The Struggle for South Ossetia (Georgian-Russian Conflict)

[trish55]

End of the line for Georgia, Russian tanks head toward Tblisi to level capital

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7550804.stm

'At war'

Georgian forces launched the latest in a series of artillery attacks on Tskhinvali early on Saturday, according to a South Ossetian government spokeswoman.

Russian forces said they had fought back, and fierce clashes were reported by Russian news agencies overnight.

Georgia meanwhile said that Russia had launched air strikes on targets outside of South Ossetia, in what it described as "a full-scale military invasion".

The Georgian authorities also said they were expecting a Russian attack on the capital, Tbilisi, and have evacuated some government offices in the city.

Georgian President Saakashvili said Russia was at war with his country.

Late on Friday, the Georgian national security council said Mr Saakashvili was poised to declare a state of emergency.

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Georgia initiated force against the autonomous, self-governing republic of South Ossetia early Thursday Morning. Russia responded with equal force. Western media is spreading lies to make Russia out as the "bad guy". God willing, Russia will annex South Ossetia and Abkhazia and leave the rest of Georgia in ruins.

Saakashvili is a traitor to his own people. Russia has given him the opportunity to surrender but he has let his pride get in the way and his people are dying because of it. He should be tried and publicly executed in Moscow.

[trish55]

doesnt anyone get this?

[Darlene]

Hi trish.

This is the first time I have looked at this, but tell you the truth I don't get it. I thought I was pretty much up to date on most things but I know not everything. This article has made me go "What?" . My first reaction is what is going on? Russia is mowing down Georgia? I kinda remember hearing about Georgia in the news but this has got me angry at Russia... To tell you the truth I don't know how I am supposed to feel. I do know- that I will be trying to find out more information about this conflict or war or whatever---

Darlene

[DaveM]

Similar potential situations, alas, exist in several of the former Soviet republics. By way of example, a group of unreformed Soviets declared sovereignty some years ago in Trans-Dniestra, technically part of Moldova. They issue their own currency, stamps, and passports, but so far, don't bother anyone and in return, everyone leaves them alone.

That said, the tinderbox potential is incredible should someone discover something valuable in Trans-Dniestra or should the "government" there attempt to be more assertive.

Georgia, for whatever reason, invaded the sovereign territory of another nation. For those of you who remember the days prior to the Iraq war, this is supposed to be a no-no. I have major problems with Russia's apparent "scorched-earth policy" and wonder what Putin's territorial intentions might be. However, the invasion by Georgia was appropriately stopped.

I have no idea whether all of the nations involved here are recognized by the UN but this might be a fine job for the UN Peacekeeping Force. Send in the French Foreign Legion and there will be no more funny business.

[Eva]

Yes Dave, I agree with you. However, I always get suspicious and scared when there are Russians / Sovjets involved. Must be a cultural / genetic thing because I am of eastern European descend. Where Sovjet armies (or in this case Russian or from any other former Sovjet nation; it's all the same to me) appear, people will die.

One of the things that happens in these countries that exist of several different states is that underlaying problems get smoothed over. The country gets being held together in an artificial way. Like in former Yugoslavia where things exploded between ethnic groups when Tito had died and the government that made yugoslavia one country had fallen. Conflicts that were sometimes centuries old came floating up again. 'Leaders' emerged who saw a chance for power and territory. I guess it's kind of the same now in the former Sovjet states.

Eva

[david uk]

just a little word to say that I don't think this needs to be posted in both forums. however strongly we feel about somthing we should respect everyone else by posting either in the main forum or the zoo, not both.

[Eva]

Agreed. Let's move it too the Zoo I suggest.

Eva

[trish55]

sorry about the post here, it was an accident

[David from London]

It's colonialism pure and simple.