Georgia-Russia wrangle: who’s right?


Peter 27 August, 2008, 09:23	In my opinion Rusians were right in both occasions. By repeling Georgians and recogising Osetia and Abhasia. The hipcracy of wester states is obvious and my advice to western politicians is - SHUT UP. permalink quote +1 Peter
Anatoliy 27 August, 2008, 12:57	Who is right? The same question we can ask: who first appeared: chicken or egg? But I still think that first we must ask ourselves who start the war? And who claims: Georgia for Georgian people. So Russia and Russian people must take care about Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia could've saved territorial integrity if it didn't start the war! Diplomatic relations is the right way! permalink quote -1 Anatoliy
Thomas 27 August, 2008, 12:59	Russia is. What the Georgian troops did in South Ossetia is no better than the actions of Serbian paramilitary in the Kosovo conflict. The one-sided views in Western media mark a new low point in my trust of these systems' honesty. Looks like after the fall of the Soviet Union, now the time is near when the West, foremost the US, suffers a similar fate. permalink quote -1 Thomas
Norman 27 August, 2008, 13:57	Point 1. Georgian President Saakashvili started the conflict by attacking, mistreating, and insulting South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. Saakashvili has also mistreated his own news media, and the Russian TV channels. And his opposition. Point 2 Saakashvili has dragged NATO and the EU into this crisis. Point 3 Russia entered South Ossetia, and Georgia, to protect the ethnic Russians and S. Ossetians. Point 4 Georgia and it's leader are at fault. Independence For ABKHAZIA and SOUTH OSSETIA! permalink quote 0 Norman
Al2 27 August, 2008, 14:28	What comes around goes around. Think about Kosovo. Saakashvili tried to take S Osettia by force, he made a mistake. He was wrong. Russia did the right thing by throwing the Georgians out and restoring order in the area. permalink quote 0 Al2
john 27 August, 2008, 15:30	Both are to blame. Georgia for taking the Russian bait and attacking South Ossetians. Russia for planning this attack for a long time and waiting for an excuse to attack Georgia in the name of "defense". Let's see how many other "breakaway provinces" Russia will now be eager to "defend" against their "oppressive governments". permalink quote 0 john
Sevodnya_Net 27 August, 2008, 15:34	It is a bit hard to answer this question honestly when it is couched so vaguely: also, I'm not sure "wrangle" is quite the right word to describe the way the events of the last few years have lately, tragically developed. On the question of rights and wrongs tho, re the alleged recognition of Abkhazia and S. Ossetia by Russia, I am reminded of 6 little words Peter Lavelle used on RT several months ago after Kosovo's UDI. "Two wrongs don't make a right" said Peter, suggesting that Russia would be best advised to stick to the principle of International Law in the matter of recognition of sovereign territory. Abiding strictly by the letter of International Law, Peter had a point back then, although the wording of the UN resolution allegedly contravened by NATO and the EU was far from conclusive. Without going into the rights and wrongs of Kosovo again, however it seems that Russia has decided on the cynical approach: OK, we think you are wrong, but if that's the way you want to play it . No one should be under the slightest illusion that what is at stake here is the "independence" of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They are simply pawns in Russia's game I'm afraid. Look at South Ossetia, to start with: despite what everyone seems to think - and this is hardly surprising given the lazy coverage in the west and the shall we say less than even-handed coverage by RT - people might be forgiven for thinking that here is a territory made up of Ossetians and ethnic Russians thirsting for freedom from wicked Georgia. In fact South Ossetia, as I've pointed out before is, or rather was, a patchwork of villages, some Georgian and some Ossetian, people who largely lived quite happily together in what some have rather euphemistically described as a "tax haven". The separatist "government", consisting mainly of Russian civil servants, controlled only a part of the territory, and in fact was opposed by a rival "government". During the short conflict terrified Ossetians fled north and terrified Georgians fled south. The terrified Ossetians, I'm glad to say, will return to their homes, the terrified Georgians will never return. In beautiful Abkhazia, after the bitter war there 16 years ago, ethnic cleansing of Georgians from the region had steadily continued until only the disputed Kodori Gorge region remained with any significant Georgian population. During the S. Ossetian conflict Russian troop reinforcements were illegally deployed there and were used to help Abkhaz militia drive the remaining Georgians and UN peace keepers from the Kodori Gorge region: a completely