THE TELEGRAPH: Washington has toughened its stance towards Russia as it sought to limit the damage to its prestige over the crisis in Georgia.
On the defensive after criticism that its response to the crisis has failed to stop Russia from prolonging its military operations in Georgia, the Bush administration lashed out at Moscow. Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, said that Russia's reputation was now "in tatters".
But this did not stop Russia from searching for a fresh pretext to extend its occupation of Georgian territory. While President Dmitry Medvedev announced that a troop withdrawal would finally begin on Monday, a spokesman for the Russian defence ministry later accused Georgia of preparing "a major provocative act" in the strategic town of Gori.
Miss Rice, who is to leave Washington for Brussels on Monday for an emergency Nato summit, called on Mr Medvedev to ensure that he carries out his latest promise.
"I hope this time he will keep his word," she said.
"Russia's reputation as a potential partner in international institutions, diplomatic, political, security, economic, is frankly, in tatters.
She added: "Russia will pay a price. We will look seriously with our allies and bilaterally at the consequences of this Russian action ... Georgia will rebuild, Russia's reputation may not be rebuilt." Georgia Conflict: Condoleeza Rice Toughens Stance towards Russia >>> By Alex Spillius in Washington and Adrian Blomfield in Gori | August 18, 2008
THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Russia, Pledging to Leave Georgia, Tightens Its Grip >>> By Michael R. Gordon | August 18, 2008
SPIEGELONLINE INTERNATIONAL:
Merkel's Most Serious Foreign Policy Crisis: German Chancellor Angela Merkel is now facing her most serious foreign policy crisis to date. The war in the Caucasus has shattered relations with Russia and sparked disagreements within the EU -- and with the United States >>> By Ralf Beste, Markus Feldenkirchen and Alexander Szandar | August 18, 2008
SPIEGELONLINE INTERNATIONAL:
Russia's Strategy Paralyzes US Government: The Bush Administration has warned that ties with Russia are imperiled, but the truth is that the US can undertake little more than symbolic action against Moscow. As much as Russia's actions have irritated the Americans, no one is interested in an escalation >>> By Gregor Peter Schmitz in Washington, D.C. | August 15, 2008
TIMESONLINE:
Cross Us and We’ll Crush You, Warns Medvedev >>> By Philippe Naughton | August 18, 2008
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US) >>>
