It's about time that the powers that be stepped up and tried to defuse the growing tensions between Russia and the former Soviet state of Georgia. The Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia broke away in the 1990s, hoping to be independent or become part of Russia, and residents in the regions have been rewarded by Russia with passports.

After Russia threatened to send in forces to counter what it said was an imminent Georgian attack on the breakaway regions, NATO spokesman James Appathurai spoke Wednesday in Brussels:

"Nato is watching with concern and wants to see all parties avoid the kind of rhetoric which is escalating tensions.

...The allies are unanimous in supporting, endorsing Georgia's territorial integrity and will not recognise or support steps that undermine that sovereignty.

...Have no doubt, everyone is watching very carefully what is happening on the ground."

Georgia is itching to become a member of NATO.

(Map: U.S. State Department)