What can be done to end the violence in Georgia’s breakaway republics?, page 8


fred 14 August, 2008, 11:25	Having viewed RT for 2 years now has given me a look at Russia. It is not as the western media portray it.There is an obvious agenda by them to colour our view of Russia. This view heips to uphold excuses for the antogonistic position held by some nations.Blaming Russia for the war is more of this unjustified antagonism.My heart goes out,firstly to the people of Sth Ossetia and others suffering,but also to the Russian leadership.They are being blackened and maligned, and this cannot be without a purpose.I belive thst purpose serves to the same end as Georgias attack on the Ossetian people.In other words, if you don't fit into the particular concept of things then you need to have your mind changed,be conquered or be gotten rid of.Russia cannot be beaten head on, so must be broken down and loose the will to resist the forces for philosophical or religious change.It is more than just a matter of ethnisity or politics or territory I belive. permalink quote 0 fred
Sevodnya_Net 14 August, 2008, 11:31	The "specific aspect" of RT's coverage of the war makes me suspicious about believing anything on the "Russian side". I hope I might be forgiven for this suspicion. What is obvious is that there has been a humanitarian catastrophe in South Ossetia and there threatens to be one in Abkhazia too. I certainly wouldn't blame Russia solely for the aggressions committed in S. Ossetia, but what does seem evident is that some time soon after, hopefully, the military on both sides retires to their original positions, an international force of military peace keeping and humanitarian aid can be brought in. This is what should have happened long ago, and had it done so we might not have needed the humanitarian aid, just the peace keepers. permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
Sam 14 August, 2008, 11:53	Well had been waiting for the worse to be over before I made any comment. In the first place this was expected. Georgians had been rearming and getting trained to the point that they said to themselves “We can do this”. We now know why all these drones were flying over South Ossetia. Who started this? Well we all know who. How could a government that claims it has its people at heart, Shell a populated city at night. Even monsters give the civilians time to leave. Call a ceasefire then attack the same night. How about all the agreements they signed after the first war. To them it’s just a piece of paper. Russian responds was very well controlled. Hell!! If Georgians have killed even one American, Tibilisi would have been destroyed. What did Saakashvili get out of this? Nothing, He had however managed to damage NATOs image. What did Russia get out of this? A lot and everything they wanted. 1. Abhazia got all its territory back and sure to keep it. So also South Ossetia. 2. The future of these republics is back on the table with the Republics holding the aces. In other words like in the case of Kosovo.How can they now live together? 3. Russia had made a point; don’t mess with us or our citizens. It also had shown to the world that they like the Americans have the power to protect its interests. It also showed that NATO is impotent against Russia as long as she is a nuclear power. Only a fool would think that a conventional war is possible between the two. Now the press. Both sides were biased but the western press hit the peak. Take for example on how it all started. Very rarely shown. Capital of Ossetia hardly ever shown .Gori, same footage of the burning apartment building over and over again. None even asked a simply question on why at the time of war, the Georgians picked a populated city as its staging point for the military, or why it had military bases in the town. However with the internet people are better informed. As usually I see the regulars pumping their anti Russian stuff. I would like to ask a question. What do you think the casualties would be like if London, New york or Moscow are shelled for just over a day? But yet they say the figures are pumped up. The USA as usual is playing the same game. No matter what its allies do is okay. We saw this during the last Lebanon /Israel war and Israel got away with it, using the American best word “Disproportionate” force. However it really backfired this time. As I said many times before. When the Elephants fight the grass suffers. But they would never hit each other or they would both get injured. What’s the Future? The way I see it. The South Ossetian/Abhazian issue will go on the discussion table and no one will agree. At which point Russia will recognize the republic along with some other countries, completing the Kosovo cycle. Most countries in the region that had been constantly pick a fight with Russia, will realize that NATO is in no position to help them if they step on too many toes.Saakashvili is history and politically dead. Now that there is a war, they stand by him. When the dust settles, they will turn on him. As he had single handed managed to humiliate them and all his promises as how the great USA will protect them was all rubbish. Well let’s keep watching how it all goes. But it will only go in the direction Russia wants. She holds all the aces. permalink quote 0 Sam
