovo
never was state or republic in last 2000 years

eric, usa,

West is slient that they made the Kosovo as precedence. Russia naturally is angry about West's double standards. Why freedom for Kosov and not for Abkhazia? Doesn't seem to be fair.

West and Russia should sit down together. No one needs a new cold war, People want life.

Armen, Hickory, NC

I don't know know Russians think, but Georgians didn't invade anyone. S Ossetia belongs to them and they have every right to occupy or bomb any part of their territory.

Russians occupying S Ossetia and now stating they recognizing them is just a land grab by untrustworthy Russians.

Tae, Daegu, S. Korea

The comments from my fellow chicken-hawk Americans are embarassing. Russia is completely in the right. Georgia started the war and Russia finished it. West recognizes Kosovo and Russia regocnizes Ossetia/Abkhazia. Now West doesn't like how that feels. Americans Rus won European theaterWW2 by the way

Dan, Philadelphia, USA

About the aid, I live in NJ (US) and I see some people barely making their ends these days around here. Can they send us some aid here too?! Maybe 20 mil, just to start? I’m sick of seeing how the Administration is wasting my tax money on regime changing while my son's school looks like a barrack...

Ostap, New Jersey, USA

It is time for NATO and the US do admit their double standards in politics and morale and stop barking on Russia. Every western politician understands that there is enough nukes in Russia for everyone on this planet, and the use of force will be inappropriate this time. Say sorry and admit mistakes.

John Howard, Brisbane, Australia

It's not a battle of ideals - it's merely a fight to control the gas pipeline. I can understand why US & EU would do everything they can to keep Georgia stable. If this situation gets worse then prices of oil, commodities, etc etc will skyrocket, not what West wants. Politics is a game of leverage

Rodion, West Bloomfield, MI, USA

Last time I checked the initial delivery of aid via US warships was pretty common. Please look at the pictures of the tsunami aid to refresh your memory.

And the ship is a US Coast guard cutter. Americas associate this ship with search and resuce and drug interdiction.

Hardly the scary warship.

David, Austin, USA

Sorry, I know he's on our side, but David Miliband has got to be the least imposing person I've ever seen, especially when you match him up with Putin. No worries about a shooting war, though. Our navies are expert at shadowing one another at sea. They have lots and lots of practice.

Matt, Chicago, IL, USA

Russia is clearing going all the way with this. There's -no- way they'll back down. Either we do, or the world ends, those are the choices.

rick, Champaign, IL, US

This is madness! We are destroying our relationship with Russia for something that we ourselves have done in Iraq. Let us tone down the rhetoric and talk quietly and behind the scenes with the Russians so that we can get back to economic, scientific and political cooperation.

Andre, Portland, USA

To David from DC (and All),

Concepts like "moral credibility", "moral authority", "hypocrisy", etc., though abstract, do have an effect on what happens. Without the support of its own people (and global support, when acting on foreign soil), how can a government continue its course?

Noah, Ft. Wayne, USA

Thats whats gonna happen. Debates in EU will finish. Abkhazia and South Ossethia will be granted independence as Kosovo and most probably will join Russia. Saakashvili will escape to US. Georgia will be in political chaos. The West will realize that US gegemony in world politics is over. Viva Putin!

Alex Meshkov, Novosibirsk-Beijing, Russia-China

It is very good idea, to give Russian citizenship to rest of the World and then, "defend" it.

david, columbus,

There is nothing West can do without alternative supplies, at least partly, of gas and oil. There is a monopoly on both ends, of supply and demand. as well. Might make sense a popular boycott of Russian wares and services. Let's hit them in the purse. No travel there, no their awful vodka, etc,

Felix, Mountain View,

Good points made here! I am also with the Russians on this...100%!
The US and allies have conveniently misplaced their memory of the Georgian gov's attempt to commit genocide of the South Ossetians! Good on Russia for protecting their people....can't say that about too many governments!!

jim, LaJoja, USA

This is getting out of hand, instead of trying to come up with a solution all the West is doing is aggrevating the situation everyday.All the mediais saying is Russian bear this and Russian bear that, NONESENSE. treat the russians like you treat each other (ie show some RESPECT) & peace will follow.

Yuri, Toronto, Canada

Its a shame that Europe and the USA don't learn. Anytime agression is allowed to stand, it wins and then pushes forward. But, the solution is not open confrontation. We should give Georga all the arms they can use and encourage every man woman and child (that can) to fight for their freedom.

