Georgia is said to be America's closest ally among the former Soviet republics.

Its president, Mikhail Saakashvili, is pro-American. The Black Sea country with a democratically elected government is seeking membership in NATO.

In 2005, President Bush stood in the center of Tbilisi, the capital, and told tens of thousands of citizens that Americans "stand with" the people of Georgia.

The world will find out what that pledge means in coming days, especially if Russia does not comply with international demands to withdraw its troops from Georgia.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday there is no call to use U.S. military force in the Russia-Georgia conflict. That is true; there are other options.

Russia has agreed to a cease-fire. The West must ensure that Moscow keeps its part of the bargain. To that end, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has traveled to Tbilisi with a formal agreement for the Georgian president to sign. Russia must do likewise.

The United States is leading a relief effort for displaced and wounded Georgians. That assistance should continue as long as necessary.

It is heartening that the United States is not alone in addressing the crisis. French President Nicholas Sarkozy has done much. The European Union is actively involved.

Moscow must know it has much to lose if it continues hostilities. Questions about the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia remain to be answered and negotiated. The role of Russian peacekeepers needs to be decided. What about international peacekeepers?

President Bush must remain informed about the crisis and stay fully engaged. The consequences of the Russia-Georgia conflict could be enormous.

The West should do all in its power to keep Russia from expanding its territory and ensure that Georgia's borders are respected.

This is a time for wise, tough diplomacy.