David Phillips (Atlantic Council of the United States): War between Russia and Georgia is not inevitable if the west stands together in support of Georgia and Georgia's leaders take steps to defuse the current crisis and lay the ground for future negotiations. The US should lead international efforts to promote a peaceful outcome. Not only would a spiral of deadly violence disrupt energy supplies across Europe and Asia. Through Abkhazia, the Moscow-backed breakaway region of Georgia, Russia is posing a strategic challenge that the US dare not ignore.

In response to Russia's provocations, President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia can dispel claims that he is a "hothead" by acting like a true statesman. Mr Saakashvili can ease tensions by promising that Georgia will not initiate force against Abkhazia. He should invite Abkhaz leaders to issue a concurrent pledge not to use force and to reopen civilian crossings to Abkhazia. At the same time, he should reinforce his offer of "unlimited autonomy" for Abkhazia by detailing specific power-sharing arrangements aimed at protecting and promoting Abkhaz interests, including international security guarantees.