Actually Gates said we did not expect military action in the humanitarian mission. He explained the context, which was carefully nuanced.

Gates and all have to play a delicate dance. This is to speak softly and carry a big stick. Using the military rather than just the Red Cross is a big stick. It is like if Russia attempts to stop us, we say sorry I am going through anyway and you have to attack me to stop me. Russians forces, not the irregulars, have to be told not to cause a confrontation.

The media wants Bush and Co. to say yes we are using the humanitarian mission as a way to force the Russians out. The administration would be stupid to be that obvious. It gets the Russian pride insulted. We said that Russia must allow access and we expect that. Russia has complied to that implied threat.

Too many people want to strut rather than be effective. I am glad that Bush and Co likes to be effective rather than be a braggart and strut their macho. Bush can do the macho but he has to think carefully about the consequences .