[elhombrelibre]

Scale, scope, and logistics of this Russian invasion show that this was not some self-defense measure; it was a pre-calculated attempt to force Russia's will on Georgia. Russia has returned to its Soviet/Tsarist roots as an Imperial power. It's sales of uranium to Iran, its sales of weapons including air defense to Iran, its sales of weapons to Syria, its sales of weapons to Venezuela, and its blocking of effective sanctions against Iran all show that it intends to play the role of the supporter of barbarism in the world. Russia is turning inward towards its dark past. Its journalist are murdered and its neighbors are threatened and actually attacked. Putin is an evil man.

[Jeff Head]

Spot on...on all counts IMHO. Now, we have to respond toi it...and sweet talk, or low key dimplomacy will not in the least deter Putin.