Sarko Looks Blotto at G8

No sanctions or radical changes expected

(NEWSER) - European Union leaders gather in Brussels in an emergency session today to review their stance on Russia’s invasion of Georgia. It's the first emergency EU meeting since the run-up to the Iraq war in 2003. With conflicting positions from the UK, France and Germany, analysts say the summit will likely produce support for Georgia and a major rethink on European ties with Russia—but no radical changes, reports the Guardian. More»

Outspoken response to a warning from Russia

(NEWSER) - In a cantankerous press conference today, President Bush warned that Iran risks starting World War III if it develops nuclear weapons. His remarks came as reporters sought his reaction to Vladimir Putin's comments, after meeting with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday, that the West should not only rule out military action against Iran, but stop talking about it, the New York Times reports. More»

(AP) - Barack Obama and his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, stood together today on thwarting Iran's nuclear ambitions and furthering a Mideast peace that provides for separate Israeli and Palestinian states. "We want peace. We want dialogue. We want to help them develop. But we do not want military nuclear weapons to spread," said Sarkozy of Iran, adding that he worries about "insane statements" from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. More»

Sarkozy's team leaks transcript pre-summit

(NEWSER) - Vladimir Putin would’ve had the Russian army destroy the Georgian government and hang President Mikhail Saakashvili “by the balls” if Nicolas Sarkozy hadn’t intervened, the Times of London reports. In a transcript of August’s cease-fire negotiations leaked by the French president’s office, Putin says he intends to overthrow Georgia; Sarkozy responds that the world will not accept his actions. More»

Tries to drive wedge between Europe and America

(NEWSER) - Dmitry Medvedev was in France today, mending bridges with Europe while laying the world’s problems—economic and otherwise—at America’s feet, the Telegraph reports. Medvedev blamed US “economic egotism” for the financial breakdown, and accused it of reviving its Russian containment policy and reigniting the Cold War. He proposed a new European alliance as a counterpoint to NATO, which he accused of overstepping its bounds. More»