Aug 10th, 2008 | Georgia survey

Russia - Georgia conflict: where do you stand?


The armed conflict between Georgia and Russia centers around the tiny province of Abkaz, a beautiful, green, strip of land where the Caucasus mountains descend into the black sea, and South Ossetia. both separatist regions that decided to breakaway from Georgia and declare loyalty to Russia (while the rest of Georgia has been trying for years to align itself with the west).

The Russians, who support the region financially to keep it aligned with their agendas, have been in the province as peacekeepers since 1994, when Abkhazia split from Georgia after a bloody civil war.

The current conflict escalated after clashes between the Georgian army and the South Ossetian militias. Georgia claim their army moved into South Ossetia to retaliate militia attack on Georgian villages in the border (South Ossetia denies). As the Georgian army moved into the breakaway regions, so did the Russian army, on August 8.

The Russians claim they're protecting the population of South Ossetia and Abkaz from Georgia, but it's obvious that this is a struggle for control over the tiny region.

Picture: NYTimes.



Russia - Georgia conflict: where do you stand?


238 votes, 1,490 views , 6 comments
 
 
Poll tags:Georgia, Russia, Conflict, War, Georgia Russia Conflict, Soviet Union, Mikhail Saakashvili, Ossetia

 
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Comments (6)
(Reply)
posted Aug 31st, 2008 at 11:54 CDT

As far as I know the History, Russia had never invaded other countries first. It always acted in defence. I mean pre-USSR and after-USSR Russia. Saakashvilli wanted to exercise the last chance to get to NATO before Bush's administration expires.

Philgtaylor
(Reply)
Australia

posted Aug 10th, 2008 at 21:17 CDT

I think there is something odd about the timing... The whole thing broke during the Olympics, when it would not be taking world headlines... Looking at current developments, with Georgia claiming to have withdrawn, but Russia still fighting, and making advances into Georgia proper, I think Russia is trying to take Georgia back. If I was in charge of other former soviet republics I would be deeply concerned.

(Reply)
posted Aug 10th, 2008 at 21:00 CDT

The Russians have been trying to undermine the sovereignity of the former Soviet republics for years. Look at what happened with the poisoning of the Ukranian president. Something smells hinkey here.

Cassidy
(Reply)
California, United States

posted Aug 10th, 2008 at 15:38 CDT

well I think that I support Russia on this one, but I don't know the details too well. Georgia claimed that it had withdrawn its' tanks after  a day or two; however the headlines now read that Russia has stepped up its' bombing, after Georgian naval ships shot missiles @ Russia. The word "blitz" is being used, so now it's a matter of time before the peace activists start going crazy. i.e the anti-Israel, anti-US people. We'll have to wait and see.

(Reply)
posted Aug 10th, 2008 at 14:11 CDT

This is oddly similar to U.S. support of Afghanistan's Taliban against the Russians in the 80's. Seems the C.I.A is up to it's old tricks again.

Scooter
(Reply)
New York, United States

posted Aug 10th, 2008 at 13:08 CDT

interesting drama taking place. I think I read earlier today that Georgia are withdrawing tanks already; hopefully there will be an end to the violence soon. Before knowing anything I wanted to think that it was the Russian army (known in my opinion to be violent) bullying a weaker nation. But If Abkhz and these 2 soverign nations would rather side with Russia; especially after the bloody history between Abkaz and Russia, then I think Georgia are the real agressors and I'm behind Russia. Again I don't know the details.

 
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