The former Soviet republic of Georgia is breaking down. Despite years of aid and assistance, the country resembles a failing state, with its economy on the brink of collapse, separatist movements controlling large parts of the nation and fears that terrorists are using Georgian territory for their headquarters. The situation has reached a fever pitch as Georgia's citizens have taken to the streets to protest parliamentary elections held earlier this month. They fear that the government will claim a win despite an overwhelming rejection at the polls. Theft must not be permitted. The international community must send an unmistakable message to the government that it risks ostracism and isolation if the public will is not respected.

Only a decade ago, Mr. Eduard Shevardnadze was the darling of the Western world. As foreign minister under Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, Mr. Shevardnadze oversaw the end of the Cold War and his careful stewardship of the Soviet Union during its unraveling won him admirers throughout the world. After he lost that job, he returned to his native state of Georgia, which had claimed its own independence. There he ran for and won the presidency.

His status paid dividends for him and his country. The United States gave more than $1 billion in aid to Georgia, making it one of the largest recipients in per capita terms. The U.S. provided special training for the country's military and the president's bodyguard.