Rick, Chicago, USA

Russia will not tolerate NATO's deployment of missiles or encirclement anymore than the USA would accept Russia putting missiles in the Canadian provinces. Rice doesn't get it. She should read' The Bible Code' by Drosnin. He found nuclear war with the word delayed across it between USA and Russia.

Michael Neigh, Lakewood, United States

Russia is no USSR, which is dead and gone. The term
Cold-War only applied to the USSR. Russia is an oil rich "developing" country. Russia is at least 28 years behind the Western world in military technology and economic development.

John, Atlanta, GA

International disapproval may hurt the government of a democratic country with a free press but it has become clear over the years that it does not do much to sway Russia and may even strengthen the internal support for the Russian government. To change Russia’s course real sanctions are needed.

Sander, New Haven, US

The West has advanced agressively into Eastern Europe. It backs or opposes separatism to suit its anti-Russian agenda.
Georgia started this very stupid war and should pay the price.

It is pathetic that we have almost got back to he Cold war but not surprising given USand Western aggression.

Phil, Hong Kong,

to Henry in London- Kosovo, after long debate in the UN Security Council has been recognized by many states (46 currently, with about 75 pending). South Ossetia and Abkhazia have been recognized by only by Russia and Hamas Palestine, and did not follow necessary UN deliberation.

Marcy, New York, United States

The Russian people are wrestling with the whole idea of freedom and democracy. We bungled the golden opportunity to have a strong relationship with the people of Russia. In the midst of all we had going on in our lives, a KGB agent slipped right by the Russian people and our State department.

joe horton, Ohio, USA

Let's face it. If our hated politicians followed Donald McLaren's advice and sent our young men to war againt Russia there would be such a reaction that I would fear the outcome in Britain itself

Marco Borg, London, United Kingdom

Allow a vote in the mostly Russian provinces and if they vote yes to union with Russia, re-draw the borders. Isn't that the "democracy" Bush has been spreading around the world? Or does it only go one way? When the Russian missiles are in Cube we will be witnessing another Bush disaster!

Rod Garr, Miami, USA

When have concepts like "moral credibility", "moral authority", "hypocrisy", etc., ever had any bearing on what actually happens?

Such talk is for impotent Eurocrats, not the people who actually decide things by doing rather than philosophizing. Am I a phillistine? Maybe, but also a realist.

David, Washington, DC , USA

In my opinion NATO is an instrument for American Imperialism. Hasn't South Ossetia, and Abkhazia wanted independence from Georgia for the last decade? Moreover, if an argument of self determination was used by NATO to support Kosovo, isn't it valid for South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

bobby, Ottawa, Canada

USA go home. Don't create further confrontation.
We already know you cannot be peacemakers, we have Iraq to support this.
Common sense is international isolation of brutality by USA and RF, in Iraq-Afganistan and Georgia respectively.
Civilised and real democracies we can stand alone without USA.

Inaki, Madrid, Spain

After US Embassy announced that the McFaul would land in Poti, Medveyev was on the news saying the Russians would not interfere with the effort, but would inspect the cargoes, which he alleged contained weapons. Then the US changed course to Batumi. The harbor was not mined - that's propaganda.

Paul Wolf, Washington DC, US

Even if there will be a Cold War, the US and NATO are destined to loose it because of Europe's dependence on Russian energy resources and because no country will ever use any kind of force against Russia. It will simply mean World's self destruction. It's time for West to realise that it's lost it.

Victor, Sydney, Australia

Putin is the enemy!! Oh yeah?... He has started so man wars over the last 15 years... Actually I don't think so. He has every right to protect the national boundaries of the USSR from threat and its citizens. Lets face it - the western powers hate him as he refuses to bow to financial extremes.

R McAuley, Antrim, UK

Is ex-ambassador brain-washed asking for NATO troops in Georgia? To protect pipeline?
With such experts and politicians, who wanted Kosovo independent, Georgia is only the starting point.
World has 150 spots which are craving for independence.

savo, london, uk

Georgia, and Ukraine, should opt for neutral (non-aligned) status, like Sweden and Finland, to ease East-West tension.

andy, london,

Seems simple to me - the Western Back Georgia acted against the citizens of S Ossetia - Russia was forced to protect its citizens.. Simple, so why has the West not called for Saakashvili to face a war crimes tribunal? No wonder Russia does not trust the West!

