Russia’s adventure in Georgia followed by Bush’s advancing the timetable for putting “defensive” weapons in Poland, followed by…  Well, this could keep on going for a while.   Nobody has any appetite for a hot war but it looks like a cold one is here.  Bush is like a jilted lover - he thought he saw Putin’s soul but the calm glint in Vlady’s eyes was only naked ambition slaked by his knowledge that Russia is gaining the advantage every day according to their bank deposit records. 

I think Putin is smart enough to know that it does not pay to push too many buttons when your opponent is both heavily armed and an idiot.  Besides, he does not want to overly excite his European energy customers.  So I truly doubt we will see any hostilities between Russia and the West.  But I also doubt that Putin will cede his control of Georgia.   He won’t consolidate his position in Georgia quickly, but I would not be buying any stock in Mr. Saakashvili.