As an American who lived in Russia for eight years I’ve been following the Georgian story with interest. I recommend today’s Michael Gerson op-ed piece in the Washington Post as the best current summary of what is really going on.

Also of significance is Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s editorial in today’s Wall Street Journal. There may be a parallel to draw between Southern Ossetia and Kosovo, but I hope this won’t be used to occupy Georgia proper or to destabalize and overthrow the present Georgian government.

Hopefully the West will recognize that it is right and good to defend the interests of legitimate democracies from Taiwan to Estonia.

Please use with attribution.