Both Jon McCain and Barack Obama commented yesterday on Russia’s invasion of Georgia, an event in some ways overshadowed by John Edwards’ shenanigans, and the opening of the Olympic games. McCain is taking an aggressive stance saying Russia should “unconditionally cease its military operations and withdraw all forces.” Obama offered that “now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full-scale war.”
Menwhile, George Bush had a busy Saturday in Beijing, biking the Olympic mountain bike course, volleying with beach volleyball players, and posing with the US softball team. Of the course, Bush called it “really, really difficult.” In general, Bush seemed to be in his element, that is, among people who see it as their jobs to work out all day. He did take time out at one point to tell reporters that he’s “deeply concerned” about “a dangerous escalation in the crisis” in Georgia.
A senior US official has called Russia’s attack on Georgia “far disproportionate” to Georgia’s alleged attack on Russian peacekeepers. Russia, meanwhile, is likely motivated by Georgia’s bid to join NATO, which would bring the alliance to a 475-mile shared border with Russia. Already five of Russia’s 14 neighbors are NATO member countries.
