For five days, the world watched as Russia crushed its southern neighbor, Georgia. Political pundits wrote some sobering analyses of what this means for the world. Following are excerpts from several of them.
Victor Davis Hanson in "Moscow's Sinister Brilliance:"
"...Putin and Medvedev have called the West's bluff. We are sort of stuck in a time-warp of the 1990s, seemingly eons ago in which a once-earnest weak post-Soviet Russia sought Western economic help and political mentoring. But those days are long gone, and diplomacy hasn't caught up with the new realities. Russia is flush with billions. It serves as a rallying point and arms supplier to thugs the world over that want leverage in their anti-Western agendas. For the last five years, its foreign policy can be reduced to 'Whatever the United States is for, we are against.' The geopolitical message is clear to both the West and the former Soviet Republics: don't consider NATO membership."
George Will in "Russia's Power Play:"
"...Russia's aggression is really about the subordination of Georgia, a democratic, market-oriented U.S. ally. This is the recrudescence of Russia's dominance in what it calls the 'near abroad.' Ukraine, another nation guilty of being provocatively democratic near Russia, should tremble because there is not much America can do. It is a bystander at the bullying of an ally that might be about to undergo regime change."
The geo-political ramifications of the war between Russia and Georgia are enormous. Others also believe this past week's war may have profound prophetic significance.
Joel Rosenberg in his blog, "Flash Traffic:"
"Observers of Biblical prophecies such as Ezekiel 38 and 39 will note that directly or effectively controlling Georgia would be key when Moscow one day begins moving Russian military forces through Turkey and into Lebanon, Syria and eventually against Israel."
Chuck Pierce, president of "Harvest Watchman" and author of "God's Unfolding Battle Plan:"
"This is what I wrote in God's Unfolding Battle Plan: One such nation that will align with others to come against Israel is Russia. She and her children, Gog and Magog, will arise with new strength in days ahead and attempt to rule. Ezekiel 38:3-6 says: 'Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops-many people are with you.'
"As a result of Russia's newfound aggression, the United States and other nations will begin to distance themselves from Russia. In fact, 2008 will be the defining year for Russia. For a season, a new favor will arise and rest upon Russia so that new alignments can be formed.
"The nations listed in Ezekiel will begin to align with this power from the north that is seeking a renewed role in world influence. The Cold War is over, and the thaw has occurred. Now these nations will become "hot" in the next 10 years. A new river of terror will begin to flow from the north." But God!
"The above quotes from God's Unfolding Battle Plan are very important to read because of the impact that the events beginning in that region will have on the realignment of the nations worldwide.
"Here are some things to ponder: Russia will continue to be the pursuing, dominant force that attempts to rule the Caucasus. Russia is in the process of redefining that region of the world. The Georgia 'war' is the first major Russian intervention with this level of impact that has occurred in several years.
"What you must notice is the new boldness and confidence that Russia is now poised to demonstrate to the world.
"You also must be aware of their indifference to general worldwide opinion.
"The Georgia conflict will become a defining moment in the future of world history. If you want to look at this from the standpoint of playing cards, Russia now holds the "trump" in the suit concerning America and Iran. Start watching very carefully for the reaction of the former Russian satellite states."
While the world watches the Olympics, with this latest development, it's certainly also a time to heed the Biblical exhortation to "watch and pray."