Bravo for Max Hastings' acknowledgement of the Russians' need for respect and the pragmatism of taking their needs into account (Comment, August 18). What would such an approach mean for South Ossetia? Rather than being stuck to the positions of old lines on territorial integrity that the US drew in the sand long ago, we could engage freely in creative thinking to develop new relationships that meet each country's need for security - and also for access to oil pipelines. Can you imagine a Caucasus Community developing into a Caucasus Union? Such a radical shift may sound impossible, but who would have imagined the European Union in the 1940s? Much can be built on respect.
Susan Allen Nan
George Mason University, Arlington, USA
Is there any connection between the George Bush II who encouraged Georgia to rebel and then left it in the lurch, and the George Bush I who egged on the Marsh Arabs of Iraq then stood by while Saddam Hussein cut them to pieces?
Peter Moore
Newent, Gloucestershire
