Georgians Rally Against Russia, And We Must Stand With Them

Yesterday, one million Georgians, according to the press, protested against Russian military action and the backing by Russia of Georgia's two separatist regions.
Held in the capital city of Tbilisi, the protesters united to show their support for Georgian autonomy, in the aftermath of Russian action in August to crush a Georgian bid to retake the breakaway region of South Ossetia from pro-Moscow separatists.
The European Union weighed in by postponing talks with the Russians on a new partnership pact that was scheduled for later in September, on the condition that Moscow pull its troops out of Georgia.
In response, The Russian government accused the United States of sending weapons and assistance to the Republic of Georgia, and once again warned Western governments to deny support to Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.
The West must not allow itself to be bullied by renewed Russian saber-rattling. It should continue to expand the NATO alliance, and should continue to give verbal support to Georgia in its hour of need. In addition, we must not give up on Russia. With its nuclear arsenal, energy reserves, and strategic importance in the war on international terrorism, we must help the Russians avoid the perilous backslide back into totalitarianism, and encourage the further develop of market forces and democratic reforms.