Jim, Dayton, USA

I rather trust Russia than d West. Why? Russia is reacting b'cos of West's encroachment nearer to its border. The pure arrogrance of Western policies is a threat to the world. It would have expanded if not for the present financial crisis. U seek only dominance not freedom

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

To Chris, NH, USA: a democracy is a mobocracy. the mob rules. you ppl worship America like a religous cult. it is disgusting

Pablo, NJ, USA

Leonid, were you saying that the Russian press gives you the whole truth and nothing but the truth, while the Western Press (UK, USA, French, Italian, Spanish, Norwegian, German, Australian, and agencies: AP, UPI, Reuters etc) are all controlled by a single overarching authority?

Vern Bauerle, Alta Loma, USA

The intercepts published in the NY Times and Wash. Post prove that Russian army and tanks went into the territory of Georgia on August 6 and 7.if Russia is not shown that by its gangster behavior it crossed the red line you might see tanks rolling into Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Deterrant is needed

Gocha, Tbilisi, Georgia

Judging by many of the comments here Russia would be stupid to get rid of its nukes.

It's quite dangerous when an adversary's concerns (Russia in this case) are ignored.

Chris, Vancouver, Canada

We are lucky we didn't have a rapid reaction force when Geogia attacked the break-away states..... after all, it was Georgia who was the aggressor!!

We would have jumped in and created a situation from which no one could retreat because of the fear of losing face.

Lynn Garrison, port-au-prince, haiti

The Russians must be terrified of facing the might of the non US NATO forces :-) But how many wars has Russia started with the UK in history ? None. How many countries has the US attacked ? The US should stop thinking the world admires it - its only true exports are fear, greed and corruption.

Martin, London, Airstrip One

what we see is following : usa is provoking the Russians, they realy want a piece of russian oils, gas and other treasures !
The wrong tree to BARK at ! The whole world knows by now about the 'baracuda style of usa behavior: lies, more lies attacks and deceptions with any costs" !! Murde is normal

janory, Sidi al Tazi,

Some of you need to have a history/economic/political lesson; THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS "DEMOCRACY". It is code for world-wide control by the oligarchs, mostly Western, who want things there way. Either one is in their lie or dead. NATO belongs solely in Europe, and in a limited range at that.

Eddie, Medford, US

Europe, cut ties with this monster of a country and do EXACTLY the opposite of us. America's media and government was hijacked by jewish extremists decades ago and the people are beyond brainwashed (though some are finally waking up).

Vale, Boston, USA

Yes, Nato, go ahead, but first cancel cooperation with Russia in Afghanistan (transit)and on Iran problem!

Elena, Frankfurt- Moscow, Germany- Russia

It seems Americans believe they can intervene militarily anywhere, anytime? Georgia isn't a NATO member, the use of NATO forces to fight in Georgia is a DIRECT VIOLATION of the Charter. NATO members violated the UN Charter (Kosovo, Iraq), and can be considered war criminals. What is wrong with you?

Fernando , Caracas, Venezuela.

Nato is there to protect democracy. If people don't like the US, then tough and never ask for anything from us ever again. Democracy doesn't exhist everywhere and where it does, people are critical of it and it makes me sick. You can't have it both ways. Pablo, from NJ can leave NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris, NH, USA

My brother commanded NATOs rapid reaction regiment at the time of the Falklands. If this key force has been disbanded - then we should further castigate the fools in current government.

Richard, Bucharest,

there have been many world wars.WWI was declared against the British and dutch empires and the west in general after the eruption of Krakatoa in 1880s.This is what cane from the Wahhabi school of Saudi Islam .dressed all in whit the suicide martyrs would kill as many westerners as possible with swor

Steven Whitener, Greer, usa

until we do nuke ourselves into oblivion or find a new way to live, there is another way to live that would allow 10-12 billion humans to live at the level of billionaires,all we must do is accept it.But there are no political or economic solutions ,they require a design science revolution

Steven Whitener, Greer, usa

Yes, Jack from LOs Angeles, you do not have to "imagine', but the reality is that 'your america DID invaded , ruined and created chaos, but not in Mexico, but thousands miles away.. as usual

N.Strommer, melbourne, australia

This looks like a recipe for disaster... either honor Article 5 next time and start ww3, because we all know Russia will not limit its defense of its military if provoked... or watch the only main military alliance of the western world become absolutely meaningless. Should get interesting.