andy 14 August, 2008, 11:54	To Sevodnya_Net: If anyone has been hoodwinked it is you. I'm in the UK and have seen the BBC's coverage over the years deteriorate to the point of virtually being a mouthpeice for neocon propaganda. The neocon agenda is clearly to undermine any sign of strength in Russia and restore the gangster capitalists (like Berezovsky who has sanctuary in London). If Russia isn't on its knees being raped for its natural resources then she is a continuing problem for the neocons. Of course when Yeltsin is firing tank shells into the parliament then the neocons are happy and democracy has been restored. It takes a special naivety to think that the Georgian nutbag president didn't get the green light to start this brutal campaign directly from the USA. Fact is they've been building his regime up for a while now, with a good part of the tactics and equipment coming from Israel. Yeah that's Israel: the other so called democracy where they have perfected genocide and propaganda to a fine art. The Palestinans, now marginalized out of existance are having to put up with settlers organizing increasingly brutal "pogroms". Those same Palestinians have elected a "terrorist government" and so cannot be taken seriously. They barely exist in the "unbiased" and orwellian world of the western media. The fact that Russia responed to the cold blooded murder of its peackeepers and saved the population of South Ossetia from even more brutal murders is something to take pride in at least. Of course it's not acceptable for Russia to take over Georgia, but until at least another two weeks are passed and the dust has settled we will not really know. So far it looks like Russia will withdraw, I have no reason to doubt they will not having experience of the likes of Afgahnistan I expect that they know better to stay in Georgia. It males for a great peice of propaganda that Russia has entered Georgia, but the fact is that repelling an invading army is a messy business. And that is where the Russians really do have the upper hand in terms of their response which seems to me so far to have been proportionate. So if you continue watching the BBC try to see if you can find any corresponent who actually reports the targeting of civilians and the mass murder in Tskhinvali. Let's face it - that is where this started although if you read western outlets you would think Russia is the agressor. http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=13292 Also read here for a good perspective on the neocon mentality. Believe it or not this whole Georgia escapade could be to give Senator McCain an edge on Obama! The political class in the USA is so totally out of control and the very stability and internal structure of that country is now in question. That should be a worry for everybody on the planet. permalink quote 0 andy
Albert 14 August, 2008, 12:11	Putin made a grave mistake in stopping the Russian Army from taking the capital and overthrowing that CIA thug in Tbilisi. The US , under the cover of providing "humanitarian aid", will soon have a permenant military presence in Georgia. For the sake of the world, the Georgian and Ukrainian puppet regimes need to be smashed now while its still possible! As an American raised during the Cold War era, I never thought I'd see the day when Russia stood for free markets and international peace and US stood for domestic socialism and global imperialism. permalink quote 0 Albert
Michael 14 August, 2008, 12:18	Mikheil Saakashvili the President of Georgia decided on the 7th August 2008 to attack South Ossetia and within 24 hours, destroyed 10 villages and raised Tskhinvali to the ground, Georgian "peacekeepers" attacked their Russian counterparts without previous warning, using weapons supplied by the USA and Israel, to cause maximum damage and maximum casualties, even running over women and children in their tanks, estimates suggest over 2,000 dead . The Russian response was totally predictable and justified. So as far as I see it, and correct me if I'm wrong, either Saakashvili is a lunatic or this unprovoked attack on South Ossetia was pre-approved by the Bush government, possibly with the complicity of NATO. Now we are told that not only are US troops going to Georgia but this episode will assist Georgia in their membership of NATO. Is this really a country that the UK wants a defence pact with? If Britain had any moral integrity at all we would have been right there standing next to the Russians clearing South Ossetia of these barbarians. Now regardless of which of the two possibilities are relevant, that is Saakashvili is a maniac or alternatively willing to follow American orders regardless of the risks, do we really want a new member of NATO which clearly demonstrates that they are prepared to risk the onset of WW111 at the drop of a hat? permalink quote 0 Michael
Truth 14 August, 2008, 12:25	I am surprised how the western media doesnt mention anything about the killings of the South Ossetians at the hands of the Georgia. Mr. Saakashvili should be arrested and produced before a Russian court. Haague is not an option here because its in the pockets of the West and Americans. There is no difference between Saakashvili and Saddam. permalink quote 0 Truth
Michael 14 August, 2008, 12:34	Is McCain senile or was this a moment of lucidity perhaps indicating that both the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were planned in the 20th century? McCain: "In The 21st Century Nations Don't Invade Other Nations" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/13/mccain-in-the-21st-centur_n_118759.html permalink quote 0 Michael
hiyyavrom 14 August, 2008, 12:41	Thank you, RT. You are terrific. I hope that Mr. Putin will put together the best solution for these problems. The US sorely needs guidance, considering how it has dealt with its minorities. Cheap alcohol, drugs, and casinos are no exemplary resolution of the demands of its "native" national minorities. India, China, Burma, Congo, Indonesia, Iraq, and many other "states" have similar situations, and also require a model for equitable resolution of such problems. Despite anyone's critique of many elements of Russia's "nationality policy" up to 1952, clearly no other state had a more progressive policy toward its minorities. Capitalism and western cultural imperialism create formidable new challenges, and if Mr. Putin can't meet them, no one will. What happened in Yugoslavia was a monstrous example of Western cupidity and myopia. Clearly its only determinant is "profit", despite the warnings and admonitions of all the great moralists in its history. Mammon rules. permalink quote 0 hiyyavrom