unprovoked act of aggression which took place while the world's attention was focused on S. Ossetia (or the Olympics!) Like S. Ossetia, Abkhazia is governed by mainly Russian civil servants, and like S. Ossetia had its own rival government. Russia I believe is right in one respect: there are undoubtedly significant voices for independence in Abkhazia (I don't believe for one minute that these exist to any significant degree in S. Ossetia, over and above the understandable desire for many Ossetians to be united as one country with Ossetians in the north.) These concerns need to be addressed: for the last 16 years both territories have existed in a limbo: de facto independent and yet invisible to the world's eye. That is a situation which should not persist. But the idea that laterally, at any rate, Russia was playing an honest role as peace keeper is well wide of the mark. Saakashvili has been criticised for wanting his territories "back" but I can see no problem with this aspiration, provided peaceful means were used. However, it is naive to suppose that one can use only diplomacy, charm offensives and offers of autonomy when the regions concerned are occupied by self-interested peace keepers and the militias of lawless puppet regimes. It is also worth reflecting that the majority of Ossetians in Georgia actually live outside the territory of South Ossetia, and similarly many Abkhazians live in Georgia proper also, and pefectly happily alongside their Georgian compatriots. I even have one acquaintance, half Georgian half Abkhazian, who works in the Georgian parliament. So, by all means let the issues of Abkhazia and S. Ossetia, and how they are to be governed, come belatedly to the world's attention: but let it be done with understanding of the situation and let us be very suspicious of the intentions of their so called number one "friend" Russia who sign a piece of paper one day and toss it away the next. How many shouting about independence for these regions really know anything about them or indeed could give two kopecks for them? Hmmmm permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
David 27 August, 2008, 15:54	I think many people realise that Georgia was an unstable country with populations that did not want to be governed from Tbilisi - and that got shelled as a consequence! Why are Western governments supporting a leader who would do that? I hope Medvedev and Putin play it carefully, and hopefully get more sense from the next US president. We don't want a new cold war - the risk of a mistake is just too awful. permalink quote 0 David
ROBERT (U.S.) 27 August, 2008, 16:20	Russia and Georgia need to go to the U.N. hammer out there differances.Russia nor Georgia can take the law into there own hands without putting the world into defensive atmosphere. Germany , France and England and the U.S. will start to increase there military defences capablity. Russia may not like the western ideology of freedom and human rights but they do need to coexist in the world together.I do agree with Russia grievances about double standards. That maybe S.O. ,Kosovo and Abkhazia should file for independence and Chechnya too.It seem to me that all this attornies write all these laws and rules then they don't like to go to court into settle there disputes. Russia new regime to me seems to be run by a fraternity of lawers. To me when I go to court and argue my cases its not about whether I win or lose the case. Its just about that got to go tell the judge and a jury of my peers about my grievance. And it becomes a permanet document that later may have resolutions and compensation. Courts are also not about the search for the truth , because im not that naive.Its not a competition between two lawers. Courts are kind of like this guy that just got married to this great beautiful women and start to scream it to the world. Screams (hey I just got married and this is my wife)you get mixed reactions sometimes good sometimes bad. Life is not fair and a bed of roses. permalink quote 0 ROBERT (U.S.)
MihalMihalich 27 August, 2008, 16:33	Dear Ladies & Gentlemen Who is right? Drug dealers believe that police is unlawfully seizing their property and investments. Doesn’t make then right though! Double standards are WRONG. When 3000 Americans are killed, U.S. invades 2 countries for 5 years with no end in sight… Russian military and peacekeepers respond to Georgian army massacre of 2000 Russians and withdrawal in 2 weeks and call it most unspeakable violation of every UN law. It is WRONG to kill peacekeepers under any circumstances. You get life in prison or electric char for killing 1 cop. It is WRONG to force people out of their homes, it is WRONG to shot at refugees that are trying to escape conflict zone, it is WRONG to shoot at hospital, kill children, burn down villages, to bomb refugee safe zones, to shoot at everything and anything that moves, to use Banned weapons against civilians, etc. etc. And for U.S. it is wrong to cover up acts of genocide against Russian