Monday, September 08, 2008

That's what you've wanted to do all along, right Georgie?

Practicing real diplomacy by pissing off Russia while putting the use of nukes back on the table:

WASHINGTON — In a pointed but mostly symbolic expression of displeasure with Moscow, President Bush on Monday canceled a once-celebrated civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Russia.

Bush had sent the agreement to Congress for approval in May, after a much-heralded signing by the two nations that capped two years of tough negotiations. On Monday, he officially pulled it back, a move announced by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"We make this decision with regret," said Rice, in a statement read by spokesman Sean McCormack. "Unfortunately, given the current environment, the time is not right for this agreement."

[snip]

Administration officials determined almost immediately that Russia must suffer some consequences for its bloody use of force in a sovereign, Western-allied neighbor, but wanted to take punitive measures in concert with Europe. They have been frustrated, though, at the lack of similar resolve among allies, who have offered criticism of Russia but little else.

There may be more actions to come from Washington.

The $1 billion economic recovery package for Georgia puts the impoverished Black Sea nation in the top tier of U.S foreign aid recipients. Though it does not include any military aid, U.S. officials have indicated some will probably be added in the future.

The U.S. had been helping the Georgian military modernize and it is likely the U.S. will help the Georgian forces rebuild again after their near-total rout by Russia. That effort could be given more punch _ and will likely be greeted angrily in Moscow _ if Washington agrees to start selling sophisticated anti-aircraft and anti-tank military hardware to Georgia.

Moscow has already accused the U.S. of instigating or even helping Georgia make its ill-fated incursion into South Ossetia.

Strange, isn't it, Georgie. Nobody remembers the Cold War as fondly as you do...

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