Verdict of the Week


Russia's New Cold War

The Russian annexing of two Georgian states is an alarming escalation of an already tense situation.  Russian and American war ships gather at various ports, ostensibly with aid supplies, but the world knows that it is a show of strength and diplomatic support.  But, after years of suppression under the West, the Kremlin is now oil rich and its military forces are as mighty as anything that the feeble NATO forces can put together.  Putin and his puppet President Medvedev, know that Europe is weak and a divided UN appears to be capable of being nothing than a posturing soundbox, Russia is no longer scared of the West and is not afraid to stand up and say so.  In fact the Kremlin seem to be rather enjoying flexing their muscles, they want everyone to know they are not scared of a Cold War, and seem to be saying they are not afraid of a real war either.  In fact, the Kremlin is totally contemptuous of anything we say or do, and the bitter truth is there appears to be very little the West can do.

The UN, NATO, the EU and the US have to stand firm and unite more resolutely than at anytime since the Second World War.  If the current situation is allowed to stand, Russia may try extending its borders again and further than just into Georgia.  This invasion must have sent shock waves through countries like Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and the Ukraine.  These states want to be part of Europe but Russia still feel they should be theirs.  This is undoubtedly the most dangerous piece of international diplomacy the world has faced since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The eCourt verdict is that the West does not want a war, cold or otherwise, Russia must comply with international law or face expulsion from the power broking G8 group, and be barred from the World Trade Organization and the various trade embargoes that go with it.

Russia must now decide it's own future; Does it want to play the part of adolescent bully presiding over the Caucasus while remaining isolated from the rest of the world, or does it want to mature into a respected and powerful global leader. The choice is Russia's and Russia's alone.

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