Russian paranoia over it's national security led to the creation of the Soviet Union. Neither the death of Stalin nor the disintegration of the Soviet Union removed that paranoia. Given Georgia's misadventure in the Caucasus, Russia's overreaction seems predictable. As is the serious concern of other former Soviet Union countries, who now find themselves wanting Western protection and fearing they might not get it when the chips are down. Consider this. And now that our foot's in the mess, what should our goals be?