Putin Outmaneuvers the West

Putin Outmaneuvers the West

www.spiegel.de

Now only one task remains -- Saakashvili needs to go, say the Russians.

And that poses the next quandary for the West. Russia will now stress its readiness to enter negotiations, but only on one condition -- that Saakashvili quits. The Russians will demand that the West (and especially the Americans) let their their darling go.

(visit the link for the full news article)

This article brings up two important points.

1) Georgian President Saakashvili (a Western ally) will soon be forced to resign.

2) Everyone's fears, concerns, and guesses are confirmed: It's Putin in charge in Russia, not Medvedev

That is evident not only in Putin's crisis management regarding Georgia but in all his moves to intervene in foreign policy since Medvedev took power. At the end of May, it was Putin who made the important trip to France, the current holder of the rotating EU presidency, not Medvedev, as previously announced. It was Putin who talked to US President George W. Bush and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Beijing.

Many in Moscow refer to Medvedev as "mini-Putin" -- and are hanging their portrait of Putin back up next to that if Medvedev in their government offices.

www.spiegel.de
(visit the link for the full news article)

Saakashvili fatal mistake was believing, no matter what, the United States and the EU would get involved in the conflict - neither did. On the first day of the conflict, NATO ruled out involvement straight away and the international community only raised voices when the bombings occurred in Georgia self.

Russia knew Europe wouldn't protest - we want the lights on and Russia enjoys excellent economic ties with Europe (especially the UK.) Russia wants close ties with Europe; even partnership and co-operation agreements. Secondly, American involvement, during the Olympics, wouldn't of pleased the Chinese. Beijing could of concluded America knew of Georgia's plan for military action in South Ossetia and was trying to disrupt the games.

Bush is going in November too, Congress would not sanction a war.

Georgia's main problem now is the EU, who have confirmed the European Court of Human Rights will investigate Russian claims of genocide and ethnic cleansing by Georgian troops. Also, no capital in Europe has defended or confirmed Georgia's right to join the European Union.