Republicans have always loved Rio. Donnelly says the president was “gambling with America’s reputation, not just his own.” Newsweek profiles McChrystal. Abu Muqawama blows out senior administration official for insulting McChrystal on background. “Moscow was spoiling for a fight, preparing for a fight, and had every intention of goading Georgia into a fight.” Stephen Kotkin on the “unbalanced triangle.” Joe Klein isn’t convinced the Iranians want a bomb. It’s not that Obama’s pro-Israel, it’s just that he can’t get anyone to give up their nukes. Max Boot responds to Andy McCarthy’s Afghanistan pessimism.