Promising to Leave, Russia Amps Up Forces in Georgia

Despite promises from the Kremlin and ultimatums from the American and French presidents, Russia is stalling on its promise to withdraw from Georgia, reports the Guardian. The Russian military has moved ballistic missile launchers into South Ossetia, and its troops remain entrenched near Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. But ahead of an emergency NATO meeting tomorrow, Western governments are divided on how best to respond to Russia's aggressions.

The US and Britain favor a tough response to Moscow's actions, including ending security cooperation and deploying military monitors to Georgia. That stance has rankled France and Germany, who favor a more cautious approach and are expected to veto the plan. All NATO powers agree, however, that Georgia should be encouraged to join the union—a possibility that has infuriated the Kremlin. (More NATO stories.)