The US administration under Bush the younger has so lost the moral high ground that every statement of condemnation sounds even more hypocritical than the last. "Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib. If it's OK for the US it has to be OK for us."
WWIII beckons. Some legacy, George. Nice neutral Buddhist country, anyone?

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

People, you can chastise the Russians on this board all you want, but know that most foreign-based Russians still support our president 100% in this action. Stop trying to restrain the growth of our motherland. Develop your own resources so you don't have to buy from us. Leave us in peace!

Paul, Dallas, USA

I agree with Alex, London.

But there is so much nationalism now, and politicians wishing to use it, for their own popularity. The West has supported all the minor states wishing to break away from Russia & Yugoslavia. Georgia should have been made aware that conflict in Ossetia was a no go.

TONY, ROCHDALE, U.K.

Looks exactly like the actions taken by Israel against the Palestinians. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. And also remember, the Russian forces can sell, on the black market, every single piece of ordinance they can find in the time left to them previously suppled by the US and Israel.

Chris Coles, Medstead, Alton, United Kingdom

There should be a limit to arbitrary US interventions! US is not world policeman! Let us scrap UN.

Even those, who support the US and allies in most of their actions, feel frustrated over this new front in Georgia! US needs to be shown its place!

Bullying by playing words does not work always!

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

This is a threat to the West ..its says "Place the missilev shield where it riles us and we'll ghrab your oil pipeline and shut off gas supplies as winter starts!'The missile shield will not keep you warm .

Carl Twitchell, Scarborough, Maine

I can't help but smile!

The US cannot do anything about russias actions. They can only talk. (The same way russia could not prevent the war in Cosovo.)

I am glad that the US won't risk a (nuclear) war against another superpower.

Alexei, Darmstadt, Germany

Why don't you Times ask Valery Gergiev, an ethnic Ossetian who happens to work in UK, whether he is grateful to Georgians for their attempt to 'democratise Ossetians'.

Vasya, Moscow,

"Unsure where the anti-China sentiment in these comments originates. "

It originates from the ENVY that the so-called West has always felt for any possible rivals to their hegemony in the world. The Pinkish Socialist-minded European Union is nothing but the Second Coming of the Unholy Roman Empire.

Rajiv Ranjan Rawat, Moscow, Russia.

The "Cold War" American reaction to Russia re Georgia should help McCain, the veteran soldier, in the coming election. This shouldn't be overlooked, in particular since the fabricated stories about WMD before the Iraq war, and the tricks played on Kerry in 2004.

D.Jakubowicz, Herzlia,

I may be cynical but couldn't Russia have been operating agents provocateur in Abkhazia and South Ossetia for some years?
Georgia has played into Russia's hand and given it the excuse it needed to invade.
Russia wants that oil pipeline and it was seriously aggrieved by it's construction!

Tim, Wrexham, Wales

Leroy from Houston, US,
I have to infrom you that besides one of USA states named Georgia there is another Georgia in Caucasus (far from America). And this article as well as all others concerning war in Georgia is about Caucasus. So calm down, Russia is not going for nor Alabama neither Florida.

Nekruz Khamidov, Moscow, Russia

the one thing is that the whole world is not USA!!! We are different!!! We are not the same! And our democracy differs gretly from yours...

Vladimir, Kharkov, Ukraine

To G.Gibson

It's kind of wierd to be guided by prophecies in 21-st century. In the age of scince the in no place for magic.

P. Soloviev, St.-Petersburg, Russia

anybody who has paid any attention to russia since putin came to power (the long range bombers, poisonings and flags planted under the arctic) must have a sense of foreboding. yet only america has had the foresight to protect the west from russia nukes. Bush should be applauded for his forsight.

will, grimsby, uk

The Russians are nice people and if it weren't for their sacrifice in WW2 we would be in a mess. However, I feel sorry for anyone who has been injured or misplaced in the countries involved. Forget the politics and personalities - what about the people on the ground we should help them......now!

willymanc, Manchester, England

I personaly think that it's Georgia who started war, probably thinking that uncle Sam would immidiatly stnd up for them, but i admit that Russia used to much forces to deal with such a weak army like Georgian, it was the fastest way to stop them but not the best way i think.