citizens. When U.S. supported Georgian NATO membership you could rub your mouth about freedom and democracy (democracy have nothing to do with military NATO block), but when you supported Georgian army ethnic cleansings against minorities, then U.S. became accessory of the crime. U.S. hanged Sadam for Genocide, and U.S. supported Genocide of Russians. Yes, that is really WRONG, and U.S. people will find out about it eventually but not in time to change things. Russians will not forget and will not forgive such a horrible political action. U.S. actions have already damaged mutual relations between two countries. Russia is not the country that US can afford to be hostile to for most idiotic actions of Georgian president. It just beyond unreasonable. It is WRONG for respectable news agencies to distort information and show pictures of destroyed capital Tshenvali of S. Ossetia and claim its Georgian city Gori, to show killed Ossetians civilians by Georgian army and claim its Georgians killed by Russian peacekeepers, show Georgian army running to Georgian capital and claim its Russian tanks are moving to invade Tbilisi. I can believe that simple people don’t know truth about conflict, BUT it is impossible for EU leaders not to be fully aware of the situation and blindly follow U.S. official trend and then cowardly whisper to Russian officials “please don’t break up with us, we need you support, investments, access to your market, logistical network, energy, resources, your safe passage to Afghanistan, etc. etc.” It is freaking WRONG to watch how people suffer, bagging on their knees for basic human rights. and then support maniac that kills civilians with tanks! Best Regards permalink quote 0 MihalMihalich
LAVY 27 August, 2008, 16:41	Was this really a Georgia-Russia wrangle in the 1st instance.No.! Russia had to step in.in order to stop the extiction of a nation within Georgia, just as NATO did to stop the extinction of THE ALBANIANS living within Greater Serbia (as they claim) Now it has been made into a Russia/Georgia wrangle.Just as it was a nato/GREATER Serbia wrangle.! ALL RIGHT or WRONG depends on which side of the divide you are at what time.! One thing is sure - After kOSOVO, Iraq,Palestine,Lebanon, civilian deaths in Afghnistan - all wrong and RIGHT depends on MIGHT! And this scenario is going to be repeated again and again.till the NATO/US brass think they are virtually unbeatable/all- mighty! permalink quote 0 LAVY
Fred 27 August, 2008, 16:48	Russia is right. Its a No-Brainer , JUST like Georgias president, the worlds only surviving brain donor. permalink quote 0 Fred
Sergo 27 August, 2008, 16:53	Saakashvili started this war. Saakashvili killed more two thousand of people. He wanted to annihilate the people of South Ossetia. Russian army stopped the enormities of Georgian state power. Saakashvili is a murderer. permalink quote 0 Sergo
Shawn 27 August, 2008, 17:28	Our media is claiming that it was Russia who has started this battle in Georgia, and claiming that Russia wants to start a "New Cold War." It is sad how the media and the U.S. government has portrayed this incident. Dick Cheney, U.S. Vice President made a remark, saying "In the 21st Century, we do not invade another country!" Obviously it was aimed toward Russia, but how ridiculous is that? U.S. have invaded not 1 but 2 countries in the 21st Century. At this moment in time, I am not proud to be an American. Our government needs to back off and take care of it's own country before it starts dictating how others run theirs. permalink quote 0 Shawn
Tirana44 27 August, 2008, 17:41	The Russian Federation was correct in its response to the western sponsored agression launched against the peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The foresight and courage of Pres Medvedev should be an inspiration to progressive and freedom loving people the world over. I am sure that having restored peace and stability to the region by recognising these two Republicsthat the Russian Federation will stand firm in the face of the hypocritical and misguided response from the western countries. The sooner the regime in Tblisi is brought to account for the terrible things it has done, the better for all the peoples of the region. We look to Russia to make this happen. permalink quote 0 Tirana44
Jimmy 27 August, 2008, 17:54	The western media has completely distorted the situation. I am a chinese-american, educated and listening to the fool sakaasvili hurts my ears. Just because he can speak english does not give him any more credibility. Georgia lied and tried to enforce its policy against South Ossetia during the shadow of the olympics thinking that the transgressions would be overlooked, but Russia was correct to respond in assymetrical fashion, making a clear message to the world that it will not tolerate Georgian aggression. This move is a victory for Russia's deterrent credibility as well as an a successful exercise in military operations. More of my commentary at www.wangtheory.com permalink quote 0 Jimmy
