Would NATO intervention spark a global conflagration?

Question

There are some who believe that Russian forces might strike quickly and firmly establish south Ossetia as a Russian protectorate. NATO and most of the free world do not recognize the separate state. Some are saying that NATO ought to come to the aid of the Georgians. Would NATO involvement not provoke major war between the Bear and the West?

Answer 1

It would because if NATO troops fire on the Russians, it would lead to the Russian invasion and bombardment of Europe which would lead to an American invasion of Russia  

Answer 2

If NATO did come to the aid of Georgia, it would almost certainly spark off a war between the West and Russia

However, NATO aren't stupid or suicidal enough to do that. They would do almost anything to avoid a conflict with Russia, since it could have catastrophic consequences.

Also, Bush will want to make sure that Russia doesn't go back to supporting Iran, which they probably would if the West were to attack. On the other hand, he doesn't want to lose control of the vital oil pipeline running through Georgia. It's a tricky situation, but I doubt WWIII will come of this...I hope.

Answer 3

Russians take over Georgia in 2 months....and the Turks move in...and here we go with another World War