Ryan, San Diego, US

Keep this in mind-- (They) Ashkenazism
THEN,why did zionist Germany attack Russia twice and millions died in WWI WWII
NOW, They are at it again,planning,instagating WWIII

george archers, toronto, canada

adamrussell, Georgia fought to regain territory stolen by Russia, not attacked a free state. And Russia is a real threat - it wants an empire, and will attack American interests in the Arctic to get it . The Russians murder their journalists and have committed murder in UK.

Neil Murphy, cromer,

I'm American and I'm ashamed at my ignorant fellow Americans who would commit to a war against Russia because they're too stupid to see through the propaganda of the their own country. For what? defending a small "democratic" country. Sakasvilli is no democrat. He's a two-bit ruthless tyrant.

Paul, Austin, USA

Yea just what we need is NATO jumping in and supporting Georgian aggression against a free state, and in turn beginning WW3.

adamrussell, sierra vista, usa

Wait a second. Didn't NATO plan a rapid reaction force about 15 years ago? What happened to that?

James J, London, UK

the most interesting part of the K Rice's speach today is as usual not given in western media. She said that it was Georgia that started the conflict (so, she said, Russia provoked). To say I am shocked is to say nothing. Condy finally agrees she has been luing all the time...

Leonid, Moscow,

‘Can you imagine the backlash if we invaded Mexico on the side of the anti-government forces there?’
Jack, Los Angeles, USA

Do you want to say the USA’s troops legally invaded Mexico and still to occupy its territory because you not to support anti-government forces there? It is very hard to perceive the American way of thinking.

Alexey, Moscow,

God Bless Russia and May the Lord strengthen them for the day of battle against America the Great Satanic Feminist Child Support Satan - The US/UK can both go to hell - The BBC spreads satanic feminism throughout the world. Thank you Jesus for the Coming Destruction of the US/UK Beast Empires.

Pablo, NJ, USA

NATO is basically the League of Nations v2.0. New name, same basic principle, and unfortunately same weak willed responses. The parrallels to the mid to late 30's is striking and makes me ask, am I the only one that takes stock in the phrase 'History repeats itself'? When do we draw the line?

Robb, Sharon, PA, USA

The people of Europe had better think twice about their love affair with Barrack Obama. He already stated he plans to greatly reduce the nuclear forces of America. This is BEFORE he even is president. He is inviting the Russians to move in and guess what? They would.

frank3108, Cameron Park Ca., USA

Rapid reaction force?
Australia needs one of those against the asian armies to the north.
We've got guns for a citizens army and everyone is alseep.
If youre emigrating... remember that. This is one vastly vulnerable land Down Under and you may end up recruited one day against Indon or China.

G Gibson, Sydney, Australia

Thanks Bob in Miami!!

Though I do want to point out that no matter how much the US military is "stretched thin" the one thing we do really well is destroying the other guy's forces. We won't be able to capture and hold a battleground, but we could easily wipe the enemy out.
Cheers!

Mike, Dallas, USA

Are you people stupid? Georgia Attacked South Ossetia first killing Russian citizens and murduring civilians. 1600-200 civilians killed and only 200-400 soldiers killed? Look up the story across the net and find the truth. The Press, NATO and the NEOCONs are lying to us

Gabe, Lake Charles, La, USA

Georgia is one of the few countries to support the US led war in Iraq. They have helped us in our time of need without hesitation and I find it disgraceful that we didnt fulfill our side of the promise. Military options no, but the US should have left no doubt that it would protect one of its allies

Shalin Nohria, Amherst, USA

Errrrr.

By NATO, I assume you mean the USA ?

France, Germany, Holland etc will do nothing except appease Russia. They just won't fight: they are in NATO to get USA's help if THEY they are attacked. They won't fight for each other as required under NATO provisions.

Spencer de Vere, Brisbane, Australia

Good for NATO!!! The Russians need to know that they will not be allowed to go in to any democratic country and demolish them just because they disagree with the politics inside that country? If they get turned into an irradiated parking lot then they will get the picture don't you think?

Jack, Los Angeles, USA

If any Ashkenazi Khazar thinks we will have a war with Russia over Georgia or Ukraine, they are stupid.

William, Portland, USA

Leave it to a Brit like Marco to take a holier than thou attitude towards the US for stemming a Soviet resurgence, yet the Brits had no problem sending an armada to the other end of the planet to fight for a worthless little island they stole from the Argentinians ...all for Queen and country!

