Russians Sending A Clear Message

It looks like Russia is still playing games with the rest of Europe and the United States. For days, the Russians said they agreed to a truce, but continued to bomb and advance their ground troops. Now that they've actually signed the truce, they keep saying they are beginning to withdraw. But the evidence suggests something else.

United States defense and military officials say they see no evidence that Russia is withdrawing their troops. In fact, several units of the Russian army actually moved toward the Georgian capital. Four armored vehicles, each carrying about 15 soldiers, moved from Gori to Igoeti -- about 55 miles from Tbilisi.

It's looking like Russia is intentionally dragging their feet to send a couple of messages. The first message is aimed at Europe and the United States. They're making it clear that they do not take orders or respond to threats from the West. They will withdraw when they want to, regardless of what Bush and European leaders want or say.

The second message is to the former members of the old Soviet state. These states border Russia, and Russia is making it clear to them that they have the power to squash any state that angers Russia. They are also making it clear that these states cannot count on the West for help when Russia decides to strike. There is only one real power in the area, and that power is Russia.

I expect Russia will probably withdraw from Georgia soon, except for the breakaway areas. They have made their point very clear.