what is Russia's real motive?

[Cubby]

Control the oil pipeline and hold Europe over a barrel, so to speak.

Which should be unacceptable to the West.

It should be. But because we were stupid enough to invade Iraq, our military is now too over-stretched to start a third war. Even Russia is smart enough not to try and directly topple the Georgian government in a full invasion.

[Cubby]

Control the oil pipeline and hold Europe over a barrel, so to speak.

Which should be unacceptable to the West.

It should be. But because we were stupid enough to invade Iraq, our military is now too over-stretched to start a third war. Even Russia is smart enough not to try and directly topple the Georgian government in a full invasion.

The West's military is over-stretched?  Having Europe over a barrel isn't just America's problem...believe it or not, it would be Europe's problem too.

I meant the US military was over-stretched. The EU doesn't do any military work besides peace-keeping in Kosovo.