P. Soloviev, St.-Petersburg, Russia

Russia has been trying to destabilise Ukraine for years. It is really impprtant now for all western 'U S bashers' to stop criticising U S and start imploring them to show they will support Ukraine. Remember, Ukraine has all the food, Western Europe will need Ukraine. Keep Russia out.

Riley, Kiev, Ukraine

These people should seriously chill-out. I mean the way things are headed seems like an end game in tactlessness and greed. The interests of people there and outside are ill-served by kindergarten diplomacy.

Stephen Pain, odense, denmark

Alex, Moscow - how can you tell Leroy in Houston to take in a number of sources, when there's virtually no freedom of the press in Russia? I agree- CNN isn't the most balanced reportage, but Russian media is mostly state owned!

Fact is there doesn't appear to be anywhere to get a straight story.

Ben , London, UK

I would not drop any of these countries from the Axis of Evil: United States-United Kingdom-Israel. And I hope Russia will re-arm Cuba with Russia's best defense and attack missiles. Cold War? Blame it on US aggression worldwide.

S K Chan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

But you write from the West and not from there>>
Dear Tessa, this can be surprising for you, but many Russians are writing from Russia as indicated in the signature lines. You don't need to run out of Russia to learn some English and we have internet too.

Zloy Tugarin, Moscow, Russia

Scorched earth?

Try a million dead in Iraq and an economy still prostrate.

Try 3 million dead in Vietnam and babies still being born deformed from land saturated with Agent Orange.

JOHN CHUCKMAN, TORONTO, CANADA

Dialogue with the Russians? The ignorance of many of these comments is startling. Putin and his KGB thugs only understand force, and will not take any dialogue seriously unless they know the alternative is destruction - that is why Washington is taking a hard stand now - it's realpolitik.

Peter, London,

Ruth, London, UK

Shell, BP, Exxon, Chevron, Conoco, Total, Statoil are our best insurance that alternative fuels will be sought after for a longer while than many hope. God bless Westerners who want to drive cars, heat homes, light their cities and so on, for they allow us to prosper:).

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

please, stop blaming Russia- Iraq, Hiroshima nad Nagasaki, Vietnam, etc...How USA dare to blame Russia in it's natural right to protect civilians!!!!
Please, it' so obvious that it was provoqued by Bush's gang and it's all happenning before the elections!!!not so difficult to make a conclusion!

rain sakurai, Espoo, Finland

Unfortunately the opportunity for a sensible leader in RUSSIA has passed for now and we are left to deal with Medvedev who is obviously not in charge in RUSSIA. Unstable Putin is the one running the show!! YOU KNOW ,THE ONE WITH THE HUGE EGO TO FEED.

leroy, london,

Russia which was broke 10 years ago now has some money due to high gas/oil prices. The remainder of its economy does not exist. It's military is 20 years out of date, at least. When oil/gas drops it is back to being a poor country. For now, Russia is pretending to be a great country - it isn't.

kr, cap ferrat, france

For Tessa's information: we r pretty fine living here and being proud of our country with no intention to leave I can watch the Garden Ring of Moscow from my window now I regret ur story; however, things have changed since 1956 Ur assertions r quite biased. Pls follow our example and travel more

Natasha, Moscow, Russia

Russian comments on this site do not show what ordinary Russians think. Ordinary Russians do not talk brilliant English like Sergei, Nikolai or Svetlana. Go to Russia and you should see.

Piotr, Warsaw, Poland

all people who tell this disagreeable phrases about Russia! it is unfair! please, tell me who was suffer from our country? (don't mistaken USSR and Russia it is not the same) We respect all cultures! Because in our country live a lot of different nationalities! And we like together! we are friendly

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Russian feels it is strong only because it has oil money.
But in several year it will have to again recognize it's third world status as the world will have no use for its oil . Thanks to high oil prices the world will find altenative sources of energy and this bully will return to its right place

Ruth, London, UK

To those posters from Russia-

Your media is just as biased as the western media. Please try to remember that neither side gets the full truth in all of this, and that the real truth lies somewhere in the gray area in the middle.

