>>1
From what I've been reading over the past few days, it seems this is merely the great Russian Bear flexing her muscles. If anything came of this, it showed just how easily Russia can march in and basically take control of the vast majority of Europe's (imported) energy supply. Russia to the USA (and the rest of the world): DON'T FUCK WITH US.
Not to mention the fact that Georgia is a land bridge to Iran, so if the United States chooses to do anything stupid, the Russian Army could be down there in a second to back up the Iranians. Russia and Iran recently made a rather extensive oil/energy agreement, and I have no doubt Russia would assist Iran if they are attacked (especially unprovoked).
Also, The US Navy now has a HUGE armada of aircraft carriers/destroyers/gunships in the area. I fear that this will not end well...
When the USA and Russia enter into armed conflict of any kind, the world trembles in fear. The combined nuclear arsenals are enough to annihilate every living thing on the planet at least 5 times over.
I hope to hell Bush & Darth Cheney understand the severity of provoking Russia..