R McAuley, Antrim, UK

It's pretty darn obvious at this point that Putin is trying to goad the US and western powers into a shooting war. Sorry, it's too late to be a Hero of the Soviet Union Mr. Putin. You will probably be remembered as the bellicose Russian "PM" who rushed the world into WW III. What a fine legacy.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

as David Milibrand has now put the fear of God into the Russians, I thought I'd try and see if the fear that David creates could help facilitate getting my children go to bed ... alas they said David doesn't frighten us ,,,

H.villosa, Bedford,

Georgia, and Ukraine, should opt for neutral (non-aligned) status, like Sweden and Finland, to ease East-West tension.

andy, london,

Russia was clearly provoked by Saakashvili's ham f'isted 'liberation' of South Ossetia and Russia's response should surely have been foreseen. The West has lost the moral high-ground with Kosovo and has few, if any, realistic military or economic options. Perhaps we should all stop yapping.

Thomas Denne, 58290 Limanton, France

Henry, London: A very, very big difference. The West 'did' Kosovo to stop the Serb ethnic cleansing. The Serbs' election of a pro-westerner came too late to stop the hatred. As for OS and Abkhazia, Russia has planned, provoked and actioned a simple takewover. It used to be called an "invasion".

Ben, Moscow, Russia

if the russians want a new cold war it proves how bad putin and medvedev are. at least the last cold war was in some way a battle of ideals, communism v capitalism. this new cold war is just russian beligerance and empire building. and they call saakashvili scum.

will, grimsby, uk

Lily Tomlin's The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe seems most fitting here. It is time to cease the sophomoric rethoric of politial pundits to intelligent discourse on the U.N. Charter that recognizes the succession rights of the breakaway enclaves' independence from Georgia.

Karon von Gerhke Thompson, Alexandria, USA

Anyone remember 1905? Battle of Tsushima?

cvt, Windermere,

A new cold war, lets review. Who won the last one? And this round Russia is even in a worst political, economic and military state. And by the way China is NOT one of Russia's allies, give your head a shake. It seems that many in the UK like Russia being ruled again by a mad dwarf.

D. Fitzsimmons, London, Canada

How can US and EU talk about sovereignity respect after Kosovo issue?
That's it, no credibility at all. You get what you sow...

Victor, San Fernando, Spain

US sent warships to make one point and one point only.. You can push the button so far Russia..

Second, Czar Putin about confrontation PLEASE!!! You would be a complete moron to attack a US warship first let alone one carrying aid..

jeremy Charles, Big D----, USA

"where were these concerns about excessive force from the west when Israel destroyed Lebanon and killed 1000 civilians?

What nonsense. Israeli soldiers were kidnapped, Hezbollah showered Israel with thousands of rockets, and you expected Israel to do nothing!!!

Howard, London, UK

Russia were protected South Ossetia from Georgian killers. Visit this country if you true US. You will see 2000 dead people wich was kill from weapon "Grad". It was russian children and women. They sleeps in its houses. Sorry for my english.

Dima, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

**otiwa ogede, Hove, UK**

I could only wish you were there when Israel defended itself from the constant bombing. Next time they will finish it.

And to the rest, get ready. The USA is going to leave Europe on its own to fight its own wars it gets itself into.

Good luck with your defense

JP, Chehalis, USA

There is an old adage that says, " one done task is a lot better than a hundred of half-done ones". USA, must complete its war with terrorist groups (al Qaeda, Taleban and Pakistan's spy agency, ISI ) first, then start worrying about Georgia's problem with Russia.

Safiullah Tazib, London,

Again the Old Europe started the war and again the USA will have to clean after these smart alecks.

Nick, Cologne, Germany

Russia invades a sovereign nation; and, somehow, this ends up being the West's fault?

All of you Chamberlains will see this is Russia being belligerent. Going a little further back, is 1914 so long ago as to fade from memory?

Chris, Columbia, United States

Georgia was consulted and told not to do it, by the UNITED STATES...

August 7 Georgia sends troops into breakaway region of South Ossetia

Sorry, but they were behaving like a spoiled child, and got SLAPPED!

They were messing around with RUSSIA, not the USA....

