Your attention to detail is correct quillsinister.

However, would Russia ever dream of challenging NATO? Miscalculations can happen when you're feeling froggy - and I think Russia does at the moment.

Besides, there was always a conspiracy theory we wanted Afghanistan, so we could put a pipeline through. Maybe we should rethink that, and put the Afghan men to work on it - just kidding!

Incidentally, totally off the subject, but it was interesting they shut-off the oil on the Turkish side of the Georgian pipeline prior to this conflict. It would seem someone knew what was coming. Nothing like the Olympic Games to distract, though I'm told lower level diplomats were telling Georgia to ratchet it down (their president is a younger version of ours).

Russia actually does need investment in their oil industry. Current forcasts, show they are tapping-out. Which means Siberia. Which futher means heavy logistical problems that require international cooperation, technology and investment.

America does have options.