Ken (Arklight) 27 August, 2008, 18:19	I'm surprised that Russia didn't see this coming, and recognize the two enclaves as independant entities, and offer them status as protectorates of Russia and membership in the CIS. The EU and NATO should be aware that if they become overly fractious, their supplies of POL and natural gas could well be shut off, for good. Go Medvedev! permalink quote 0 Ken (Arklight)
Arina 27 August, 2008, 18:35	Russia is Right to protect not only Russian Citizens but S.Ossetians who don't even hold Russian passport. In our society they teach in school to little kids, YOU don't let your parent hit you, if they ever slap you, You call Police. Our society has given freedom to every one, the little kids also have freedom from their own CRAZY parents, or Abusive Parents. So when Georgia commits Genocide against their own people, IF UN,EU,NATO don't stop (like they did in Yugoslavia-Kosovo) then some one has to Help those Kids (S.O)from Abusive Parents(Sakashvilli). OK, lets say WIll Brussel (Belgium) ever gonna send tanks and missiles to Antwerp (Belgium) to kill their own people? WIll Canada ever gonna kill women and children (when they are sleeping) in Quebec who is asking for Seperation? Will Spain chase Children and Women hiding in Church, School and Hospital and BURN THEN ALIVE in Basque Region? US,EU,NATO,UN FAILED to protect S. Ossetians from Crazy Sakashvilli, they can not secure the world, they can not provide security to the world. NATO just killed 60 Children in Afghanistan. 60 is not just a number, You look at this Dots, that is exactly 60 and that many CHILDREN, defenseless, Unarmed Children they killed, and this is not the first time NATO have killed children or bombed Schools. Take a look what 60 means (think this all were children, May be ONE OF YOURS) O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O APATHY is dangerous then Nuclear weapon. permalink quote 0 Arina
Philip 27 August, 2008, 18:55	I am British and I support the Russians on the whole South Ossetia crisis. The invasion of South Ossetia was USA sponsered aggression. I am happy Russia defended its interests. This is now a complicated situation and I believe no one in Europe wants a second cold war. Although I think the American Neocons will benefit from this crisis in their Presidential election year. The cultural ties between Europe and Russia are much stonger than those of Europe and the USA. Someone please tell Bush & Cheney to shut up and stay out of Europe and Russia's affairs. Someone please tell the British foreign secretary to shut his mouth also. What an idiot! permalink quote 0 Philip
Harvey 27 August, 2008, 19:11	I guess Peter Lavelle will not agree with what I am about to say. This "journalist" reminds me of Sean Hannity on Fox News, so who cares anyway? I had big hopes in Medvedev, but unfortunately I was so naive and gulible! Anyone with a bit more brain than Putin has (that means about everyone on this planet including Medvedev until yesterday) should wonder what game is he playing (or what game is he told to play by the brainless moron.) I would expect Russian leaders to care about their own country's image, and what they have done in the past few weeks, and months, is an appauling disaster to themselves! The fact is that among other things, most of the world and particularly European Union doen't need overpriced oil and gas from Russia. We in Europe have everything we need from the North Sea, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Libya, and of course from the Gulf. Nothing new on the West front. Are you sure you really don't care about a new cold war, Mr Medvedev? For sure Mr Rambo Putin doesn't care, but aren't you the President Mister Medvedev? Why do you allow your country to be ridiculised in the face of the world, and still contribute to this masquerade? You are ludicrously hopeless. It is clear that Putin is still in full power. So sad for Mother Russia, a great country and great people that deserved a lot more respect and consideration. Until now. You have lost my interest and admiration for a long time and I guess I am not the only one to be in that situation. If not a cold war, it's at least a cold shower you have just inflicted the civilised world by your pathetic behaviour. I thought you were one of the top emerging powers of the 21st century, like China and India are. It is clear now that you are a thing of the past and that you are doomed, thanks to yourselves. You will never get anywhere by bullying "smaller" countries and flexing your muscles, that probably works with illiterate people in your Moscow suburbs or penthouses or datchas, but certainly doesn't impress anyone in the civilised world beyond your borders. Making big money need some education that you obviously don't have at all. Your prosperity won't last long with this kind of mentality, thanks to your own leaders it is severely wasted now. What a shame. But who cares anyway? Good luck Russia, you will need some. permalink quote 0 Harvey

