Has the Bush administration handled the Georgia War and subsequent occupation by Russian forces appropriately?

Events in South Ossetia sure possible steel as a result of secret conspiracy of president Bush with the leaders of Russia - Putin and Medvedev. Poor fellow Saakashvili and your Rice about anything were not warned and appeared complete fools. There must be a document about the section of spheres of influence in the world, signed between Bush administration and de autre part - by the leaders of Russia, such as a pact (Treaty) of Molotov-Ribbentrop, but we will see him, as it always was, only after 50 years.

He could have done a lot worse, but I think it was unavoidable that we would be internationally mocked over this the way we have been. The only way America could have managed to avoid criticism on the matter and not be called out for hypocrisy was to be entirely silent, which would have been bad on its own. At least Bush had the wherewithall to hold off and let France and the EU take leadership in brokering a peace deal. A good move on both parts.

It's just a bad situation all around for everyone involved. I hate the fact that we have earned what the international community has to say about us now. I truly hate it. I want our reputation back.

Yes, I think the Americans have done the best they could in these circumstances.

No-one wants to see Russia and the US engaged in open hostilities, and within that framework there is not much more that they could actually do.

The Russians have largely withdrawn their forces now, and recognised the independence of the breakaway regions. Two more Liechtenstein-sized countries for the map! Although I doubt many other countries will follow suit (Syria perhaps?).

We will simply have another situation like that in Cyprus, in which Turkey occupied half the country and labelled it independent. 30+ years down the track and the Cyprus situation is still unresolved. If the NATO countries can't even persuade one of their own members, I doubt that Russia's version of the same thing will have a better outcome.

I agree that GWB did not throw caution to the winds in this latest confrontation with Russia. He did exactly what Russia gambled on; he did little to nothing.

Considering that our plate was already full with conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, GWB had little choice but to defer to Russia on this one.

If Russia is just testing the waters, it may be testing under the wrong conditions. Granted the US did very little over the Georgia conflict, the next time it may not be as conservative !

NOOOOOOOOOOOO they should have got on georgia president for bombing part of the country.. Then tell Russia u can leave now or by certain date we consider u invaders of Georgia and will act accordingly. Blow up a few of theirs units will go along way to proving we will back our friends,,,Hey Russia signed the pact now get out or pay the piper. We have much netter TECHnology then they do and we come off looking like were scared other countires could pay the price. P.S. Iraq doesn't want us no more so GET OUT we already messed it up now the Shites have the power in that country.

I think this was handled correctly and with a great measure of diplomacy. What I would like to know is why so many Liberals were prodding the Government to take military action?

He should have kept his mouth shut 3 years ago and maybe the war would not have happened, we have military advisers in Georgia so of course we knew they were going to attack South Ossetia, also we watch every move Russia's military makes, so we knew they were going to defend S. Ossetia and had massed tank on Georgian border within 2 hours of Georgian attack on Ossetia. Who's playing who and what's the game is the big question. Bush has shown NO competence at Geo politics and his foreign policy is dangerous, but confrontation and fear are his political tools.

He handled it about as well as any kettle could so as to not be called black by the pot.

besides expectations and Bush do not fit in same sentence.

Bush is now proving his stupidity. I and a LOT of other people argued that starting the war in Iraq would eventually de-stabilize the region and compromise our military superiority.

Guess what? Russia is now in FIRM control of their region, because Bush WASTED our military ( suicide rate is UP!) and a trillion dollars looking for WMD's that didn't exist.

At least Putin is smart enough to have killed Osama within 2 weeks of 9/11.

AS of 7 years after the fact, Bin Laden has not faced justice. Thanks a lot Bush.

I think, by not stopping Saakashvilly from attacking Osetia, Bush gave Russia all excuses they need to invade Georgia. I am wondering, is that a complete incompetence or just a favour to old pal Putin 'with a soul'