I don’t see why Russia would be wary of crossing over into Turkey. Turkey is allied with Iran and Russia in a pan-Islamic, anti-American alliance. Both Iran and Turkey, traditional enemies, are united in opposing American influence and pushing Islam as the solution to all problems in the area. Russia is their ally and protector.

Turkey would be happy to have Russia crush and control Georgia, an enemy (Christian) on their border, and prefer Russia as it’s patron against Israel, various other nations. Particularly since the Kurdish problem exists only in Iraq, not Syria (after they forced Syria to hand over one of the chiefs of the PKK).

Russia does not face any SERIOUS consequences Wretchard. None at all.

What, the EUnuchs and UN will draw up a sharply worded letter of regret? Obama will give a moving speech? Please.

Putin grabs up a nation at little cost, and can then move to pick off the remaining ones, one by one. Ukraine, Moldova, Belorussia, the Baltics, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, etc. along with Greece, Austria, perhaps Germany.

It’s not like there exists any serious military force to oppose them.

The world largely disarmed and this is the result — easy pickings for even a WEAK military power, and Russia is still weak.

Heck, Russia and Turkey could divide the Balkans and the Islamists could end up ruling a great deal of the Balkans again. It’s not like NATO is anything but pieces of paper.