The BBC reports today from South Ossetia that not much has been done for the South Ossetians whose homes were destroyed or damaged in last August’s war. The Georgian minority long ago fled or were forced out. The South Ossetians are left totally dependent on their protectors in Moscow — who were quick ten months ago to recognize South Ossetia’s “independence,” but much slower to deliver material aid.
Several points find unfortunate reflection ten months on. Last August, presidential candidate John McCain pronounced that “We [Americans?] are all Georgians” and vowed that as President he would help Georgia withstand Russian pressure. Obama, while resolute in supporting Georgia, was more measured in his rhetoric. Now today Senator McCain trained his sights southward, criticizing President Obama for not being more vocal in support of the beleaguered Iranian opposition.
The problem with vigorous rhetoric is that those who employ it often get carried away and wind up in the politically untenable position of promising more than they can deliver. Or, in the case of Iran today, stern public admonitions from a U.S. President would only give Iran’s rulers ammunition to use in their propaganda war against the opposition. Obama was wise to realize that.
One other reminder. In the long run, Moscow plays her cards unsentimentally. Russia need not rush to follow military intervention with civilian assistance in South Ossetia. The Ossetians have nowhere else to go. Besides, the money can be used better in Central Asia, paying off the Kirghiz leadership for their agreement to cancel the U.S. lease on a Kirghiz air base. That’s change Moscow can believe in.