William Kristol writes that the United States cannot turn away from a pro-Democratic government and nation. This is consistent with Irving Kristol's description of neo-conservative foreign policy:
Barring extraordinary events, the United States will always feel obliged to defend, if possible, a democratic nation under attack from nondemocratic forces, external or internal.It appears that John McCain has adopted the same policy, with the twist that Christian nations must be defended - supposedly from authoritarian atheist hordes? - in order to save 'the friend' from 'the enemy'. In this manner McCain's foreign policy is neo-conservative and a continuation of Bush's foreign policy. However as Gregory Djerejain writes:
Look, all of this would have been stupid and deeply flawed policy, but at least morally defensible, if we meant to actually defend the Georgians. But we don't, and never will, as this would mean a war with Russia.Consequently any solution to this war will be diplomatic and not involve military force. Currently this conflict will continue for as long as the Russians say it will. The United States is in a politically weak position and Putin knows it.