This was bad time for missile shield to get OK. Bad politically.

Kevin, Kansas, USA

Guys, who knows why there is no comment from citizens of Georgia? No one at all in any article concerning war in Georgia. Not sure, but I guess Saakashvili has isolated them from foreign media to hide the truth. Probably now they all believe Russian tanks are going for Tbilisi.

Nekruz Khamidov, Moscow, Russia

To Evgeniy Denisov - the old Soviet satellite countries might be "small and poor" but at least we are civilised enough not to solve our problems by killing our neighbours. Russians have learnt nothing from its barbaric past. Happy to pick on anyone small enough not to be a real threat to it.

Andrea Stojnovova, Manchester,

John Cole, Saint Louis, USA
Yes, actually, Olympic Comitee already signed for Gold Medals for Georgian troops for their unormous speed while running away from Russians :))

van , montreal, canada

People of Europe.Do not forget who drove fascists up to Berlin.Who has spilled for you blood and has protected you then in 1941-1945.
And who has opened the second front only when it became clear that Russian will win.
Remember the history. Also be though are a little grateful.
Peace on earth...

Aleksey Ivanovich, Moscow, Russia

Btw after Mccain said in his sppech - 'we all georgians now" Mikhail Saakashvili claimed himself an officilaly elected president of USA :))

van , montreal, canada

It is clear to me that Georgians attacked South Ossetia first. Russia had to step in to stop war crimes against civilians and wounded soldiers as well as the shelling of its peacekepers. I am appalled by how Russian actions are being portrayed for I see nothing wrong with what Russia is doing.

Alex, Buffalo, USA

Our neighbor, an Ossetian woman, has just returned from Vladikavkaz (North Ossetia) where she buried her 12 relatives from Tshinvali, among them her 4 grandkids - 3 girls aged 11, 8 and 6 and a 2 year-old boy. They all were killed - in cold blood - by 2 Georgian soldiers who found their basement .

Sophia, Moscow, Russia

No one I know from Europe & former eastern Europe hates Russians Anton but nobody likes either dictatorial forms of governance & lack of respect for freedom & liberty.

Russia has a bad record & there are strong memories & resentment to Russia's occupations in the past, they're right to fear it now

jules, exeter, uk

Anton Shubin, not only dozens but millions in Post-Soviet countries hate Russians. Actions in Georgia and Putin's crazy Imperialistic policies in general will not help!!! I can tell you that as a Ukrainian!!!!

Nick, Toronto, Canada

Russia invaded Georgia "to teach Georgians a lesson". Unfortunately, it is the same lesson they tought us during the communist times: how to kill, steal, destroy, lie and violate all and any rules and agreements. I know Russians who are likeable people, but in politics they are nearlly all insane.

Piotr, Warsaw, Poland

Georgia admits that there was not a single fact from georgians, worth believing. Thy do you still believe in russian agression?

Timothy Efarov, Samara, Russian Federation

The US is doing 'Wag the Dog' again

Liam Jones, Adelaide, Australia

USA aren't protecting Poland or not only, but whole Europe and from what precisly was precisly mentionned 1000 times

Jan, Southampton, UK

It is hard to see that a lot of people are still using clichés about Russia. It is simple to hate and to manipulate people who are in fear and hatred. KGB is back - not in Russia, but on Western media (TV). Shame. Do Post-Soviet Countries hate Russia? Ask dozens of my relatives - native Ukrainians.

Anton Shubin, Moscow, Russia

To Polish people. Just remember how did you fight against Germany on horses and who pushed Germans back to Berlin. Not you. Poland has always been like a chameleon. Do not forget how your country occupied Western Belarus, my grandfather told me a lot about it, it was not a walk in a park. History

Russell, Toronto, Canada

to Jacek, Warsaw, Poland.

"It`s better to lose war againsts USA" - it's so sad...
It's better to stop USA to expand to the world. And i'm sure that the time will have come then many countries will ask to Russia to be her ally, becouse this country the best example of guarantor of World law.

Sergei, Moscow, Russia

To: Jacek, Warsaw, Poland

You don't know Russians...

