Obama Condemns Russian Action on Breakaway Regions

Nick Timiraos reports on the presidential race from Kansas City, Mo. Russia’s decision early Tuesday to recognize breakaway Georgia regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia drew condemnation from Barack Obama , who also urged other nations “not to accord any legitimacy to this action.” Despite issuing that statement, the Democratic presidential candidate didn’t address the Georgia-Russia dispute during remarks at an American Airlines maintenance facility in Kansas City, a stop on a four-day tour designed to paint sharp contrasts on the economy with his Republican rival, John McCain . In the statement, the Illinois senator put the blame squarely on Russia for undermining regional stability. “Let us be clear, no one wants to see another Cold War with Russia,” he said. “Russia has the potential to become a critical stakeholder in the international system. But Russia’s recent choices—not American or European decisions—are threatening this potential.” (link)