U.S. Playing Poker with Russia

The relationship between the U.S. and Russia has deteriorated dramatically in recent years, highlighted by the armed conflict in Georgia. The U.S. has played poker with Russia, including its latest decision Wednesday to sign an agreement to place Patriot missiles in Poland despite loud Russian protests. What happens if Russia calls the U.S.'s bluff?

According to an op-ed by former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the West has to answer for its aggressive actions. Gorbachev wrote: "What is clear is that Western assistance in training Georgian troops and shipping large supplies of arms had been pushing the region toward war rather than peace."

The Bush administration befriended Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili by supporting his so-called democratic reforms with economic aid, and arms and training for Georgian troops. The U.S. also hinted at pushing for Georgia to become a member of NATO. (Adding Georgia and Ukraine to NATO was discussed at a group meeting as recently as Tuesday). Perhaps these assurances led Saakashvili to attack the break-away regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. ...