We'd rather not lose any war, but win. If we are to lose a war, we'll make sure that our enemy's victory will bring him nothing but death. That's why Montgomery and Bismark advised to never go to war with Russia. We want peace with no threats

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

To Eastern Europe and the like: we DON'T want any wars with either you or anyone else What amazes us most is that OUR grandfathers fought together to free Europe from the fascists Apparantly we should have left you to your own to be swallowed by the enemy I don't see how we could possibly forgive u

Svetlana, Moscow, Russia

To Phil, Epsom
We are not hawskish. We are offended, sad and misunderstood. Most of these emotional comment have the only purpose - to show you what ordinary Russian think of this, how do we see this situation. It is obvious for us, that western media are biased.

Allegra, Moscow, Russia

To Tessa.. Are you are saying they can not travel?

Russ Vosk, Toronto, Canada

Whoever started it, it's pretty clear to anyone who doesn'y get their news from Pravda that Russia hasn't taken much notice of the peace treaty and will only stop once it has achieved what it wants to do.

Geoff, Preston, UK

Don't talk about Russian propaganda - CNN have been showing footage of bombed-out S Ossetia (complete with S. Ossetian flag) and claiming it is poor-old Georgia. Unacceptable propaganda just so lazy, but the sad thing is that they know the West won't question a thing just accept.

DCH, Nottingham , UK

Gen Anotoly Nogovitsyn has just been quoted on DJN regrading the signing of the missile shield agreement between US and Poland ; "By hosting these Poland is making itself a target, This is 100% certain"

Russia is biting of a lot more than it can chew, it's weaponry is 20 years out of date

John, East Grinstead, England

It's amazing how one sided most the of the USA contirbutors are. You only have to go there to understand why.
Last time I was there, I barely stopped myself from saying "GOOD BLESS THE US of A"...damn it..said it.

Mark, Manchester, UK

Perhaps it would better if just as soon as Georgians attacked we screamed to the whole world about it, show it on all news channels and only then strike back, but how many civilians would be dead if all this media games were put on the first place?
Russia sacrificed the image of savior to save lives

P. Soloviev, St.-Petersburg, Russia

Talk about hypocrisy. When have the Americans ever been lenient to their purported enemies? Never - compare this skuffle to the Iraq conflict - at least Russia were responding to a direct threat, the Yankee doodle dandees invasion was totally unlawful - they are always quick to criticise Russia.

Jerry Ratcliffe, Norwich, UK

I would like to ask the Russians who commented on this page. Why did you left Russia if everything so good there? We came to UK in 1956 because we where running away from the Russian terror. You lot can write anything about Russia it is a barbaric country. But you write from the West and not from there!!!!!!

Tessa Hegedus, Swansea, United Kingdom

OMG, the hyporcicy here is quite incredible - everyone seem to forget that the conflict started with georgia launching a full-scale attack on Ossetia, decimating Tskhinvali and completely destroying a few villages. On the opening day of the Olympics as well.

Dmitry, London,

very different reaction to Georgia rocketing South Ossetia than when Hamas rockets Israel.
and what does Condy Rice mean when she says that the US stands strongly for the "territorial integrity" of Georgia.
Is she threatening to wipe South Ossetia off the map ??

Bernard, London,

My personal opinion is that Russia should have admit declaration of independence of two enclaves (South Ossetia and Abkhasia) right after Kosovo precedent and establish Russian protectorate. There were no war tragedy in this case at all.

Yuri, Ekaterinburg, Russia

2 Christopher, Naples, FL, USA -
"Democracies never fight each other". Than the question is - if Georgia attacked S.Ossetia - can it be called a true democracy? BTW, Russia proposed G. for a long period prior to this crisis to conclude an agreement on non-use of force. Georgia silently rejected.

Fedor, Moscow,

Eeech Russian you must understand main difference beetween You and USA.
It`s better to lose war againsts USA like Italy, Germany, Japan or South Korea.
then win war with you as ally like Eastern Europe, Vietnam, North Korea.

Jacek, Warsaw, Poland

Its very interesting to read the comments from all the Russian contributors, either they are representative of a population that is hawkish and arrogant or the Kremlin is trying to reach out to Western media to put another spin on proceedings.