NickF 14 August, 2008, 12:47	Two days ago I saw one very good report from an television, from the country not connected to the conflict, not Russian nor American nor UK. It showed mass return of Georgian armed forces, from their combat positions, to the Tbilisi. We are speaking of miles long convoy with all sort of vehicles in it. Obviously they didn't aware of their mission. So how Saakasvili can justify that mass army withdraw to the Georgian people? He invented Russian military convoy moving towards Tbilisi !!! And he sell that story to the BBC & CNN, which both aired his interview (without verifing his claims). That is what happened. permalink quote 0 NickF
Tolstoy 14 August, 2008, 12:59	Lets make South Ossetia and Abkhazia as internationally recognised countries, and yes while we are at it and not being pointed fingers of double standards, give the Chechans, also a right to choose their independence status ;P ha ha. thus, violence will end in S. Ossetia, Abhkhazia and Chechnia permalink quote 0 Tolstoy
Bosse 14 August, 2008, 13:28	I just wanted to say that ordinary people in the west definately aren't ignoring the suffering of the South Osettian people. Our corrupt politicians and media are. Bought by the US as they are. permalink quote 0 Bosse
Proinsias 14 August, 2008, 13:58	The Georgian assault on South Ossetia clearly back-fired on the mad-cap Georgian President whose days at the helm of his country must surely be numbered;however Russia must be careful not to over-react to further provocation. The guns have fallen silent and it is now time for all parties to sign up to a non-agression policy and to get around a table to hammer out an acceptable solution; this will require compromises on all sides, but it is clear that re-establishing Georgian rule in South Ossetia is a non-starter;the seemingly intractable Irish problem has at least partially been solved by round table talks between Irish Republicans and pro-British Unionists; there are certaily parallels between the two situatins and "jaw-jaw" is undoubtedly better than "war-war" permalink quote 0 Proinsias
Wonderer 14 August, 2008, 14:25	By all means, let us all recognise the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhasia. Suffering is often the way a nation has to travel to achieve its independence. This happened with Kosovo and now these two Caucasian nations are closer than they have been for a long time. However, unfortunately not all nations succeed in their battle for self-determination but are violently suppressed, as was the case with Chechnya not too long ago. permalink quote 0 Wonderer
Jake 14 August, 2008, 14:52	The best way to end the violence in the region is for Russia to be dissolved and partitioned. Russians have proven for centuries that they are incapable of tolerating freedom in their midst. They are addicted to autocracy, and they try to force their miserable lifestyle on everyone else. permalink quote 0 Jake
Alex 14 August, 2008, 15:04	The best way to end the violence is that USA stop with pushing its long sniffing nose in other countries affairs. permalink quote 0 Alex
fred 14 August, 2008, 15:11	jake please quite funny that the ones you say "not standing freedom" accept to publish your rant . may be you're a bit wrong .! permalink quote 0 fred
Frances 14 August, 2008, 15:32	The battle for self-determination is one I can support! We in the United States had a long battle for our own right to self-determination. It is a battle that never ends because there are always the oppressors who believe they know what's best for everyone. It's clear that Georgia began this conflict with a criminal act. permalink quote 0 Frances
FB 14 August, 2008, 15:36	To end violence there is necessary that Russian end there mixing up in the internal business of a sovereign country like Georgia is. This illegal behaviour that Russia is having since the last 15 years has to stop. Any Country has the right to pursue her own foreign and defense policies without Russia menacing or attcking because she does not like. Soviet Union melt off, Warsaw Pact as well and Russian should keep on mind that this happened only because of them and not because of Nato or the USA or any other western Country. What Russia is showing is just show of force, because this attack to Georgia was not legitimate by any Internatioanl Right. Russia - the Cremlin and Vleadimir Putin do not have interest in the Abkazs or the South Osseths, they do not care them at all. Russia just want to keep the feet there, because it is the last step left to be able to transfer military into the Balcans. Soon oil price price will fall again and then Mr. Putin will see what happens when the easy money will end. Due to this insane and useless war, Ucraine and Georgia will get an easier access to NATO and this is because of how Mr Putin is stupid and arrogant. New missiles batteries of the European missile shield will be placed in Georgia, in place of Poland or in addition to Poland, just because of this aggression. Pointed into Russia as Russia showed to be aggressive, unreliable and badly led. It is really a good result. Compliments to Mr Putin and to his puppet Medvedev. The future will prepare problems to the ordinary Russians as Russian economy is wrapping into herself and people will starve. Keep it on mind Russians. It will not be because of western, but because of yourself. Russian, blame yourselves! permalink quote 0 FB
black 14 August, 2008, 15:52	from the sidelines.it's amazing how the obvious evades many. you want to protect yourself from the hegemonic juggernaut of amerikan exploitation and domination. Clearly evidenced by their insidious "occupations" and provocations in the baltics, the "stans", and now southern russia? It can be accomplished without a single bullet. the soluion is right in front of your face. the obvious is usually the most hidden. permalink quote 0 black