Peter 27 August, 2008, 09:23

In my opinion Rusians were right in both occasions. By repeling Georgians and recogising Osetia and Abhasia. The hipcracy of wester states is obvious and my advice to western politicians is - SHUT UP.

permalink quote Peter

Anatoliy 27 August, 2008, 12:57

Who is right? The same question we can ask: who first appeared: chicken or egg? But I still think that first we must ask ourselves who start the war? And who claims: Georgia for Georgian people. So Russia and Russian people must take care about Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia could've saved territorial integrity if it didn't start the war! Diplomatic relations is the right way!

permalink quote Anatoliy

Thomas 27 August, 2008, 12:59

Russia is. What the Georgian troops did in South Ossetia is no better than the actions of Serbian paramilitary in the Kosovo conflict. The one-sided views in Western media mark a new low point in my trust of these systems' honesty. Looks like after the fall of the Soviet Union, now the time is near when the West, foremost the US, suffers a similar fate.

permalink quote Thomas

Norman 27 August, 2008, 13:57

Point 1. Georgian President Saakashvili started the conflict by attacking, mistreating, and insulting South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. Saakashvili has also mistreated his own news media, and the Russian TV channels. And his opposition. Point 2 Saakashvili has dragged NATO and the EU into this crisis. Point 3 Russia entered South Ossetia, and Georgia, to protect the ethnic Russians and S. Ossetians. Point 4 Georgia and it's leader are at fault. Independence For ABKHAZIA and SOUTH OSSETIA!

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Al2 27 August, 2008, 14:28

What comes around goes around. Think about Kosovo. Saakashvili tried to take S Osettia by force, he made a mistake. He was wrong. Russia did the right thing by throwing the Georgians out and restoring order in the area.

permalink quote Al2

john 27 August, 2008, 15:30

Both are to blame. Georgia for taking the Russian bait and attacking South Ossetians. Russia for planning this attack for a long time and waiting for an excuse to attack Georgia in the name of "defense". Let's see how many other "breakaway provinces" Russia will now be eager to "defend" against their "oppressive governments".

permalink quote john

Sevodnya_Net 27 August, 2008, 15:34

It is a bit hard to answer this question honestly when it is couched so vaguely: also, I'm not sure "wrangle" is quite the right word to describe the way the events of the last few years have lately, tragically developed. On the question of rights and wrongs tho, re the alleged recognition of Abkhazia and S. Ossetia by Russia, I am reminded of 6 little words Peter Lavelle used on RT several months ago after Kosovo's UDI. "Two wrongs don't make a right" said Peter, suggesting that Russia would be best advised to stick to the principle of International Law in the matter of recognition of sovereign territory. Abiding strictly by the letter of International Law, Peter had a point back then, although the wording of the UN resolution allegedly contravened by NATO and the EU was far from conclusive. Without going into the rights and wrongs of Kosovo again, however it seems that Russia has decided on the cynical approach: OK, we think you are wrong, but if that's the way you want to play it . No one should be under the slightest illusion that what is at stake here is the "independence" of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They are simply pawns in Russia's game I'm afraid. Look at South Ossetia, to start with: despite what everyone seems to think - and this is hardly surprising given the lazy coverage in the west and the shall we say less than even-handed coverage by RT - people might be forgiven for thinking that here is a territory made up of Ossetians and ethnic Russians thirsting for freedom from wicked Georgia. In fact South Ossetia, as I've pointed out before is, or rather was, a patchwork of villages, some Georgian and some Ossetian, people who largely lived quite happily together in what some have rather euphemistically described as a "tax haven". The separatist "government", consisting mainly of Russian civil servants, controlled only a part of the territory, and in fact was opposed by a rival "government". During the short conflict terrified Ossetians fled north and terrified Georgians fled south. The terrified Ossetians, I'm glad to say, will return to their homes, the terrified Georgians will never return. In beautiful Abkhazia, after the bitter war there 16 years ago, ethnic cleansing of Georgians from the region had steadily continued until only the disputed Kodori Gorge region remained with any significant Georgian population. During the S. Ossetian conflict Russian troop reinforcements were illegally deployed there and were used to help Abkhaz militia drive the remaining Georgians and UN peace keepers from the Kodori Gorge region: a completely unprovoked act of aggression which took place while the world's attention was focused on S. Ossetia (or the Olympics!) Like S. Ossetia, Abkhazia is governed by mainly Russian civil servants, and like S. Ossetia had its own rival government. Russia I believe is right in one respect: there are undoubtedly significant voices for independence in Abkhazia (I don't believe for one minute that these exist to any significant degree in S. Ossetia, over and above the understandable desire for many Ossetians to be united as one country with Ossetians in the north.) These concerns need to be addressed: for the last 16 years both territories have existed in a limbo: de facto independent and yet invisible to the world's eye. That is a situation which should not persist. But the idea that laterally, at any rate, Russia was playing an honest role as peace keeper is well wide of the mark. Saakashvili has been criticised for wanting his territories "back" but I can see no problem with this aspiration, provided peaceful means were used. However, it is naive to suppose that one can use only diplomacy, charm offensives and offers of autonomy when the regions concerned are occupied by self-interested peace keepers and the militias of lawless puppet regimes. It is also worth reflecting that the majority of Ossetians in Georgia actually live outside the territory of South Ossetia, and similarly many Abkhazians live in Georgia proper also, and pefectly happily alongside their Georgian compatriots. I even have one acquaintance, half Georgian half Abkhazian, who works in the Georgian parliament. So, by all means let the issues of Abkhazia and S. Ossetia, and how they are to be governed, come belatedly to the world's attention: but let it be done with understanding of the situation and let us be very suspicious of the intentions of their so called number one "friend" Russia who sign a piece of paper one day and toss it away the next. How many shouting about independence for these regions really know anything about them or indeed could give two kopecks for them? Hmmmm