Phil, Epsom, England

To Marico, New York.

I think that such opinion is logical. But I don't understand why lots of Americans don't understand this point of view?

Evgeniy Denisov, Samara, Russia

Still waiting for evidence of this "genocide" in South Ossetia. Or are the Russians still working on it?

We'll have more chance of seeing Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq.

Ha.

Stuart Downing, Middlesbro, Teesside

"Are there no detractors in Russia...

mykal, Aldershot, England


Yes Mykal there are many. But they do not have internet access in the gulags. Read Alexander Solzenitzen my friend.

Helen, Manchester, UK

Unbelievable hypocracy from the US ! (Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq etc) Goergia is nothing but a renegade, bandit, US-backed puppet state which is being used by the Americans to goad Russia. Russia has every right to defend its citizens when attacked. The world is changing and the US is overstretched.

K Gordon, Leeds,

I dont mind the Russians and the Georgians having a bit of a barney. And if that leads to war then so be it That is to be expected. But could they please do it without arguing all the time about who is to blame. It seems to me that it takes two to tango and it is 6 of one half a dozen of the other.

Norman, London,

Watch the video on youtube.com of the real truth what happened in Georgia! A 12 year old girl tells it live on Fox News in USA!

Tom, London, UK

Imagine,that Mexico and US have a disputable territory,where live mostly the US citizen,who whants, that this territory would be US.Once night Mexico army attacked capital of this territory and killed more than 2000 citizen...What do you think,that will make the USA in such situation?

Marico, New York, US

Shame people r trying to judge Russia as a primitive animal. Wake up: we r smart and far-seeing. Russia hasn't made a single mistake in this conflict - the West has nothing to reproach us for and attributes us all sorts of crimes instead. U should know Russia from the inside to make ur judgements

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

Nobody in Russia wants to control countries of EX USSR space. Because they are useless, out of value. They so small and poor without help of Russia, you won't find them on map without zooming. Lots of Americans won't find them on map at all, cause don't know geography and history of other countries.

Evgeniy Denisov, Samara, Russia

Ultimately free people living in democratic societies always triumph over totalitarian regimes.

This macho oneupmanship by Putin and his cadre of billionaire cronies will backfire on him.

Maybe someone should dare tell him he's not President anymore?

Leo, Athens,

Great to see the Russian propaganda machine hasn't lost its touch. I dont believe any of the above comments have come from ordinary Russian citizens, at least in the UK the 'not in my name brigade had their marches' over the Iraq invasion. Are there no detractors in Russia, would they dare.

mykal, Aldershot, England

I'm very happy, that there are so many people from the 'West' who try to understand what is realy happened. It's clear for now, that western MMedia have been perverting events in Russia for centuries! It's clear that western MMedia are depend on governments.

Alexander Lednyov, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation

The US wants a war, and the Uk is very much afraid of the Us not to support it. Georgia is just an excuse.Wonder, why americans are so agressive towards all other nations? there's no such nation as americans, they are former britains, french, russians...

Tat, London, UK

Mishka Saakashvili should be awarded as a best clown in history! All his recent announcements makes me laugh - his movements, sudden jumps and runs, mimics and political anecdotes, he is the best!!!

Vlad, Moscow, Russia

Leroy, you've made my morning with that comment whether it's dripping with sarcasm, as I hope, or thickly coated in hysteria. Either way it made me laugh!

James Cullup, Oxford,

......surely Russia has more legitamacy to do this on its borders than UK 1000's of miles away in Falklands (holding onto our colonies) and US in Vietnam, Iraq,Afghanistan illegal wars& regime changes financed in Africa&S America- what on earth is that about? SERIOUS greed,hypocrisy&double standards

Aaron, Newcastle, England

Russia promised ceasefire, not withdrawal. And it is absolutely natural, that Russia objects to American military transport aircraft supplying more weapons to the Georgians in the time of conflict. As for accusing Russia to sabotaging Georgian military airfields, than this is what Georgian expected,

R G Weiss, St Petersburg, Russia

to James, London, UK

I’m praying for your democratic governments (US and UK) to hear your voice.

