Spread too Thin?

It's odd how we attacked Iraq in the first Gulf War for invading Kuwait yet when Russia is invading Georgia, we are resorting to diplomacy.  So I guess I am confused because it seems our methods of overcoming conflict depend upon geographic location.  Based on precedent we should be invading Russia.  I don't know how that will work out with our current occupation of Iraq. I shall revise this post when I have time to research, but so far I leave you with only my thoughts on the situation.  So I've done some research and it turns out that Georgia began the conflict by trying to regain control of Ossetia.  What is interesting is it seems Russia has used this as an excuse to take over much of Georgia.  Ossetia simply wants its independence, but since it is divided among the two countries of Georgia and Russia that does not seem to be a possibility.  This conflict reminds me of the situation the U.S. had with the numerous Indian tribes it encountered in the expansion to the west.  These countries could take similar measures that the U. S. did and create reservations within their own country lines for these various nations.  I do not recommend make the mistake we did though with relocating the nations.