What's inconceivable to me is that Saakashvili didn't see this coming. Did he really expect Russia NOT to react? Did he really expect the US to send tanks and planes to the rescue? Did he really expect the UN (where Russia still has veto power in the security council) to do anything other than hem and haw?

If you want a US analogy, you need an alternate universe:

1. The Mexican American war of 1846 results not in the annexation of Texas, but an occupation of all of Mexico. For around 100 years, the US holds claim to Mexican territory, despite political and ethnic unrest everywhere south of Texas, and despite global approbrium.

2. After 100 years, the US loses its hold on Mexico. Texas is now part of Mexico again.

3. Texas makes a bid for sovereignty and takes a pro-US stand, pissing off Mexico City.

4. Mexico City announces its alliance with Russia, and makes a bid to enter into a military pact with Moscow, pissing off the US.

5. Mexico City starts bombing Texas.

What does the US do? Ignore it all? Or send in the cavalry?

I think we need to make sure this next election goes as smoothly as possible. Therefore, I propose the following:

You should have kept quiet