(Sec Defense) Gates sees no prospect for U.S. force in Georgia

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - The Pentagon sees no prospect for using U.S. military force in Georgia, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday as Russian military operations continued in the former Soviet republic.

"I don't see any prospect for the use of military force by the United States in this situation," Gates told a news conference.

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/WAT009907.htm

all snark aside.

especially the Air Force and Navy.

I think Gates is one of the few Republicans in the Bush administration with some intelligence and willing to do something. Usually a new president retains a few people from the past administration, it's some sort of tradition. I think Obama should have Gates on the short list; perhaps in a different position. Somebody that fires top generals for incompetence can't be all that bad.

That goes without saying. I love how they speak of it as a matter of choice.

U.S. warns Russia of consequences over Georgia 14 Aug 2008 21:51:38 GMT
Source: Reuters
(Adds comments in paragraphs 10, 20)

By Andrew Gray

WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday accused Russia of using military action to punish Georgia for being a Western ally and said Moscow could face serious consequences for years to come.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates ruled out using U.S. military force in Georgia, but said the Pentagon would review all aspects of its relations with Russia's military.

Gates, the most experienced Russia expert in the top ranks of the Bush administration, said Moscow's actions had "profound implications for our security relationship going forward, both bilaterally and with NATO."

"If Russia does not step back from its aggressive posture and actions in Georgia, the U.S.-Russian relationship could be adversely affected for years to come," Gates, a former CIA director and Soviet expert at the intelligence agency, told reporters at the Pentagon.

more:http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N14474184.htm

and they'll fight back.

So no, I would expect the Bushies are a bit loathe to use military force against an opponent with an actual functioning military.

What has our nation become?

Lots of room for lying with the truth in this statement, anyway.