Now, let them deal with it

chuck, manhattan, usa

Putin will continue to prod the corpse and the flies and stink will keep rising, And eventually life too will return to it but at that time WW3 will have begun and we will all pay the ultimate price for allowing this testosterone filled blowhard KGB agent to lead us all down the garden path.

Peter, Vancouver BC., Canada

Typical European responses - blame the US and Israeal. I suppose if the US and Israel never existed the world would be a peaceful paradise. I don't recall Georgia attacking Russia - to compare this to the Israel/Lebanon skirmish is nonsense.

Shayne, Memphis, USA

I am Westerner due to the fact I live in the West. But I do not share our "leaders" position on this matter. Were a new cold war to erupt, I will join the Russians and I will be glad to kill our dear leaders!

West, London, UK

Let's not be terrified of a new cold war. A cold war in 1933 might have saved fifty million lives. Instead we had appeasement. Appeasement delays the inevitable while your enemy builds strength. Russia is weak militarily, a second-world country with nuclear weapons.

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA

Send in NATO Forces, where are they to come from? It is about time the politicians realised we have hardly got a Defence Force for our OWN country now. Less of the confrontation tactics. If the USA want to posture aggression then let them get on with it, let us look after ourselves for a change

Derek Beardsall, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

This use of NATO warships is awkward unless it aims at creating tensions. Dialogue shoud be kept on a legal level, especially regarding human rights issues. Russia claimed to be peacekeeping. Let's promote this and organize an assessment by the UN on both sides. NATO is not per se the UN peacekeeper

diouf, Nagasaki,

To my friends in the UK-What happened to you guys? You were brave lions, descendants of the great Saxon kings, and now you want to be all nicey with Putin and his puppet Medvedev? Don't repeat 1939-1941 again, ok? There really isn't no england anymore like that songs says...:-(

Jason , Butte, Montana, USA

Maybe he is not looking for another cold war, but instead wants a hot war.

Jerry, chicago, usa

Let's remind everybody that human rights in Darfur never prompted by far such a quick military answer although the casualties are hundreds of times higher. Nobody should try to prove that weapons are the evident solution to human rights issues. This is like selling arms with a Red Cross hat.

diouf, Nagasaki,

Russia may not show the mastery in soft media control and human rights advocacy the West has acquired. Still it has a noticeable mastery on diplomacy and arms, and no public opinion to deal with. Let's chose the right fight with Russia, and propose fair human rights advocacy and legal settlement

diouf, Nagasaki,

Yea, I'm with Otiwa - if Russia want to invade its neighbors, it ought to! It doesn't matter that Lebanon fired 1000s of missiles at & provoked a neighbouring country, and Georgia was sending troops to fight separatists, thereby provoking Russia 'cos Georgia should be Russia's anyway right? as if..

Andy, Sydney, Australia

Russia's actions in Georgia are in retaliation to the West's recognition of Kosovo. The West seems presently to be just spoiling for war. Better replace Cheyney before he really starts one.

Bill Smith, Brisbane, Australia

In my opinion the question of 'How urgently the West needs to transfer energy reliance away from Oil?' should be a priority issue right now in the present rather than the current sluggish debate.

Kazuki, Kyoto, Japan

where were these concerns about excessive force from the west when Israel destroyed Lebanon and killed 1000 civilians?
talk about a lack of moral credibility!

otiwa ogede, Hove, UK

Please don't play the USA game. If RF deserves critics and maybe punishment for its actions, international isolation is adequate and should be effective.
USANATO's role, confrontation, using battleships and re-arming Georgia is not common sense as it will lead to further escalation of the conflict.

Inaki, Madrid, Spain

I read somewhere, even china's concerned. It must be getting bad for them to be...

Armand Tamzarian, londn,

Personally; I am with the Russians on this issue. Nato and the EU are hypocrites! Kosovo independent, but South Ossetia not? What's the difference? All the Russians are doing is standing up for their people. The EU and Nato did not stand up for the Serbians in Kosovo. Tit for tat and we deserve it.

henry, london, UK

"A new Cold War between Russia and the West..."

Russia and the West? this suggests that Russia does not have allies? What about China, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan ...

How is the "West" defined? U.S, UK, NATO ? the rest won't fall for the Iraq trick

jayil, london, uk

The little boy David Miliband has warned of another Cold War. The Russians "must be shacking in their boots" ! What a joke! Gonna send Miliband a mirror, hopefully he can see how silly he looks.

george, London, UK