McCain stays tough on Russia
John McCain continued today to strongly condemn Russia's military action in Georgia, highlighting his warnings about Russian aggressiveness and his foreign policy experience.
"Americans wishing to spend August vacationing with their families or watching the Olympics may wonder why their newspapers and television screens are filled with images of war in the small country of Georgia," he said while campaigning in Erie, Pa. "Concerns about what occurs there might seem distant and unrelated to the many other interests America has around the world. And yet Russian aggression against Georgia is both a matter of urgent moral and strategic importance to the United States of America."
McCain called for the UN Security Council to condemn "Russian aggression" and call for an immediate cease-fire, and also said NATO should meet in emergency session to push for an end to hostilities. He said the United States should begin "high-level diplomacy" with European allies and send humanitarian and economic aid to Georgia.
He warned that "the very existence of independent Georgia – and the survival of its democratically-elected government – are at stake," and that the western response could set a precedent for Russia's other neighbors.
"The implications of Russian actions go beyond their threat to the territorial integrity and independence of a democratic Georgia. Russia is using violence against Georgia, in part, to intimidate other neighbors – such as Ukraine – for choosing to associate with the West and adhering to Western political and economic values. As such, the fate of Georgia should be of grave concern to Americans and all people who welcomed the end of a divided of Europe, and the independence of former Soviet republics. The international response to this crisis will determine how Russia manages its relationships with other neighbors," McCain said.
"Our united purpose should be to persuade the Russian government to cease its attacks, withdraw its troops, and enter into negotiations with Georgia. We must remind 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. World history is often made in remote, obscure countries. It is being made in Georgia today. It is the responsibility of the leading nations of the world to ensure that history continues to be a record of humanity’s progress toward respecting the values and security of free people."
Democratic rival Barack Obama has issued more measured statements, emphasizing diplomacy and negotiations.
UPDATE: Obama just issued a new statement that calls the crisis a "turning point" for Russia's relations with the West.
"The relationship between Russia and the West is long and complicated. There have been many turning points, for good and ill. This is another turning point." Obama says. "Let me be clear: we seek a future of cooperative engagement with the Russian government, and friendship with the Russian people. We want Russia to play its rightful role as a great nation – but with that role comes the responsibility to act as a force for progress in this new century, not regression to the conflicts of the past. That is why the United States and the international community must speak out strongly against this aggression, and for peace and security."
Obama also said he has spoken to Georgian President Saakashvili, and "conveyed my deep regret over the loss of life, and the suffering of the people of Georgia."
Obama said he has been warning for months about the need for negotiations to settle the disputes over South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Now, he said the UN Security Council must call for an immediate end to hostilities.
"No matter how this conflict started, Russia has escalated it well beyond the dispute over South Ossetia and invaded another country. Russia has escalated its military campaign through strategic bombing and the movement of its ground forces into the heart of Georgia. There is no possible justification for these attacks," the Illinois senator said. "I reiterate my call for Russia to stop its bombing campaign, to stop flights of Russian aircraft in Georgian airspace, and to withdraw its ground forces from Georgia. The Georgian government has proposed a cease-fire and the Russian government should accept it. There is also an urgent need for humanitarian assistance to reach the people of Georgia, and casualties on both sides."
Obama's campaign earlier pointed out that a key McCain adviser, Randy Scheunemann, obbied for Georgia, prompting this missive from McCain's camp over the weekend:
“The Obama campaign’s attacks on Randy Scheunemann are disgraceful. Mr. Scheunemann proudly represented a small democracy that is one of our closest allies in a very dangerous region. Today, many are dead and Georgia is in crisis, yet the Obama campaign has offered nothing more than cheap and petty political attacks that are echoed only by the Kremlin. The reaction of the Obama campaign to this crisis, so at odds with our democratic allies and yet so bizarrely in sync with Moscow, doesn't merely raise questions about Senator Obama's judgment -- it answers them,” said Tucker Bounds, a McCain spokesman.
Russia has always been a sleeping bear in geo-politics. Its oil revenue have allowed it to awaken and now the US needs to be able to respond. Good work McCain for staying on point with Putin.
Warmonger McCain at it again. Get the guns, get the bombs, 1..2..3..ready, aim, fire!!!!!
Will somebody please explain to me the "strategic importance" of Georgia, and why I should care when gas is $4/gallon, and many of my neighbors have no health insurance?
My guess is that attempts to impose "our vision of democracy" here will be about as succesful as our attempt to spread "our vision of democracy" in Iraq.