fred 14 August, 2008, 11:25

Having viewed RT for 2 years now has given me a look at Russia. It is not as the western media portray it.There is an obvious agenda by them to colour our view of Russia. This view heips to uphold excuses for the antogonistic position held by some nations.Blaming Russia for the war is more of this unjustified antagonism.My heart goes out,firstly to the people of Sth Ossetia and others suffering,but also to the Russian leadership.They are being blackened and maligned, and this cannot be without a purpose.I belive thst purpose serves to the same end as Georgias attack on the Ossetian people.In other words, if you don't fit into the particular concept of things then you need to have your mind changed,be conquered or be gotten rid of.Russia cannot be beaten head on, so must be broken down and loose the will to resist the forces for philosophical or religious change.It is more than just a matter of ethnisity or politics or territory I belive.

permalink quote fred

Sevodnya_Net 14 August, 2008, 11:31

The "specific aspect" of RT's coverage of the war makes me suspicious about believing anything on the "Russian side". I hope I might be forgiven for this suspicion. What is obvious is that there has been a humanitarian catastrophe in South Ossetia and there threatens to be one in Abkhazia too. I certainly wouldn't blame Russia solely for the aggressions committed in S. Ossetia, but what does seem evident is that some time soon after, hopefully, the military on both sides retires to their original positions, an international force of military peace keeping and humanitarian aid can be brought in. This is what should have happened long ago, and had it done so we might not have needed the humanitarian aid, just the peace keepers.

