We Are All Georgians
By JOHN MCCAIN
August 14, 2008

For anyone who thought that stark international aggression was a thing of the past, the last week must have come as a startling wake-up call. After clashes in the Georgian region of South Ossetia, Russia invaded its neighbor, launching attacks that threaten its very existence. Some Americans may wonder why events in this part of the world are any concern of ours. After all, Georgia is a small, remote and obscure place. But history is often made in remote, obscure places.

As Russian tanks and troops moved through the Roki Tunnel and across the internationally recognized border into Georgia, the Russian government stated that it was acting only to protect Ossetians. Yet regime change in Georgia appears to be the true Russian objective.

Two years ago, I traveled to South Ossetia. As soon as we arrived at its self-proclaimed capital -- now occupied by Russian troops -- I saw an enormous billboard that read, "Vladimir Putin, Our President." This was on sovereign Georgian territory.

Russian claims of humanitarian motives were further belied by a bombing campaign that encompassed the whole of Georgia, destroying military bases, apartment buildings and other infrastructure, and leaving innocent civilians wounded and killed. As the Russian Black Sea Fleet began concentrating off of the Georgian coast and Russian troops advanced on one city after another, there could be no doubt about the nature of their aggression.

Despite a French-brokered cease-fire -- which worryingly does not refer to Georgia's territorial integrity -- Russian attacks have continued. There are credible reports of civilian killings and even ethnic cleansing as Russian troops move deeper into Georgian territory.

Moscow's foreign minister revealed at least part of his government's aim when he stated that "Mr. Saakashvili" -- the democratically elected president of Georgia -- "can no longer be our partner. It would be better if he went." Russia thereby demonstrated why its neighbors so ardently seek NATO membership.

In the wake of this crisis, there are the stirrings of a new trans-Atlantic consensus about the way we should approach Russia and its neighbors. The leaders of Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Latvia flew to Tbilisi to demonstrate their support for Georgia, and to condemn Russian aggression. The French president traveled to Moscow in an attempt to end the fighting. The British foreign minister hinted of a G-8 without Russia, and the British opposition leader explicitly called for Russia to be suspended from the grouping.

The world has learned at great cost the price of allowing aggression against free nations to go unchecked. A cease-fire that holds is a vital first step, but only one. With our allies, we now must stand in united purpose to persuade the Russian government to end violence permanently and withdraw its troops from Georgia. International monitors must gain immediate access to war-torn areas in order to avert an even greater humanitarian disaster, and we should ensure that emergency aid lifted by air and sea is delivered.

We should work toward the establishment of an independent, international peacekeeping force in the separatist regions, and stand ready to help our Georgian partners put their country back together. This will entail reviewing anew our relations with both Georgia and Russia. As the NATO secretary general has said, Georgia remains in line for alliance membership, and I hope NATO will move ahead with a membership track for both Georgia and Ukraine.

At the same time, we must make clear to Russia's leaders that the benefits they enjoy from being part of the civilized world require their respect for the values, stability and peace of that world. The U.S. has cancelled a planned joint military exercise with Russia, an important step in this direction.

The Georgian people have suffered before, and they suffer today. We must help them through this tragedy, and they should know that the thoughts, prayers and support of the American people are with them. This small democracy, far away from our shores, is an inspiration to all those who cherish our deepest ideals. As I told President Saakashvili on the day the cease-fire was declared, today we are all Georgians. We mustn't forget it.

I haven't cared much for McCain but this piece was very good. Sure would be nice to have an adult in the White House.
This is from this AM's WSJ.

The US or the Euros are not about to send troops, true. But there is a whole lot that can be done short of that. There are myriad economic sanctions that can be brought to bear, all of which will be difficult for the Russians since they are very dependent on the West

I haven't cared much for McCain but this piece was very good. Sure would be nice to have an adult in the White House.
This is from this AM's WSJ.

a good article.

At least this guy has some foreign policy experience. Not like Obama who would be a good candidate for Chicago City council.

please. what foreign policy experience did bush, clinton, or reagan have?

Bush was director of the CIA.

please. what foreign policy experience did bush, clinton, or reagan have?

and being a senator for a long time does not mean having "foreign policy experience". it means that he's probably familiar with issues out there. big deal. he has no experience in diplomacy and negotiations and no experience in actually making foreign policy decisions -- and neither of course does obama nor anyone else who usually runs for president.

Bush/Reagon and Clinton were Governors of a state. Which already means that he wields power. Bush was Governor of a state that borders with Mexico and he dealt with that.

also bush was in a political family for many years and he had exposure to foreign policy especially being that his papa was Director of CIA and vice president.

and again like I said I'm going to make bumper stickers of this

Obama for Chicago city council


Paid for by Obama for Chicago city council

Being governor of a state is useful, but that's not "foreign policy experience". Even if your state borders Mexico. You said Obama is not qualified because he lacks foreign policy experience.