Georgia in a vacuum

The U.S. media has been giving adequate attention to the increasing U.S. response to Russia's actions in Georgia. However, there has been a surprising amount of events that have received little mainstream media attention stateside. In fact, aside from an occasional blurb, a major point that is being overlooked is the support Russia is getting for its actions in Georgia. This is not to say that Russia's support is from the likes of the U.K. or Japan, but it is to say that Russia is doing spin-control of its own to help legitimize their actions. The more Russia can create an appearance of legitimization on the international stage, the easier it will be for Russia to complicate any efforts the U.S. may try to employ in diplomatic circles such as enlarging NATO. This may seem like a feeble maneuver, yet it is another step in Russia's strategy for regional superiority and influence. Worse, this is another step in the burgeoning Second Cold War (more on that later). The Georgia actions are not in a vacuum. The Bush Administration may know this, but the U.S. media isn't giving this aspect of the situation enough attention by exploring the bigger implications.