Georgia Left to the Whims of Russia

President Bush warns Russia:

President Bush on Monday demanded that Russia end a "dramatic and brutal escalation" of violence in Georgia, agree to an immediate cease-fire and accept international mediation to end the crisis in the former Soviet republic.

Almost immediately after his return from the Olympics in China, Bush warned Russia in his strongest comments since the fighting erupted over Georgia's separatist South Ossetia region last week to "reverse the course it appears to be on" and abandon any attempt it may have to topple Georgia's pro-western government.

"Russia has invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatens a democratic government elected by its people. Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st century," the president said in a televised statement from the White House, calling on Moscow to sign on to the outlines of a cease-fire as the Georgian government has done.

Unfortunately, there is little that can be done for Georgia outside of pressure on Russia. Russia can swallow Georgia before any outside defense could be made. Tactically, there is no good place to stage troops. But most importantly, going toe to toe with major, nuclear tipped power like Russia is a recipe for disaster.