Unlike everyone else on the Internet I am not an expert on the current Russian-Georgian conflict. I wrote about my trip to Georgia before and will reiterate that I have nothing but the best impressions of this country and its people. Georgians are world famous for their kindness, hospitality and their good nature. That’s why it’s painful for me to watch the news coverage of the war. The war that’s turning this
into this
The opinions and news coverage are ranging from “lets kick their asses” on both sides of the conflict to “why is this happening” to a thoughtful analysis of the causes and future consequences of the war. I agree with analysts who say that neither side cares about what happens to South Ossetia and its people. The conflict was long time in the making and calling it a “surprise attack” is really a lie. Russia is opposed to Georgian attempts to join NATO, and why does Georgia needs to be a member of NATO in the first place? Their economy is ruined, population is poor, infrastructure is in the dirt; is joining NATO really a priority? Another key to the conflict is this map:
Notice a couple of oil pipelines laid out through Georgia and said to be the only alternative to Russian-controlled pipelines elsewhere. Russians weren’t very happy when these pipelines where designed and built. There are reports that Russians already dropped bombs near one of the pipelines. Pipelines in question are not in the same region where the “peace-keeping” activities are taking place.
I am skeptical as always about the news coverage on both sides; I have a reason to believe that casualties are exaggerated and that photo reporters line up to take the bloodiest shots possible. You will notice that many of the dramatic photos are taken around the same building and with the same people. Years of dishonest one-sided coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have taught me to read between the lines. However, even one casualty is one too many and both sides are guilty of killing innocent people.
People who see this it as a border conflict or a Russian and/or Georgian internal matter need to step back and look at the real picture. Cold war battles between Russia and the United States never stopped and they reveal themselves in such regional conflicts all over the world. Georgian president is seen everywhere as speaking on behalf, with support and encouragement of the USA. While he may not be completely controlled by the US, he knows who was instrumental in making his presidency happen and whose unconditional support he needs to keep going. American policy of blindly supporting the opposition failed pretty much in every country it was applied. Name a country where America supported “anti-communist” forces years ago and now supports “democracy” and I will show you a tragic disaster that followed sooner or later. Georgian democracy already showed signs of being not-so-democratic. However, we are stuck supporting it anyway while they are trying to piss off the Russians and then appeal for our help when they fail. I hope we will stay out of this one.
No matter what I think about this war, timing it to the Olympics was just underhanded and evil. All sides to the conflict have been there for thousands of years, what’s another 17 days. Assholes.
8 responses so far ↓
1
Almost a Stranger =)
// Aug 10, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Agreed.. fucking pricks.
2
travel
// Aug 10, 2008 at 4:35 pm
So are you blaming this on Georgia? I know of course that’s not the Georgian who is just trying to make a living, but the politicos, whoever they are.
The danger, it seems to me, is that Mother Russia is much bigger and has way more everything and can defeat this state if they really want to. So, if everybody “stays out of it”, that is exactly what will happen. What’s next, the Ukraine? Is that what you want?
Just asking. I certainly am not an expert on those affairs.
3
m.v.
// Aug 10, 2008 at 7:20 pm
“Mother Russia” was always there and was always that size and Georgia managed to survive until now,and while it was a part of the Russian Empire and then of the USSR it was mostly left alone. They knew exactly what’s going to happen, they were betting Russians wouldn’t respond, but they lost. I think we (USA) gave Georgia too much encouragement, they feel like we have their back so they can do whatever they want. Would they act the same if we weren’t backing them? Probably not. How do we know that we are supporting the right guy? I can give you a long list of dictators and evil-doers that were put in power and/or supported by us at one time or another. Saddam Hussein was on it, Mobutu, etc. BTW,the guy we supported in Ukraine is not that wonderful either.
4
midtown miscreant
// Aug 10, 2008 at 11:08 pm
You just wrote the most well balanced piece I have read to date on this subject. Seriously, good one.
5
Burrowowl
// Aug 11, 2008 at 10:17 am
[...] while they are trying to piss off the Russians and then appeal for our help when they fail.
Oh, they succeeded in pissing off the Russians, all right. There’s an old pearl of wisdom floating around about not poking a bear with a stick that keeps coming to mind as I see the news coverage of this mess.
Anyhow, US officials look pretty hypocritical when criticizing the Russian response. At least Medvedev waited for Georgia to cross the tripwire instead of preemptively invading a country that hadn’t really done anything.
6
Burrowowl
// Aug 11, 2008 at 10:18 am
argh, failed to end my “em” there. Foiled again.
7
travel
// Aug 11, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Reading the news, it seems Georgia is trying to cease fire but Russia won’t even though not only the US but the whole European community is trying to get them to stop. With Russia on the Security Council, the UN is totally useless, but that’s nothing new. What a freaking mess.
8
MoxieMamaKC
// Aug 11, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Being more of an historian of the Americas, I was particularly impressed with your statement “Name a country where America supported “anti-communist” forces years ago and now supports “democracy” and I will show you a tragic disaster that followed sooner or later.”
That pretty much explains why Central America is the shithole that it is.
Sorry I don’t know enough about the Russia/Georgia conflict. I’ll pay more attention and do my research.
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