As to buddy larsen’s question about why did Vlad do it and why now, I found myself thinking about something that Spengler wrote not long ago about Iran. Russia is hardly in a position to be a successful imperial power right now. Too many demographic crises that speak of a crumbling society: Low birth rate, low life expectancy, alcoholism and AIDS are awful problems for them. Everything speaks to Russia imploding in the medium-term future. As Wretchard points out, China is much more dynamic and powerful and will soon have Siberia for lunch.

Spengler also described Iran as a similarly crippled society, but added that that doesn’t mean we don’t have to worry about them over the short-term. Because if they’re smart, they’ll realize that there will never be a better time for their adventurism than now. Their position will only worsen over time.

Time is against Russia, and as long as Georgia can hold out, on our side. It sounds like Bush has got us buying time. Keep the Georgians on a lifeline, feed them some weapons and support. No need to go in with M-16s blazing; better to put leeches on the bear and bleed him. Give the Georgians help, and they’ll fight for their own country.