WAR! Russia Vs Georgia

As the world turns.

If Georgia was a NATO member, as the clowns in America and Britain want, wouldn't they have a legal obligation to intervene in this ridiculous fight?

The main problem here is ethnic diversity.

What is the difference between South Ossetia and Kosovo? Kosovars = Muslims, few allies, perfect victims. South Ossetians: Russians, big allies, perfect villians. But in substance? Zilch. Even their histories are similar.

Neocon Wilsonians must side with the Ossetians. But then Saakashvili is such a good neocon too: American educated, troops in Iraq, so he can't be the baddie.

Another vindication of Niall Ferguson's ethnocentric view of history and his magisterial War of the World. He has written stuff on Russia's enclaves I could dig up.

Svante Cornell has an informative piece in the Guardian. Anti-Russian, but full of tidbits. A hilarious conclusion:

It is now important for western leaders to realise that their silence so far has only encouraged Moscow's aggressive behaviour, and that they must now stand in solidarity with Georgia – in deeds, not only in words. Whether they do so will determine the future not only of the Caucasus, but also for Europe's security.

In deeds? What deeds can the west do up in the mountains? And how will it impact Europe's security? Gas security maybe, but who cares?

Richard Beeston says:

"The outcome of this struggle will determine the course of Russia’s future relations with its neighbours, will shape President Medvedev’s presidency, could alter the relationship between the Kremlin and the West and decide the fate of future energy supplies from the Caspian basin."

He rightly calls out the reckless Saakashvili: Part of the responsibility must lie with President Mikheil Saakashvili... seeking to reintegrate the separatist provinces by force is a risky, some would say reckless, move that threatens to trigger an all out war between Russia and Georgia..

THE TWO REASONS: NATO AND KOSOVO.

In the Telegraph Robert Parsons says:

Two key events well beyond Georgia's borders have triggered Russia's fury. The first was Kosovo's declaration of independence in February and the new country's subsequent recognition by many Western states. This brought a public warning from Moscow that Kosovo's move to independence could set a precedent for Georgia's two breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The second was Nato's pledge at the Bucharest summit in April that membership of the Atlantic Alliance for both Georgia and Ukraine was not a matter of "if" but "when", although in deference to Russian objections, no timetable for entry was granted. This provoked Vladimir Putin, then still Russia's president, to promise more support for Georgia's breakaway regions.



I feel for both sides. It's a beautiful part of the world.

UPDATE!!

The Daily Mail reports 1,400 civilians dead. Georgia has gone for full mobilization, even calling the troops in Baghdad's Green Zone home.
ASTONISHING words from Saakashvili: Saakashvili said the conflict 'is not about Georgia anymore. It's about America, its values. I thought that America stands up for those freedom-loving nations and supports them. 'That's what America is all about. That's why we look with hope at every American.'

Two clear roads diverge for the neocons of the world. Where will they go?