Somebody tell McCain to stand down.
McShame should talk. We invaded Iraq based on presidential lies and fabricated intelligence, and McHypocrit is telling Russians not to attack Georgia? How ever much Georgia paid Scheunemann probably doubled when they paid McShame.
Hmmm... Let's see...we are in a war in Iraq, another in Afghanistan, McSame is drooling for Iran...and now he want's to fight Russia. What a Maverick! I say we issue him an M-16, 200 rounds of ammo and send him on his merry way.
The simple fact of the matter is that even though Georgia is a Democracy..it doesn't have the right to leap up and try to take territory in dispute (and under UN control) by force. That's sounds more like something the US would do.
So Georgia got it's nose bloodied in trying to be W jr...a title honorably reserved for McSame. McSame pulls out his rusty, flaccid, wrinkly, old saber and rattles it. doesn't know what to say..he's hot...he's cold...
Bomb bomb bomb, bomb Russia?
No, Americans don't pick on nations her own size.
Not McCain or anyone else.
Yes, yes... Talk tough. Ultimately, there is little the US can do. It and Europe is dependent on fuel from Russia and Russia has a large nuclear arsenal.
Obama is a wimp and will turn this country into a laughing stock.
Exactly why we don't need McCain in office. Georgia in crisis and the USA impotent due to Bush and the neo-cons.We need a vastly different approach to international relations. McCain isn't that guy!
Where was McCain's uproar when Israel was invading Lebanon? Last I knew we were trying to call Russia an ally. I understand that spin and double standard are a way of life for a politician, but this is a very dangerous situation that could easily get spun out of control. McCain needs to try and read a little and quit using his over sized jaw in matters this important. This article shows just how much a person can lose their mind at older ages.
I agree with McCain on this. I'm a democrat but I have to say that when it comes to National Security I have a problem trusting Democrats. Like the Europeans in general with the exception of Margaret Thatcher they love to talk and end up giving away the store.
McCain is either an ignorant or another tool of the Bush Administration and the sinister Cheney, the "Cardenal Richelieu" of the White House.
Cheney and Bush were the ones to promote the invasion of Ossetia by using their "slave", the President of Georgia. It was Georgia that invaded Ossetia following the orders of the WHite House. The Russian are defending a sovereign nation that most of all wants to be Russian. Out with Bush, Cheney and everybody in the White House who wants to make the World a ball of fire!!! Out with McCain!!!
Reliable newspaper sources make it clear that Georgia started this conflict by sending troops into a territory that has historically resisted being a part of Georgia (see Wikipedia). Though this may work to Russia's advantage, Russia has a right and obligation to protect South Ossetia. Moreover, the USA has supported Russia's South Ossetia position for many years. It makes absolutely no sense that we should suddenly support Georgia, who is the initial aggressor in this conflict. A wrong committed by an ally is still a wrong.
McCain illustrates why I, a lifelong Republican, have been unable to bring myself to vote for a Republican presidential nominee since Reagan. They continue to live in the past and to spout unrealistic and idiotic rhetoric on everything--the economy, health care, foreign policy, drugs, immigration.... Frankly, they are as bad as the Democrats. Like the Whigs in the 1850's, the best we can hope from the upcoming election is the death of the Republican party, as candidates start to realize that any close association with the grand ole party will be a kiss of death. It is time for Republicans to desert the party in mass and migrate toward representatives capable of integrating traditional American values with modern day realities so as to produce workable solutions.
It's worth remembering that the Russian aggression toward Georgia was prompted by the Georgian aggression in the contested regions. Instead of stoking the fires with name-calling, it might make more sense to quietly say: "Okay, guys, you've made your point, so how about finding a way out of this mess before everyone gets hurt?"
Isn't Georgia the aggressor here? Didn't we embolden the Georgians to start this war to "take back" the independent regions of their former boundries, by training their military? Isn't the United States partly responsible for this debacle? At the end of the day, our interest in this region has more to do with an oil pipeline to the Caspian, than as a support of a democratic state. John McCain is either clueless about our foreign policy on this matter, or he is lying to us. Either scenario is unacceptable.
Is McCain confused about who the President is at this time? He seems to be merging into GW bully mentality - already, and he is not yet officially nominated as a candidate for running as President in 2008. If this is the sign of hot temper, when mixed with occasional dementia or mixing up facts syndrome (MUFS) - he could surely be a deadly combination extending beyond Bush-Cheney cartel.