VS, Perm, Russia

Leroy, USA is the last country that can speak about "agression", you're constantly in a war, and sadly not even in USA but somewhere around the world.

James, London, UK

I thnk that many of russians now try to recollect knowledge of English langauge to say about the difference in news from both sides of the "Border". I recommend U to study Russian language to understand, that "western" MMedia shows only that facts, that are useful, but not objective =( And lies =(

dmitry k, moscow, russia

What your troops done in Iraq and Afganistan is much worse than everything Russia did (did it?) in Georgia.
West is afraid of a nasty Putin...aw...what a naughty boy! Perhaps Russia was silent when you were murdering Serbs and praising Kosovo generals, but now it is sick and tired of your hypocrisy

Ilya, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Russians tried their best to avoid the confrontation - even as Georgia was flattening Ossetian capital for all night with heavy mortars, rockets and tanks, Russians called emergency UN SC meeting and required immediate ceasefire. And who vetoed Russian move ? US, to protect their Georgian pet.

boriska, New York, USA

Anyone still want to defend Russia after this?

Hungary '56, Czechoslavakia '68, Afghanistan '79, now this - some things never change.

It was USSR, USSR NOT RUSSIA!!!

George attack the South Osetia and accused Russia in agression!!! Russia only defend your borders!
Think about it!

Alex, Minusinsk, Russia

It is so dissappointing to see how eager we are to hate, to threaten, to punish... how we are all ready to swallow what our politicians, propaganda and mass media impose on us on all sides, East and West.
Our hate is our sole enemy. If we let the cruel politics set our minds then we are all losers.

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

The USA has to stand up to such agression!!!
Today Georgia, who next - Alabama or Florida?
God Bless America !!!
Leroy, Houston, USA

Please, tell me how we can stand up the agression of USA? I was once in USA, 50% of popluation cannot distinguish Russia from Slovenia. And they don't care.

Alya, Novosibirsk, Russia

The Russian Mafia thugs have shown their true colours to the world.
The world must unite against the Russians.
Russia has not changed snce the cold war,how stupid for people to have beleived otherwise.
Impose travel bans and sanctions of Russians and Russian business interests.

James C, London, UK

With all the US military (training) personnel + diplomats in Georgia, isn't it somewhat strange how the US (apparently) did not know that Georgian forces were planning to attack S. Ossetia?

If that's the case - there's one hell of a very worrying hole in their communications. Or is there...???

Victor, Moscow,

Fabian tactics are no doubt taught in every military college of note, including Sandhurs, UK. The USA destroyed nearly everything in Iraq apart from houses? - with no provocation. Face it, Europe & the USA might engage in some harsh language, perhaps some sanctions, that's it.

Bill Bird, Wallasey, Wirral

China and Russia make plans to overthrow the West. This is shown in the number of prophecies sent by God to the christian churches."

The idea that modern politics and war should be governed by such ideas ought to be ridiculous, but with Bush, formerly Blair and now Brown in charge, who knows!

John, London,

Putin helped lose the cold war. Now he is helping Russia lose its reputation. Until you have been to visit Russia's former occupied nations, you will never understand how much Russia is hated by their former slaves, and America despised for not helping them.

John, Ascot, UK

The US will simply replace all the destroyed kit with the very latest models - their models. Russia may well have been better off to have left the old stuff intact. Maybe finesse is not their thing.

David Masu, Zürich,

Those sitting in glasshouses should not complain about Russian tactics - and please Leroy - there is no one to bless America or any other country

Heinz Geyer, London,

Leroy from Houston,
I have to infrom you that besides one of USA states named Georgia there is another Georgia in Caucasus (far away from America). And this article as well as all others concerning war in Georgia is about Caucasus. So calm down, Russia is not going for nor Alabama neither Florida.

Nekruz Khamidov, Moscow, Russia

If the Russians don't honor the peace agreement, let's hope we see the Georgian military, fresh from Iraq, begin to teach the Russians a few lessons in asymmetrical warfare.