Eli, NY, America

If the peaceniks want to live under Czarist rule they can move to Russia and stay there! Us who enjoy our freedom will need to defend it without the liberal (sit around the fire and sing Kumbayah) idealists who think everyone in the world thinks like they do until the first shockwave hits?

Jack, Los Angeles, USA

I am sure European countries will reject the American idea because today they not to be like a flock of sheep following a bull. Recent evens demonstrated them Europeans might easy get into the bull’s ‘jam’.

Alexey, Moscow,

It amazes me that anyone can think the Russians were justified in there actions by invading and destroying the army and infrastructure of a sovereign nation? Can you imagine the backlash if we invaded Mexico on the side of the anti-government forces there? Russia is a danger to the world!

Jack, Los Angeles, USA

To Brian in the UK. You are proving that a little knowledge is dangerous. Not NATO forces, but NATO member nations have forces working parallel to US Special Forces in AFG do so because they have more freedom of military action under the US umbrella without the restrictions of the NATO beauracracy

Tom, Naples, Italy

I too was fooled to think Russia was wrong when after looking back and doing some research I believe Russia was justified and handled things well considering what they could have done. This is not the USSR we are talking about; if anyone does proper unbiased research they will probably agree!

Mark , Galveston, US

Why is NATO still in existence? There is no longer a Soviet Union. There is no longer the WARSAW Pact. So tell me again why NATO is stiil in existence? Please don't answer with RUSSIAN provocation. If Russia feels provoked, maybe they have good reason. Could it be the expansion of NATO?.

L.S., Washington, D.C.,

Why Europe should help US in their reckless affairs? Because US "protects" Europe? Is Europe under attack?
In last 20 years only country attacking Europe were US bombing Serbia. If US preferred way to protect someone (Europe, Iraq, etc) is bombing them, I doubt Europe needs such kind of protection.

Alexander, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Russia claims to have a "sphere of influence" over the former soviet republics, but these nations never chose to be dominated by Russia. They are choosing to align with NATO cuz they fear Russian agression. Why must ignorant liberals ignore history and view Russia as some victim of US policy.

Brad, Seattle, USA

NATO's latest plan has been cooked up by the United States of America for applying the fuse to the Third World War.
Nations corralled by the U.S.A. to membership in NATO should now RESIGN EN MASS in protest.

SanYing, Montreal, Canada

Well, from the lot I would say most people on this comment section agree that the EU will not fight, Russia knows it, the US should pull out of NATO, and only a small percentage of young US people have the stomach to defend freedom, ours or anyone elses. Ivan, Russia already sent its best to Afgan.

Michael, San Francisco, USA

The Russians are preparing for a nuclear confrontation which they think they can win? The West needs to confront the Russians and if it means they become a quiet glass desert for 10,000 years so be it! Maybe then they will get the point! Can't invade free countries because you disagree with them!

Jack, Los Angeles, USA

What about the NATO Reponse Force??? That was the focus of the most recent SACEUR and consumed the NATO Command Structure's time the last seven years - outside of dealing with trying to oversee the ISAF Mission.
This "new idea" is more posturing and many worthless meetings, but that's about it

Nate, Annapolis, USA

NATO has to have a defense force for these eastern european countries. We encourage their enocomies and their free governments. Our ideological incursion into these nations which puts at risk. It is our responsiblity to suport them with force if nessecary otherwise we should leave to be proxies.

Robert Pipes, Chicago, Illinois

Jon Maynard, Lansing MI, USA.
The Russian & Muslim armies have stayed in their traditional spheres of influence. NATO on the other hand is having a jolly boys' outing. The Americans seem to have forgotten that the largest NATO army defending Europe was Turkey, & they aren't exactly a pushover.

Ruslan Mirzaoev, London, UK

Contain Russia now or run the risk of repeating history. A new USSR swallowing up neighboring nations by coercion and force. Then all too tough to deal with later. It is MUCH easier to nip a problem in the bud. Wisdom 101.

Brad, st louis, USA

Andrew - you say "Russia and the U.S. were allies once and could be so again [...]" When was this? during WW2 we fought against the axis, but were never allies. When the wall fell, we had diplomatic relations - but were never allies.
Read your history books.