This is yet another reason why McCain should not be our next president. These statements are nothing short of propaganda designed to hype McCain's perceived "leadership" and to make Russia look bad. Why don't you say who started this confrontation, McCain? Georgia started it. McCain sounds just like Bush. We don't want another Bush in the White House.
We have relatives of our son-in-law who live in Georgia, and together with a U.S. citizen grandchild is visiting them, they are trying to escape this violence. Please pray for their safety, and that of all the people living there, and for an immediate end to this violence. It is disgusting, though hardly surprising, to read that all Obama can suggest is more empty diplomacy, unable to even acknowledge the existence of evil in this situation. And, to attempt to turn this crisis into cheap political attacks on his opponent really shows what kind of president Obama would be. McCain is to be commended for stepping out in front on this. Saying what needs to be said and being willing to back the words up with action. We're are not going to bomb Russia, but there are certainly economic and social ways to make them feel some pain for what they have done. Lastly, Georgia is not part of the USSR-II, yet. Perhaps loud condemnations now and non-military threats can stop this from happening.
O.P. Neon, I agree completely! Seems to me that when Obama was overseas, McCain slammed him about "acting like he's the President". Now, McCain is doing the same thing, only worse! His "straight talk" would have us into yet another conflict WHERE WE DON'T BELONG!!!!!! Enough of this war monger. He's getting scarier by the minute!
The U.S. is a little smaller, a little weaker, than
it used to be and cannot cover all the international
basis that it used too. It really is time for the E.U.
to act as a solid unit for a change. It is also time for
China to act in a responsibly meaningful way.
The U.S. is not the only power in the world these
days, even so if Russia is not discouraged. Dire Consequences
I think the whole situation is a lot more nuanced then what we are seeing in the press at this time. So lets look at the situation as a whole:
Georgia finally responded to Russia's provocations in the region against the US urgings not too. Russia responded with overwhelming force, unilaterally without consulting the world community. Russia was emboldened to do this by the recent vote to keep Geogia out of NATO, an idea initiated by Bill Clinton to reign in Russia. Why does Russia care? Because there is a oil pipeline in Georgia which supplies Europe with 1 million barrels a day of oil, from Kazakhastan. Russia is tightening their strangle hold over Europes energy supplies. This is not a threat to Georgia only it is a threat to all of Western Europe. We are beginning to see wars fought over resources, this is not the first, won't be the last. If you think that the war in Iraq is about oil you are right but probably because you don't know the whole story. The US is trying to balance the influence of China and Russia in the worlds coming energy competition. Which is why Iraq is important and why Afganistan is important, and why Georgia is important and why US energy independence is important. If you want us to stop going to war everywhere to protect the international oil markets then start drilling, start conserving and lets get alternative energy rolling. But face it the fastest way to energy independence is drilling.
The Russians would like to see America and Europe get an oil squeeze. Once Russia wakes up again, it will try to recapture the former states. Thereafter it will control all the oil to Europe. It is the high time America becomes oil independent without bothering too much on environment; and then look for ways of supplying her allies with oil. The oil will boost the economy and ensure a strong military.If Democrats gets too scared of the environment; they should not be surprised to see the Soviet missiles above our heads polluting the environment!
Liberals apparently have no problem aiding and abetting raw, naked aggression against a soverign nation. Talk about shameful!
Why don't they drop the political posturing and wake up and realize that Mr. Putin is no friend of the United States nor any other democracy?
Obama's response to the Russian invasion? 'Both sides' should pull back.
Choose an analogy that might illustrate the terribly weak response of the liberals. Let's say that the Mexican government invaded Arizona and New Mexico, and bombed Washington, D.C. Why should the American government 'pull back' out of Arizona and New Mexico, its own territory?
McCain is right on this one (and I am not a McCain supporter; he's too liberal on many issues). We need to send a strong, unequivocal response to Russia's blatant intervention into the affairs of another country.
And, calm down liberals! No one is considering military action. Georgia is too far away and our military is too small to help out one of our allies.
The longer this unrest goes on, the more support McCain will get, especially from the conservative base of the Republican party. If fighting spreads, or it continues to the election, McCain will win.
Yeah who cares about innocent people getting slaughtered by Russia. The libs only care about human rights when it's convenient for them to do so. Hypocrites! Just go give Russia a big hug.
Saber rattling? Warmongering? Bombs? you people need to back off the bong a bit...There is nothing in McCain's statement suggesting we join this conflict in battle..The moveon.org talking points are getting a little stale.."old and tired" as you dolts like to say about McCain. Perhaps thats why he's running even with The Light of Lights...people aren't buying your paranoid bs anymore, its starting to stink..