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

David 27 August, 2008, 15:54

I think many people realise that Georgia was an unstable country with populations that did not want to be governed from Tbilisi - and that got shelled as a consequence! Why are Western governments supporting a leader who would do that? I hope Medvedev and Putin play it carefully, and hopefully get more sense from the next US president. We don't want a new cold war - the risk of a mistake is just too awful.

permalink quote David

ROBERT (U.S.) 27 August, 2008, 16:20

Russia and Georgia need to go to the U.N. hammer out there differances.Russia nor Georgia can take the law into there own hands without putting the world into defensive atmosphere. Germany , France and England and the U.S. will start to increase there military defences capablity. Russia may not like the western ideology of freedom and human rights but they do need to coexist in the world together.I do agree with Russia grievances about double standards. That maybe S.O. ,Kosovo and Abkhazia should file for independence and Chechnya too.It seem to me that all this attornies write all these laws and rules then they don't like to go to court into settle there disputes. Russia new regime to me seems to be run by a fraternity of lawers. To me when I go to court and argue my cases its not about whether I win or lose the case. Its just about that got to go tell the judge and a jury of my peers about my grievance. And it becomes a permanet document that later may have resolutions and compensation. Courts are also not about the search for the truth , because im not that naive.Its not a competition between two lawers. Courts are kind of like this guy that just got married to this great beautiful women and start to scream it to the world. Screams (hey I just got married and this is my wife)you get mixed reactions sometimes good sometimes bad. Life is not fair and a bed of roses.

permalink quote ROBERT (U.S.)