CB, Port St. Lucie, USA

As a European (Southern as it happens) I regard the Russians as fellow Europeans with immense resources led by people who can run rings round the corrupt "democracies" who cannot prevent even vandals from vandalising their monuments let alone prevent the Islamisation of Europe

Marco Borg, London , United Kingdom

NATO has the right idea. In the 21st century the biggest threat to the west is both Russia and China, therfore a strategy to defend ourseves is needed and if this rapid force can do that then so be it. People need to realise that the post cold war world is over, a new one has begun.

kyle smith, bristol, uk

The US whic spends as much as the rest of the world put together on armaments obviously needs another war. The neo-cons who belong to the same tribe as the Russian oligarchs want one though it is unlikely that there is a single soldier from the same tribe. The US shouldn't be in Europe

Marco Borg, London, United Kingdom

I guess if you wait until he Russians are crossing The English Channel as the Germans almost did when the world ignored them "gobbling up" the poor people who were their neighbors in 1939 it would be easier! And whose divisions and military would do that exactly? The Spanish? I think not!

Bill, Ridgeley, United States

Russia has done nothing wrong.At the very worst they have behaved like our own government.I think a defensive force will upset the Russians further possibly causing more attacks (which may or may not be justified) which will hurt or relationship with Russia and maybe the rest of Europe even further.

John, Tujunga, USA

A 'rapid-response military force to respond to Russian aggression'? If we had such a force when Georgia started the war and Russia stopped it how do you think the Russians would have responded to NATO entering the war? I will leave it to your imagination on how fast the war would escalate.

Arius, Alameda, USA

We need to review our commitment to NATO.
All the Europeans want to do is empower the EU while drawing down their forces.
In the event of conflict you can be sure they will remember that the US and the UK still maintain real armies and we'll get sucked into their mess.....AGAINJim

Jim, Herndon,

NATO plays dangerous games. Just to mention that Russia has a huge nuclear arsenal, and with present-day arrogant and intolerant leadership in NATO, even a minor conflict can escalate to a nuclear disaster. Their support of Georgia's colonial ambitions shows their complete lack of judgment.

Vic Lehigh, Lansdale, PA, USA

Would someone tell the neocons we already have enough enemies and we don't need WW3 ? Lets get out of Russia's face and start talking to them.

william lorraine, Los Angeles, USA

Britain avoided a treaty with Stalin that would have contained Hitler and prevented the war and joined with a weak Poland it could do nothing to help. Have our leaders learned nothing? Don't they study history? Do we want to go to WAR with Russia for GEORGIA? Sorry, just bad luck being a neighbour.

martyn, Calvia, spain

rapid reaction force & Nato, should never be put in the same line. Nato is about as fast as the UN is.

Dustoff, Everett, USA

Jason from Norfolk is right, leave the Europeans to their own devices. Russia and the U.S. were allies once and could be so again, let the Euros squabble amongst themselves.

Andrew, Norcross, USA

Let us face it: Western civilization does not deserve to survive because it has lost the will to live. Let us spare ourselves the agony of pretense and turn over the keys to Islam, the Russians, and whoever else wants to rule over us. At least, if they tolerate us, we and our children will be alive.

Jon Maynard, Lansing MI, USA

I agree with Mike in Dallas. Before I became a member of that "small, light defensive force," I would make sure my estate planning was complete and my will signed. (Just as we advise our troops in South Korea.)

Bob, Miami, USA

All of these plans will continue to be "on paper" until our European partners manage to "grow a pair". Until then, Mr. Putin's wost fear is a round of conferences that produce statements warning of yet anothor round of conferences; simply another source of amusement for Putin.

Andrew Zaplatynsky, Manlius, NY, USA

It seems that some people are tired of heath resorts of Afghan and Iraq. If so then welcome to Russia. Unforgivable adventures are guaranteed.

Mikhael, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

US strength is the sole protector of freedom and prosperity around the world. All countries that want its protection need to stop slandering the US and the American people and our government.

Michael, St. Louis, USA

If NATO wants WAR so badly they should just say it.
Concept of destroying muslim countries (Afghanistan, Iraq) and cristian countires (Serbia) alike in order to save them did not work in Vietnam, and nothing has changed to lead us to believe that it would work now.