I can't believe how ignorant people are. Russia is throwing the weight of their huge military to destroy a country with 4 1/2 million people. They are in the process of invading Georgia far, far out of the disputed areas. Why, if they are "peacekeepers"?
McCain simply says, "this is wrong". Which should be obvious, but nothing is clear to clueless people. Of course, liberals are afraid to actually ask Russia to take accountability for Russia's actions-- because that might mean things could get ROUGH! What a bunch of cowards.
Isn't McCain acting rather...dare I say...presumptuous? Where are the media attack hounds who whooped it up over the supposed "presumptuous spectacle" of Obama giving a speech in Germany?
McCain is blindsided with the U.S. superpower ego and out of touch with history,
or with a changing world in which the U.S. cannot dictate everything and everywhere. Russia is not a beggar nation anymore, and McCain's warmongering so far is begging for the question on whether he is of sound mind to move to the White House - unless the Americans are ready to risk a confrontation and nuclear annihilation with the Russian Federation with his "bomb anybody who defy the U.S. orders" attitude. He has been trying to play coy with his militarism lately, but those who know history can attest that he has been a reincarnation of the late Barry Goldwater all along, and as the adage goes: "You cannot teach an old dog new tricks."
Our world is changing, and we need leaders that understand that Russia, China,
India, and Brazil are rising superpowers -either commercially, militarily, or both.
The U.S., therefore, cannot continue to go around the world anymore and dictate terms or submission to its hegemonic attitude, or to its military pre-eminence as
it used to. Georgian president Saakashvili - who was counting on a U.S. military invasion to help him- has gotten a wild awakening lately, but McCain is so dead set on his "We are a Superpower; We cannot lose," mentality that any awakening
from the reality of the U.S. limitations worldwide is unthinkable.
The events in South Ossetia brings to mind Kosovo, but it also brings to mind
the Kurds, the Basques, the Tibetans, the Kashmiris, the Tamils, the FARC,
and the Palestinians. And the way Bush, as well as McCain wanted, which is:
"Give a land franchise and nation status to those serving the U.S. interests, and
disfranchise all others, is not going to work for ever in our favor.
For the reasons stated above, we need a "Reality Check." And we can better serve our country by leaving the McCain box unchecked in November. Nikos Retsos, retired academic.
Will somebody please explain to me who started this war ? i still dont know yet
i think anyone in power should first think about the consequences of a war and also his ability before it's too late
McCain is blindsided with the U.S. superpower ego and out of touch with history,
or with a changing world in which the U.S. cannot dictate everything and everywhere. Russia is not a beggar nation anymore, and McCain's warmongering so far is begging for the question on whether he is of sound mind to move to the White House - unless the Americans are ready to risk a confrontation and nuclear annihilation with the Russian Federation with his "bomb anybody who defy the U.S. orders" attitude. He has been trying to play coy with his militarism lately, but those who know history can attest that he has been a reincarnation of the late Barry Goldwater all along, and as the adage goes: "You cannot teach an old dog new tricks."
Our world is changing, and we need leaders that understand that Russia, China,
India, and Brazil are rising superpowers -either commercially, militarily, or both.
The U.S., therefore, cannot continue to go around the world anymore and dictate terms or submission to its hegemonic attitude, or to its military pre-eminence as
it used to. Georgian president Saakashvili - who was counting on a U.S. military invasion to help him- has gotten a wild awakening lately, but McCain is so dead set on his "We are a Superpower; We cannot lose," mentality that any awakening
from the reality of the U.S. limitations worldwide is unthinkable.
The events in South Ossetia brings to mind Kosovo, but it also brings to mind
the Kurds, the Basques, the Tibetans, the Kashmiris, the Tamils, the FARC,
and the Palestinians. And the way Bush, as well as McCain wanted, which is:
"Give a land franchise and nation status to those serving the U.S. interests, and
disfranchise all others, is not going to work for ever in our favor.
For the reasons stated above, we need a "Reality Check." And we can better serve our country by leaving the McCain box unchecked in November. Nikos Retsos, retired academic.
I think we fail to see the precedent we set with allowing Kosovo to break away from Serbia. How can we say that it's ok for Kosovo to break away but not Ossetia? It's hypocritical and if we back Georgia, we cannot depend on Russia pressuring Iran. We cannot have everything both ways in foreign policy, we need to be smart and choose our battles wisely that does not mean we are weak it means we are cautious. McCain doesn’t seem to understand the nuances of foreign policy this isn’t the cold war.
