Russia maintains pressure with recognition of Georgian territories
Defying the United States and Europe, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced Tuesday he has signed a decree recognizing the independence of the breakaway Georgian territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Few other nations are likely to follow Russia's lead, but the move is likely to further escalate tensions between Moscow and the West.
"This is not an easy choice, but this is the only chance to save people's lives," Mr. Medvedev said in a televised address a day after Russia's Kremlin-controlled parliament voted unanimously to support the diplomatic recognition.
Medvedev's declaration comes as Russian forces remain in Georgia after a war, staking out positions beyond the de facto borders of the separati
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Israeli reserve force is to file a complaint against Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's discriminatory decision. 
"We included Russia in the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrialized nations. We welcomed and pushed forward Russia's desire to join the World Trade Organization. That is all at risk now," US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said on Saturday. 