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

Sam 14 August, 2008, 11:53

Well had been waiting for the worse to be over before I made any comment. In the first place this was expected. Georgians had been rearming and getting trained to the point that they said to themselves “We can do this”. We now know why all these drones were flying over South Ossetia. Who started this? Well we all know who. How could a government that claims it has its people at heart, Shell a populated city at night. Even monsters give the civilians time to leave. Call a ceasefire then attack the same night. How about all the agreements they signed after the first war. To them it’s just a piece of paper. Russian responds was very well controlled. Hell!! If Georgians have killed even one American, Tibilisi would have been destroyed. What did Saakashvili get out of this? Nothing, He had however managed to damage NATOs image. What did Russia get out of this? A lot and everything they wanted. 1. Abhazia got all its territory back and sure to keep it. So also South Ossetia. 2. The future of these republics is back on the table with the Republics holding the aces. In other words like in the case of Kosovo.How can they now live together? 3. Russia had made a point; don’t mess with us or our citizens. It also had shown to the world that they like the Americans have the power to protect its interests. It also showed that NATO is impotent against Russia as long as she is a nuclear power. Only a fool would think that a conventional war is possible between the two. Now the press. Both sides were biased but the western press hit the peak. Take for example on how it all started. Very rarely shown. Capital of Ossetia hardly ever shown .Gori, same footage of the burning apartment building over and over again. None even asked a simply question on why at the time of war, the Georgians picked a populated city as its staging point for the military, or why it had military bases in the town. However with the internet people are better informed. As usually I see the regulars pumping their anti Russian stuff. I would like to ask a question. What do you think the casualties would be like if London, New york or Moscow are shelled for just over a day? But yet they say the figures are pumped up. The USA as usual is playing the same game. No matter what its allies do is okay. We saw this during the last Lebanon /Israel war and Israel got away with it, using the American best word “Disproportionate” force. However it really backfired this time. As I said many times before. When the Elephants fight the grass suffers. But they would never hit each other or they would both get injured. What’s the Future? The way I see it. The South Ossetian/Abhazian issue will go on the discussion table and no one will agree. At which point Russia will recognize the republic along with some other countries, completing the Kosovo cycle. Most countries in the region that had been constantly pick a fight with Russia, will realize that NATO is in no position to help them if they step on too many toes.Saakashvili is history and politically dead. Now that there is a war, they stand by him. When the dust settles, they will turn on him. As he had single handed managed to humiliate them and all his promises as how the great USA will protect them was all rubbish. Well let’s keep watching how it all goes. But it will only go in the direction Russia wants. She holds all the aces.

permalink quote Sam

andy 14 August, 2008, 11:54

To Sevodnya_Net: If anyone has been hoodwinked it is you. I'm in the UK and have seen the BBC's coverage over the years deteriorate to the point of virtually being a mouthpeice for neocon propaganda. The neocon agenda is clearly to undermine any sign of strength in Russia and restore the gangster capitalists (like Berezovsky who has sanctuary in London). If Russia isn't on its knees being raped for its natural resources then she is a continuing problem for the neocons. Of course when Yeltsin is firing tank shells into the parliament then the neocons are happy and democracy has been restored. It takes a special naivety to think that the Georgian nutbag president didn't get the green light to start this brutal campaign directly from the USA. Fact is they've been building his regime up for a while now, with a good part of the tactics and equipment coming from Israel. Yeah that's Israel: the other so called democracy where they have perfected genocide and propaganda to a fine art. The Palestinans, now marginalized out of existance are having to put up with settlers organizing increasingly brutal "pogroms". Those same Palestinians have elected a "terrorist government" and so cannot be taken seriously. They barely exist in the "unbiased" and orwellian world of the western media. The fact that Russia responed to the cold blooded murder of its peackeepers and saved the population of South Ossetia from even more brutal murders is something to take pride in at least. Of course it's not acceptable for Russia to take over Georgia, but until at least another two weeks are passed and the dust has settled we will not really know. So far it looks like Russia will withdraw, I have no reason to doubt they will not having experience of the likes of Afgahnistan I expect that they know better to stay in Georgia. It males for a great peice of propaganda that Russia has entered Georgia, but the fact is that repelling an invading army is a messy business. And that is where the Russians really do have the upper hand in terms of their response which seems to me so far to have been proportionate. So if you continue watching the BBC try to see if you can find any corresponent who actually reports the targeting of civilians and the mass murder in Tskhinvali. Let's face it - that is where this started although if you read western outlets you would think Russia is the agressor. http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=13292 Also read here for a good perspective on the neocon mentality. Believe it or not this whole Georgia escapade could be to give Senator McCain an edge on Obama! The political class in the USA is so totally out of control and the very stability and internal structure of that country is now in question. That should be a worry for everybody on the planet.

