Russia, NATO in battle of wills over Georgia

By David Brunnstrom - Analysis

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The real conflict as NATO holds military exercises in Georgia is an increasingly tense battle of wills between the Western defense alliance and Moscow that could affect efforts to improve U.S.-Russian relations.

Ties between the former Cold war foes have soured over the exercises and an espionage case in which NATO has expelled two Russians and Moscow has thrown out two alliance officials. Russia has also pulled out of a meeting scheduled with NATO.

NATO says broadening ties with former Soviet republics such as Georgia, with whom Russia fought a brief war last year, breaks down barriers with countries long dominated by Moscow and strengthens security and stability in Europe.

But Russia regards such moves as a security challenge and wants to roll back Western influence in areas it considers part of its traditional sphere of influence.

"What you are seeing here is some power play, arm wrestling and arm twisting," said Karl-Heinz Kamp, research director at the NATO Defense College in Rome which prepares personnel for alliance appointments.

Diplomats and analysts say each side is testing the other's resolve over how to have influence in Ukraine and Georgia, which have been promised eventual membership of NATO.

This is part of a larger battle of wills as President Barack Obama tries to improve U.S. relations with Russia which deteriorated sharply under President George W. Bush.

U.S. officials say signals coming from Moscow are uneven and it is unclear how far Russia wants to go in improving ties.