Beau Philips, Burnsville, USA

NATO has recklessly grown so large that they will never agree on anything again. The former WP countries and liberated Soviet colonies should leave NATO and form their own defensive union. Together their populations exceeds that of Russia. Limp-wristed Belgians and French will never fight for Poland

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA

I like the concepts that are addressed in Tom Clancy's "Rainbow 6," but rather on a larger scale. NATO (not Nato) countries could deploy whole units to be based and trained locally within a NATO border. The countries that could not deploy units would support the group logistically. No red tape.

John, Phoenix, USA

As a military officer, I have to ask:
Why is the U.S. still in NATO and carrying all the water for Eurpoe's security?
We'd be better served by a treaty with Russia; regardless of the consequences for Europe. And, we'd benefit much more from a Russian vice European alliance.

Jason, Norfolk, Virginia, USA

How about a rapid reaction ONLY to real threats? Imagine if this so-called rapid reaction force was dispatched to a tiny, insignificant backwater like South Ossetia? What, war between 150,000,000 Russians and 450,000,000 people in NATO countries, just for the sake of 70,000 Ossetians?

George, New Haven, CT, USA

This just proves what the Russians have feared for years - all NATO's ambitions are geared at Russia solely and exclusively. Everything else it does are training excercises and recruitment of man-power in preparation for the final strike on Russia.

paul, beaverton, oregon, usa

Russia's army is a paper tiger made up of draftees and drunkards. Their Air Force had to recall retired pilots to fly in Georgia. Fast reaction force will help deter Russian agression. Georgia's air force needs to made top knotch like Israel another small country. Air Force deters Russian aggression

John Walsh, Ft Lauderdale, Florida

This is most troubling. It's like the cold war all over again. I never trusted Russia under Putin to begin with. Now their true colors are showing. The US is in no position militarily or financially to deal with this and the Russians know that.

Jim, Dayton, USA

Can't these barbarians of so called NATO open their eyes??, Can't see the feelings of the World Nations?, can't see what's going on in OOH Assembly more nations are already feed-up with NATO dictatorship regime in the name of democracy?...

Pushing Russian will set World on fire.. BE WARN!!!

Lantena, Geneva, Swiss

We have a weak willed Europe dependent upon Russian oil and an over extended US military, which somehow is going to deter the hungry bear. We also have the economic giant China, who can perhaps destroy the western economy, watching this weakness as it lusts for Taiwan. Toss in Iran. And no will?

Dave DiGregorio, Norristown, USA

Ivan, the world saw the Russian forces in action in Afghanistan already.

Chad, MPLS, MN,

A new force? new mission? to carry out the mission NATO was established to perform in the first place? Hey Putin, roll the tanks, NATO just proved it wouldn't have been able to save the Northern Plains in Germany in the 80's! You have all green lights to invade Western Europe...NOW!!!!

john, middletown,

NATO has been and is an organization that is there to help those (NATO members) that are in need. Lately Russia has sparked fear in it's once occupied neighbors after the invasion of Georgia. With a light NATO force that is able to mobilize quickly maybe a great deterrent for any future threats.

Bert, Mulvane, USA

Not a bad idea really, though I'm willing to bet that a "small, light defensive force" won't be able to stand up to much if the Ruskies mean business...

Mike, Dallas, USA

Europe is too weak to do anything now or in the near (decade) future.

Lee, Mayhill, New Mexico, USA

NATO is a lost cause. Our EU, so-called allies, are unwilling to
do anything except carp at the U.S. whenever we attempt to get them engaged. We need to get out of NATO and the UN as well. That's the only thing that will stir them to some sort of action for their defense.

Wayne Williamson, Peoria, AZ, USA

What do they want to get from Russia as a response?
Russian "rapid reaction forces" in Afganistan and Iraq?

Ivan, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Should NATO begin negotiating with Russia with the goal of bringing Russia into NATO? What about bringing Russia into the EU?

James N. Willi, Austin, Texas, USA

The US constantly blurs the lines of what is NATO commitment and its own agenda. eg.Afghanistan, where NATO forces are deployed alongside parallel US special forces deployment not under NATO (or UN) command, but may result in dragging other nations into a further war with Pakistan. Bad idea.

Brian, lowestoft, uk

NATO's rapid reaction is going to be ...scream and run away.

RoberTx, Amarillo,Tx, USA

NATO worked best as an organization dedicated to the defense of Western & Central Europe. We should've learned from the mistakes of Ancient Rome: endless expansion eastward can lead to disaster. However, it appears to be too late for such thoughts now. We must prepare to defend our new allies.

Robert, Monroe, CT, USA