After 19 years of the division of the former Soviet Union into 15 independent states, the relationships between the US Administration and the Russian government are worsening for the first time now due to the Russian invasion of Georgia.
Tensions are building up between the West and Russia after Georgia used its military force to suppress the pro-Russian Ossetians seeking independence. Russia also used force to counter the Georgian army suppressing the Ossetians.
Georgia, as a pro-Western force, is planning to join NATO. As an opponent of Russia, Georgia is making Russia more jealous. Russia thinks Georgia should remain under the Russian security umbrella while Georgia wants to grow more powerful by accompanying the NATO, the dominant military union in Europe.
This is a power issue related to military might and control of the world.
Neither Russia, once the most powerful communist nation, nor the US, the most powerful current world ruler, can easily let their stance stoop. This is the crux of the dispute between them.
Both America and Russia have warned each other of any untoward consequences.
While the NATO is discussing on the expansion of military surveillance and monitors in Georgia, Russia thinks it is a direct threat to the existence of Russia.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warns Russia, "Russia will pay a price."
What type of price Russia will pay will be known only when the country actually starts paying it.
But what is already known is the worry Russia has about its own dignity when NATO expands its covert networks throughout Georgia.