John Cole, Saint Louis, USA

Putin is desperately rounding up all the oil rich land around Russia's borders before the former satellites join Nato and establish a means by which to defend themselves against his imperialistic aggression. They're blatantly ignoring the ceasefire, and their navy is about to make things far worse.

Pete R., Sokte-on-Trent, UK

Mark Klein. Britain would indeed have been a Nazi state, and America, of course, would have allied with the Nazis, simply because that would have been the most profitable thing to do.
Americans love to remind the British of how they saved us during WWII. They did save us, but they bled us dry.

Steve, Torrington,

The UNO in fact doesn't exist anymore.It was testified in 1999 after Yankees destroyed Yugoslavia(UNO simply pretended to be deaf) and after Kosovo gained independance.Medvedev must be as steadfast as Putin.We don't care about stupid UNO anymore.We shall decide about these regions status by our own.

Igor, Tver, Russia

With the war in Iraq winding down and the talk of troop withdrawals the US now needs another war to keep the machine rolling, the money flowing, take the public mind off of the growing economic crisis and the people afraid. Perpetual war for perpetual peace. Get ready for the escalation.

RW, Madrid, Spain

It really makes me feel good when I read The Times. I can see that in the West there are still media and people who can remain objective and listen to every side of the conflict.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

Leroy, US. Try learning some geography - it is not about Georgia, which is the US state. And also please try not to build your opinion on what is said by CNN. It always helps to get info from many different sources.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

i just have a question!!! who started this war??? who defended the Civilians in S. Ossetia??
the refugees were running toward Russia doesnt that make sense.

go read German,French and Turkish newspaper to discover the truth , you will be alone in your new adventure,Russia is not Iraq,stop Lying pls

Ali Al-Iraqi, Baghdad , Iraq

And people. It is the US who is responsible for all the evil in the world today. Just think of that - ALL. In Georgia it would be all quiet and nice if the US didn't start sending their military equipment and training officers there. They want to rule the world, not Russia.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

The USA has to stand up to such agression!!!

Today Georgia, who next - Alabama or Florida?

God Bless America !!!

Leroy, Houston, USA

Yea Alvin some things never change.
Panama 1989, Afghanistan 2001, Iraq 2003
Of course your the good guys and the Russians are bad guys just like in Hollywood.

Steve Mason, Devon, UK

Unsure where the anti-China sentiment in these comments originates. China are a) obsessed with the Olypmics, questioning what TV stations will do after and b) obsessed with wealth generation and infrastructure development. If anything they are aligned with Europe given the b + c peace dependency.

John, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

US can establish Missle defense system in the backyard of Russia, Russia could not do the same. US could invade Iraq, overthrow Iraqis government because they possessd destructive weapons that were never found, but it is wrong for Russia to punish Saakashvili for starting the war

Ivan, Hk, China

To Alvin,

South America '56, Vietnam 68, Iran 79, now this - some things never change.

John Valely, Canada,

Russian tactics in Georgia reflect an understanding of America's current "Mr. Nice Guy" battle doctrine which led to permanent stalemate in Iraq and Afghanistan. Britain would be a Nazi colony today absent its and America's scorched earth tactics against Germany in WWII.

MARK KLEIN, M.D., OAKLAND, CA, USA

"Russia (not USSR)" ???
Interesting caveat to your point. I found another George with double standards!
Simply put...Democracies NEVER fight each other....EVER.
Sadly, they do not always stand up for each other, either. (some more than others)

Christopher, Naples, FL, USA

Everyone knows South Ossetia has been an independant state since 1990 and were fine. Many of the people there love Russia and are Russian citizens. It is only natural that when Georgia made a sudden and inappropriate attack on South Ossetia that Russian went in to protect its defenseless neighbor.

Oleg Aramyelyev, San Antonio, United States

George in London, to encircle you have to be ALL THE WAY AROUND a country.We are supporting our allies on Russia's western border,at their request.Why?Because they are afraid of the Russians after decades of brutal control.The USSR collapsed and these countries ran away fast.Whose fault is that?

Ian, Austin TX, USA

If Georgia claims to be democratic country it should release Abkhasia and South Osethia, because people of these two regions (95-98%) voted for independence. Instead georgian army (equipped & trained by the US) killed 1600 civilians. Georgians were finishing off injured & taking hostages in retreat.