MihalMihalich 27 August, 2008, 16:33

Dear Ladies & Gentlemen Who is right? Drug dealers believe that police is unlawfully seizing their property and investments. Doesn’t make then right though! Double standards are WRONG. When 3000 Americans are killed, U.S. invades 2 countries for 5 years with no end in sight… Russian military and peacekeepers respond to Georgian army massacre of 2000 Russians and withdrawal in 2 weeks and call it most unspeakable violation of every UN law. It is WRONG to kill peacekeepers under any circumstances. You get life in prison or electric char for killing 1 cop. It is WRONG to force people out of their homes, it is WRONG to shot at refugees that are trying to escape conflict zone, it is WRONG to shoot at hospital, kill children, burn down villages, to bomb refugee safe zones, to shoot at everything and anything that moves, to use Banned weapons against civilians, etc. etc. And for U.S. it is wrong to cover up acts of genocide against Russian citizens. When U.S. supported Georgian NATO membership you could rub your mouth about freedom and democracy (democracy have nothing to do with military NATO block), but when you supported Georgian army ethnic cleansings against minorities, then U.S. became accessory of the crime. U.S. hanged Sadam for Genocide, and U.S. supported Genocide of Russians. Yes, that is really WRONG, and U.S. people will find out about it eventually but not in time to change things. Russians will not forget and will not forgive such a horrible political action. U.S. actions have already damaged mutual relations between two countries. Russia is not the country that US can afford to be hostile to for most idiotic actions of Georgian president. It just beyond unreasonable. It is WRONG for respectable news agencies to distort information and show pictures of destroyed capital Tshenvali of S. Ossetia and claim its Georgian city Gori, to show killed Ossetians civilians by Georgian army and claim its Georgians killed by Russian peacekeepers, show Georgian army running to Georgian capital and claim its Russian tanks are moving to invade Tbilisi. I can believe that simple people don’t know truth about conflict, BUT it is impossible for EU leaders not to be fully aware of the situation and blindly follow U.S. official trend and then cowardly whisper to Russian officials “please don’t break up with us, we need you support, investments, access to your market, logistical network, energy, resources, your safe passage to Afghanistan, etc. etc.” It is freaking WRONG to watch how people suffer, bagging on their knees for basic human rights. and then support maniac that kills civilians with tanks! Best Regards

permalink quote MihalMihalich

LAVY 27 August, 2008, 16:41

Was this really a Georgia-Russia wrangle in the 1st instance.No.! Russia had to step in.in order to stop the extiction of a nation within Georgia, just as NATO did to stop the extinction of THE ALBANIANS living within Greater Serbia (as they claim) Now it has been made into a Russia/Georgia wrangle.Just as it was a nato/GREATER Serbia wrangle.! ALL RIGHT or WRONG depends on which side of the divide you are at what time.! One thing is sure - After kOSOVO, Iraq,Palestine,Lebanon, civilian deaths in Afghnistan - all wrong and RIGHT depends on MIGHT! And this scenario is going to be repeated again and again.till the NATO/US brass think they are virtually unbeatable/all- mighty!

permalink quote LAVY

Fred 27 August, 2008, 16:48

Russia is right. Its a No-Brainer , JUST like Georgias president, the worlds only surviving brain donor.

permalink quote Fred

Sergo 27 August, 2008, 16:53

Saakashvili started this war. Saakashvili killed more two thousand of people. He wanted to annihilate the people of South Ossetia. Russian army stopped the enormities of Georgian state power. Saakashvili is a murderer.

permalink quote Sergo

Shawn 27 August, 2008, 17:28

Our media is claiming that it was Russia who has started this battle in Georgia, and claiming that Russia wants to start a "New Cold War." It is sad how the media and the U.S. government has portrayed this incident. Dick Cheney, U.S. Vice President made a remark, saying "In the 21st Century, we do not invade another country!" Obviously it was aimed toward Russia, but how ridiculous is that? U.S. have invaded not 1 but 2 countries in the 21st Century. At this moment in time, I am not proud to be an American. Our government needs to back off and take care of it's own country before it starts dictating how others run theirs.

permalink quote Shawn

Tirana44 27 August, 2008, 17:41

The Russian Federation was correct in its response to the western sponsored agression launched against the peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The foresight and courage of Pres Medvedev should be an inspiration to progressive and freedom loving people the world over. I am sure that having restored peace and stability to the region by recognising these two Republicsthat the Russian Federation will stand firm in the face of the hypocritical and misguided response from the western countries. The sooner the regime in Tblisi is brought to account for the terrible things it has done, the better for all the peoples of the region. We look to Russia to make this happen.

permalink quote Tirana44

Jimmy 27 August, 2008, 17:54

The western media has completely distorted the situation. I am a chinese-american, educated and listening to the fool sakaasvili hurts my ears. Just because he can speak english does not give him any more credibility. Georgia lied and tried to enforce its policy against South Ossetia during the shadow of the olympics thinking that the transgressions would be overlooked, but Russia was correct to respond in assymetrical fashion, making a clear message to the world that it will not tolerate Georgian aggression. This move is a victory for Russia's deterrent credibility as well as an a successful exercise in military operations. More of my commentary at www.wangtheory.com

permalink quote Jimmy

Ken (Arklight) 27 August, 2008, 18:19

I'm surprised that Russia didn't see this coming, and recognize the two enclaves as independant entities, and offer them status as protectorates of Russia and membership in the CIS. The EU and NATO should be aware that if they become overly fractious, their supplies of POL and natural gas could well be shut off, for good. Go Medvedev!

