1) Announce of deployment of 2 CSGs that are currently heading into Iran into the Black Sea region (if possible, as a joint force with Turkey) for “peacemaking purposes” or “humanitarian relief”. Mirror Russian language exactly.

2) Give ultimatum, then freeze Russian Stabilization fund, which currently is invested into various US companies and hedge funds, and amounts to $100 billion, for the duration of the conflict.

3) Hint that Sochi might not be a safe place to conduct 2014 olympics, given troubles in the region, that US does not feel comfortable sending its athletes there, and that USOC will petition IOC for reconsideration of selection of Sochi (which is located, few hundred miles from Georgia).

4) Once US forces are in the theater begin overflights of Georgian airspace, claiming “ensuring peace and security for US citizens conducting a humanitarian operation” Simultaneously, deploy mobile hospitals and humanitarian supplies, no ground troops necessary.

It wouldn’t even reach 4, and Russia would stop in its tracks and start negotiations about future status of SO and Abhazia, trying to keep as much of it as possible. No military confrontation necessary. Had it reached for, Russia would never engage US, as its military, despite all Putin’s bravado, is still shit, given that S200 shot down 10-20 (varied figures) of their planes in 4 days.

Alas, the time and will to do all this was lost, and now its too late.