permalink quote andy

Albert 14 August, 2008, 12:11

Putin made a grave mistake in stopping the Russian Army from taking the capital and overthrowing that CIA thug in Tbilisi. The US , under the cover of providing "humanitarian aid", will soon have a permenant military presence in Georgia. For the sake of the world, the Georgian and Ukrainian puppet regimes need to be smashed now while its still possible! As an American raised during the Cold War era, I never thought I'd see the day when Russia stood for free markets and international peace and US stood for domestic socialism and global imperialism.

permalink quote Albert

Michael 14 August, 2008, 12:18

Mikheil Saakashvili the President of Georgia decided on the 7th August 2008 to attack South Ossetia and within 24 hours, destroyed 10 villages and raised Tskhinvali to the ground, Georgian "peacekeepers" attacked their Russian counterparts without previous warning, using weapons supplied by the USA and Israel, to cause maximum damage and maximum casualties, even running over women and children in their tanks, estimates suggest over 2,000 dead . The Russian response was totally predictable and justified. So as far as I see it, and correct me if I'm wrong, either Saakashvili is a lunatic or this unprovoked attack on South Ossetia was pre-approved by the Bush government, possibly with the complicity of NATO. Now we are told that not only are US troops going to Georgia but this episode will assist Georgia in their membership of NATO. Is this really a country that the UK wants a defence pact with? If Britain had any moral integrity at all we would have been right there standing next to the Russians clearing South Ossetia of these barbarians. Now regardless of which of the two possibilities are relevant, that is Saakashvili is a maniac or alternatively willing to follow American orders regardless of the risks, do we really want a new member of NATO which clearly demonstrates that they are prepared to risk the onset of WW111 at the drop of a hat?

permalink quote Michael

Truth 14 August, 2008, 12:25

I am surprised how the western media doesnt mention anything about the killings of the South Ossetians at the hands of the Georgia. Mr. Saakashvili should be arrested and produced before a Russian court. Haague is not an option here because its in the pockets of the West and Americans. There is no difference between Saakashvili and Saddam.

permalink quote Truth

Michael 14 August, 2008, 12:34

Is McCain senile or was this a moment of lucidity perhaps indicating that both the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were planned in the 20th century? McCain: "In The 21st Century Nations Don't Invade Other Nations" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/13/mccain-in-the-21st-centur_n_118759.html

permalink quote Michael

hiyyavrom 14 August, 2008, 12:41

Thank you, RT. You are terrific. I hope that Mr. Putin will put together the best solution for these problems. The US sorely needs guidance, considering how it has dealt with its minorities. Cheap alcohol, drugs, and casinos are no exemplary resolution of the demands of its "native" national minorities. India, China, Burma, Congo, Indonesia, Iraq, and many other "states" have similar situations, and also require a model for equitable resolution of such problems. Despite anyone's critique of many elements of Russia's "nationality policy" up to 1952, clearly no other state had a more progressive policy toward its minorities. Capitalism and western cultural imperialism create formidable new challenges, and if Mr. Putin can't meet them, no one will. What happened in Yugoslavia was a monstrous example of Western cupidity and myopia. Clearly its only determinant is "profit", despite the warnings and admonitions of all the great moralists in its history. Mammon rules.

permalink quote hiyyavrom

NickF 14 August, 2008, 12:47

Two days ago I saw one very good report from an television, from the country not connected to the conflict, not Russian nor American nor UK. It showed mass return of Georgian armed forces, from their combat positions, to the Tbilisi. We are speaking of miles long convoy with all sort of vehicles in it. Obviously they didn't aware of their mission. So how Saakasvili can justify that mass army withdraw to the Georgian people? He invented Russian military convoy moving towards Tbilisi !!! And he sell that story to the BBC & CNN, which both aired his interview (without verifing his claims). That is what happened.

permalink quote NickF

Tolstoy 14 August, 2008, 12:59

Lets make South Ossetia and Abkhazia as internationally recognised countries, and yes while we are at it and not being pointed fingers of double standards, give the Chechans, also a right to choose their independence status ;P ha ha. thus, violence will end in S. Ossetia, Abhkhazia and Chechnia

permalink quote Tolstoy

Bosse 14 August, 2008, 13:28

I just wanted to say that ordinary people in the west definately aren't ignoring the suffering of the South Osettian people. Our corrupt politicians and media are. Bought by the US as they are.

