Russia Rejects Georgian Territorial Integrity

In what appears to be a challenge, Russia is refusing to leave Georgian territory, and is obviously waiting to see what the world can and/or will do about their remaining there. Is it time for a military response, or shall we continue to let the diplomats try and coaxe them to leave. This is a difficult call, because this occurred as the Georgians tried to force South Ossetia to come back into the fold, which they did not wish to do. Russia initially went in to "protect" what it sees as Russian citizens, but once inside, they turned into the proverbial "bull in the china shop" and have spent the last few days breaking anything they deem of military value inside Georgia. This may pull us into armed conflict sooner rather than later, if it cannot be fixed very quickly.

The story at Yahoo News:
Russia's foreign minister declared Thursday that the world "can forget about" Georgia's territorial integrity, and officials said Russia targeted military infrastructure and equipment — including radars and patrol boats at a Black Sea naval base and oil hub.

Two American military planes delivered cargos of aid — including food and medicine — to Georgia's wounded and refugees. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he sees no need to invoke U.S. military force in the war between Russia and Georgia. He warned, however, that U.S.-Russian relations could suffer for "years to come" if Moscow doesn't retreat.

Russia's president met in the Kremlin with the leaders of Georgia's two separatist provinces — a clear sign that Moscow could absorb the regions. And the comments from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov appeared to come as a challenge to the United States, where President Bush has called for Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia."
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