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Palin Raises Specter of War With Russia

Candidate tells Gibson that Russian aggression could pull US into war

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 12, 2008 7:36 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sarah Palin talked tough on Russia in excerpts from her interview with Charlie Gibson aired last night, CNN reports. The candidate said she firmly backed NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia. Asked if that meant America would have to go to war if Russia invaded Georgia again, she said "Perhaps so. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you're going to be expected to be called upon and help."

Palin called the Russian incursion into Georgia "unprovoked," the Los Angeles Times notes, despite the wide recognition on both sides of the conflict that Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili triggered the Russian invasion by sending troops into breakaway province South Ossetia.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

In this image released by ABC, ABC News anchor Charles Gibson talks to Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin in Fairbanks, Alaska in an interview, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/ABC, Donna Svennik)

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We've got to keep an eye on Russia. For Russia to have exerted such pressure in terms of invading a smaller democratic country, unprovoked, is unacceptable. - Sarah Palin

When John McCain and I are sworn in, if we are so privileged to be elected to serve this country, we'll be ready. I'm ready. - Sarah Palin

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Palin Raises Specter of War With Russia