Alex Meshkov, Beijing, China

WC Fields once said that he saw a dog chewing on a kid, "not such a bad thing in itself, but it showed you his intentions." Well, the Georgians did a stupid thing. But Russia's response was disproportional. Putin will underestimate America. Then, at great cost, America will teach him a lesson.

Mark Pullinger, Chicago, USA

James, London

Are you related to Neville Chamberlain?

Jeff, North Carolina, USA

US protects Poland against the Russian danger , which Poland has been facing for 200 years. Now the Poles are not afraid about potential direct military attack. Nevertheless neighbourhood with Russia can always bring impleasant surprises. After Litvinyenko's death you should understand perfectly.

Piotr, Warsaw, Poland

The U.S. missed the boat on this one. One would think they would heartily espouse the actions of Russia. Here we have a small independant republic on the slivers edge of the political world (Ossetia) being attacked by a greater power bent on political and economic control. Remind you of 13 colonies?

John Valely, Canada,

When the US encircle the Russians, what does Bush expects them to do? The double standards shown by the Bush is nauseating. Russia (not USSR) have not invaded any country whereas the US invaded Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Iraq (twice), Afghan etc. There is not country on earth more aggressive.

george, london, uk

Will Bush ever leave?

Susan , Vancouver, USA

So much for the "defending Ossetia" argument.There's one purpose in what Russia is doing,to let all the former Soviet states know what will happen to them if they reject Russian control.Divide and conquer,one at a time they're going to smack down these countries.Band together or perish East Europe.

Ian, Austin TX, USA

Anyone still want to defend Russia after this?

Hungary '56, Czechoslavakia '68, Afghanistan '79, now this - some things never change.

Alvin York, Pall Mall, USA

Russsia is a giant third world country which happens to have stumbled on substantial oil and gas revenues.Russian politicians will do well to remember that their country is dangerously dependent on finite and rapidly depleting resources for income.What will Russia's status be in 15 to 20 years time

Brian Musah, Hertford, UK

The Georgian president through his foolishness has led us into this undesirable situation. Yes Russia is using bully boy tactics but it's the Georgians who used the veil of the Olympics to launch a military offensive in South Ossetia and now wants the rest of the world to feel sorry for them.

Dee, Bristol, UK

@Gibson, Australia

Not to worry, I've bought my tinfoil hat... oh wait, it says Made in China. Should I be worried?

Howard, Manchester,

DIALOGUE!!! Stop the threats, talk to each other, please!!! Differences can be resolved, we can sort it all out. Do not isolate Russia, listen to them!!! What they say makes sense, do not let the cold war residue to cloud your mind!!!

James, London, UK

Alex, London - well, you could guess. The official term would be 'those countries that do not support democratical way of thinking', so pretty much anything and anyone under the sun if US says so...I wander where do the 'coloured' revolutions stand within the democracy, if sponsered from abroad.

Mikhail, Limassol, Cyprus

We can't forget that South Ossetia was attacked without notice of declaration by Georgia. This has displaced approx 39,000 people. I think of the woman in Gorgi who said she couldn't understand the war. We've lived with the Russians for over 100 years. "Why can't we have peace?".

John Valely, Canada,

Is the West ready for war?
The gang of two (China and Russia) make plans to overthrow the West.
This is shown in the number of prophecies sent by God to the christian churches worldwide.
I would expect US/UK/and OZ Defence to be gearing up for anything the gang of two would send.

G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia

The West needs to gear up for Russia and China. Prophecies to the christian churches worldwide show that (one day) the USA mainland will come under attack and Australia will have Chinese soldiers on her. Check out A.C.Valdez's 1929 vision and Google up Invader to Australia: visions and prophecies.

G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia

Aye aye - mess with the Bear would you?

R McAuley, Antrim, UK

What are the USA protecting Poland from precisely? Perhaps a more learned 'commentator' may fill me in!

Other than that, I hope this all comes to a swift and equitable end with as little bloodshed as possible! War should not be not the solution nor the response to anything in this day and age.

Alex , London,