permalink quote Ken (Arklight)

Arina 27 August, 2008, 18:35

Russia is Right to protect not only Russian Citizens but S.Ossetians who don't even hold Russian passport. In our society they teach in school to little kids, YOU don't let your parent hit you, if they ever slap you, You call Police. Our society has given freedom to every one, the little kids also have freedom from their own CRAZY parents, or Abusive Parents. So when Georgia commits Genocide against their own people, IF UN,EU,NATO don't stop (like they did in Yugoslavia-Kosovo) then some one has to Help those Kids (S.O)from Abusive Parents(Sakashvilli). OK, lets say WIll Brussel (Belgium) ever gonna send tanks and missiles to Antwerp (Belgium) to kill their own people? WIll Canada ever gonna kill women and children (when they are sleeping) in Quebec who is asking for Seperation? Will Spain chase Children and Women hiding in Church, School and Hospital and BURN THEN ALIVE in Basque Region? US,EU,NATO,UN FAILED to protect S. Ossetians from Crazy Sakashvilli, they can not secure the world, they can not provide security to the world. NATO just killed 60 Children in Afghanistan. 60 is not just a number, You look at this Dots, that is exactly 60 and that many CHILDREN, defenseless, Unarmed Children they killed, and this is not the first time NATO have killed children or bombed Schools. Take a look what 60 means (think this all were children, May be ONE OF YOURS) O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O APATHY is dangerous then Nuclear weapon.

permalink quote Arina

Philip 27 August, 2008, 18:55

I am British and I support the Russians on the whole South Ossetia crisis. The invasion of South Ossetia was USA sponsered aggression. I am happy Russia defended its interests. This is now a complicated situation and I believe no one in Europe wants a second cold war. Although I think the American Neocons will benefit from this crisis in their Presidential election year. The cultural ties between Europe and Russia are much stonger than those of Europe and the USA. Someone please tell Bush & Cheney to shut up and stay out of Europe and Russia's affairs. Someone please tell the British foreign secretary to shut his mouth also. What an idiot!

permalink quote Philip

Harvey 27 August, 2008, 19:11

I guess Peter Lavelle will not agree with what I am about to say. This "journalist" reminds me of Sean Hannity on Fox News, so who cares anyway? I had big hopes in Medvedev, but unfortunately I was so naive and gulible! Anyone with a bit more brain than Putin has (that means about everyone on this planet including Medvedev until yesterday) should wonder what game is he playing (or what game is he told to play by the brainless moron.) I would expect Russian leaders to care about their own country's image, and what they have done in the past few weeks, and months, is an appauling disaster to themselves! The fact is that among other things, most of the world and particularly European Union doen't need overpriced oil and gas from Russia. We in Europe have everything we need from the North Sea, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Libya, and of course from the Gulf. Nothing new on the West front. Are you sure you really don't care about a new cold war, Mr Medvedev? For sure Mr Rambo Putin doesn't care, but aren't you the President Mister Medvedev? Why do you allow your country to be ridiculised in the face of the world, and still contribute to this masquerade? You are ludicrously hopeless. It is clear that Putin is still in full power. So sad for Mother Russia, a great country and great people that deserved a lot more respect and consideration. Until now. You have lost my interest and admiration for a long time and I guess I am not the only one to be in that situation. If not a cold war, it's at least a cold shower you have just inflicted the civilised world by your pathetic behaviour. I thought you were one of the top emerging powers of the 21st century, like China and India are. It is clear now that you are a thing of the past and that you are doomed, thanks to yourselves. You will never get anywhere by bullying "smaller" countries and flexing your muscles, that probably works with illiterate people in your Moscow suburbs or penthouses or datchas, but certainly doesn't impress anyone in the civilised world beyond your borders. Making big money need some education that you obviously don't have at all. Your prosperity won't last long with this kind of mentality, thanks to your own leaders it is severely wasted now. What a shame. But who cares anyway? Good luck Russia, you will need some.

permalink quote Harvey

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