Freddie you are so right. I have read McCain's statements several times and still cannot locate where he mentioned the US getting involved or making war on Russia. He and Obama actually seem to be in agreement on this matter (although Obama was a little late to the game)
At this point, Russia has moved past the separatist regions into parts of Georgia that did not seek to break away. This makes their claim to be defending against Georgia's attacks somewhat less credible.
Georgia is an independent nation and it should preserve its teritorial integrity , said GW Bush .
How about Serbia and its independence and sovereignty , how about its teritortial integrity mr Bush , Clinton , Ms Cain and rest of the people with no principles , standards and shame.
Lies is what feeds your sick souls and hell is where they will end up.
God bless Good America , to hell with american idiots.
I think the reason McCain came out the way he did is because he is familiar with the situation, he has met both sides of this issue, Putin (de facto Russian president) and the Georgian President. He knows what's at stake so he knows he needs to be decisive and forceful in his condemnation.
Obama had to go check his map to see where Georgia is, then check with his 300 advisers to make sure that Russia wasn't marching on Atlanta before he came out strongly against Russia.
Electing Obama with be like electing Chamberlain in the run up to World War II. There are serious strategic moves being made by Russia, and China and appeasement is not the strategy we should be undertaking or we could end up on the outside looking in of a new world order. War is not the answer but standing up for our allies and keeping an eye on the big picture will require a leader with judgement and the will to keep the US in the lead with two more competing superpowers.
Where is the liberal outrage for Russia's obvious disregard for civilians? Those people over there are dying the hard way without any warning whatsoever. Unfortunately the Georgians appear to be the later day Poles of 1943/44, they are between a rock & a hard place.
Obama will just pull a Neville Chamberlain and appease the Ruskies. He'll give them anything they want just he can go to Red Square and hear the cheers of thousands of fellow Comrades.
Obama will side with his Socialist brothers and talk fondly of the need to redistribute the wealth of those who earn it to give to those who feel they are entitled to it.
Obama and his Angela Davis wife will diss our military and blame them for every single wrong.
Obama is no good for the United States.
No other country in the waged war like America. Russia do not want a NATO ally next to their door. Any war initiated by America is for oil or self interest. Russia also have its own self interest. It is better for America to keep quite, world is changed, America can not afford a war with russia.
Imagine if America starts attacking Russia and China joins russia what will happen. USA will not exists in world map.
i second most of eric b's lucid and rational comments. clearly the most informed guy on this site. the argument that oil, or energy if you will, is at th heart of this conflict is right on the mark. hasn't russia tried several times to strangle its nieghbors with energy extortion to wit; quadrupling gas prices to georgia, shutting off supply to ukraine in the middle of the winter, toying with europe the same way disrupting supply. are these the actions of a nation that abides by law and principle? i say no. i completely agree with the comparison of obama to chamberlain, how appropriate. maybe some of you iraq bashers should read the editorial in the wall st. journal published today .....as well as the excellent coverage of the georgian russian conflict. oh yeah by the way my wife is naturalized citizen from russia and im half russian and both conservative!
"Obama is a wimp and will turn this country into a laughing stock.
Posted by Jack August 11, 08 11:43 AM"
__________________________________________________________
Haven't you been paying attention, we already are? The republican party is the biggest laughiing stock of all.
Will somebody please explain to me who started this war ? i still dont know yet
i think anyone in power should first think about the consequences of a war and also his ability before it's too late
_________________________________________________________
From what I could gather from news reports - not tainted with neo con propoganda, Georgia instigated this conflict.
Vijay,
Its called mutually assured destruction. If China, Russia really thought they would lose a war between themselves and the US they would use the bomb and so would the US. Its why the Cold War never warmed up to a hot war.
Now if everyone works on the premise that the war would stay conventional based on the threat of mutually assured destruction. The US would mop up the floor with both Russia and China. Technological Advantage, industrial might, and experience put the US out ahead of them by a long shot, how long these advantages will last over the Chinese is probably not long. The US can project its military might around the world using its bases spread out over the globe and the navy. Neither Russia or China can project, they are regional powers, as of yet.
Pax Americana may be coming to an end but no one will win a war against the US, not a WWII type war anyway. And it will be a bumpy ride, there is no way I want Obama thinking he can appease his way to peace with China or Russia, they are much more realistic than he is, and will spank him like Nikita Kruschev did to JFK, and we all know that ended with the Cuban Missile Crisis, the closest world has ever come to nuclear war.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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