permalink quote Bosse

Proinsias 14 August, 2008, 13:58

The Georgian assault on South Ossetia clearly back-fired on the mad-cap Georgian President whose days at the helm of his country must surely be numbered;however Russia must be careful not to over-react to further provocation. The guns have fallen silent and it is now time for all parties to sign up to a non-agression policy and to get around a table to hammer out an acceptable solution; this will require compromises on all sides, but it is clear that re-establishing Georgian rule in South Ossetia is a non-starter;the seemingly intractable Irish problem has at least partially been solved by round table talks between Irish Republicans and pro-British Unionists; there are certaily parallels between the two situatins and "jaw-jaw" is undoubtedly better than "war-war"

permalink quote Proinsias

Wonderer 14 August, 2008, 14:25

By all means, let us all recognise the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhasia. Suffering is often the way a nation has to travel to achieve its independence. This happened with Kosovo and now these two Caucasian nations are closer than they have been for a long time. However, unfortunately not all nations succeed in their battle for self-determination but are violently suppressed, as was the case with Chechnya not too long ago.

permalink quote Wonderer

Jake 14 August, 2008, 14:52

The best way to end the violence in the region is for Russia to be dissolved and partitioned. Russians have proven for centuries that they are incapable of tolerating freedom in their midst. They are addicted to autocracy, and they try to force their miserable lifestyle on everyone else.

permalink quote Jake

Alex 14 August, 2008, 15:04

The best way to end the violence is that USA stop with pushing its long sniffing nose in other countries affairs.

permalink quote Alex

fred 14 August, 2008, 15:11

jake please quite funny that the ones you say "not standing freedom" accept to publish your rant . may be you're a bit wrong .!

permalink quote fred

Frances 14 August, 2008, 15:32

The battle for self-determination is one I can support! We in the United States had a long battle for our own right to self-determination. It is a battle that never ends because there are always the oppressors who believe they know what's best for everyone. It's clear that Georgia began this conflict with a criminal act.

permalink quote Frances

FB 14 August, 2008, 15:36

To end violence there is necessary that Russian end there mixing up in the internal business of a sovereign country like Georgia is. This illegal behaviour that Russia is having since the last 15 years has to stop. Any Country has the right to pursue her own foreign and defense policies without Russia menacing or attcking because she does not like. Soviet Union melt off, Warsaw Pact as well and Russian should keep on mind that this happened only because of them and not because of Nato or the USA or any other western Country. What Russia is showing is just show of force, because this attack to Georgia was not legitimate by any Internatioanl Right. Russia - the Cremlin and Vleadimir Putin do not have interest in the Abkazs or the South Osseths, they do not care them at all. Russia just want to keep the feet there, because it is the last step left to be able to transfer military into the Balcans. Soon oil price price will fall again and then Mr. Putin will see what happens when the easy money will end. Due to this insane and useless war, Ucraine and Georgia will get an easier access to NATO and this is because of how Mr Putin is stupid and arrogant. New missiles batteries of the European missile shield will be placed in Georgia, in place of Poland or in addition to Poland, just because of this aggression. Pointed into Russia as Russia showed to be aggressive, unreliable and badly led. It is really a good result. Compliments to Mr Putin and to his puppet Medvedev. The future will prepare problems to the ordinary Russians as Russian economy is wrapping into herself and people will starve. Keep it on mind Russians. It will not be because of western, but because of yourself. Russian, blame yourselves!

permalink quote FB

black 14 August, 2008, 15:52

from the sidelines.it's amazing how the obvious evades many. you want to protect yourself from the hegemonic juggernaut of amerikan exploitation and domination. Clearly evidenced by their insidious "occupations" and provocations in the baltics, the "stans", and now southern russia? It can be accomplished without a single bullet. the soluion is right in front of your face. the obvious is usually the most hidden.

permalink quote black

Name*
Country, City
Valid e-mail*
Text*
Enter digits below*

	*Required fields