Analysis: why the Russia-Georgia conflict matters to the West - part 2

It was said, neither we nor you told the truth. It's good to talk about hundred-years-past history, not nowadays policy. That's 2 different words.
-Do You, people, really know whats happening there?
-No.
Stop please, georgians, russians, americans etc. we make no sense. But our government do.

Danila, Russia,

They tell armies go and fight. Let's be wiser I don't want to listen to radio, tv, internet, because i know, i'll be lied, until i'll get there anв own eyes'll see whats the mess is going on. Please, we're not communists, i'm 21 and i never were. I don't want a war. No one of my friends wants.

Danila, Russia,

I like how the author writes about ''Georgia’s efforts to establish itself as a modern Western-looking democracy"! Mr Beeston, what kind of democracy are you talking about? Saakashvili is a facsist and a dictator who doesn't care for his people!There is no freedom in Georgia! I feel sorry for Georgians!

Natalia, St-Petersburg, Russia

It's amazing how the Russian/ Solviets on here are still belioeving they have changed. Putin has killed reporters that show his true face. Do you think you hae a new president? Putin still owns you comrads. Welcome the old KGB back!
This is just a stepping stone for Putin.. he's last stop..Israel!

Scott, North Carolina, U.S.A

We should support Georgia. Now is the time to show our appreciation for their help in Iraq.

Margaret M. Harris, Fort Walton Beach, United States

I agree with an earlier poster; when Israel attacked Lebanon, used excessive force, killed or wounded thousands of civillians, and completely wrecked that country's infrastructure, America did nothing but cheer the Israelis on.

America's hypocrisy has contributed to this situation.

Joel, Seoul, South Korea

When it came to Kosovo, Western mass media called it “struggle for sovereignty,” when it comes to South Ossetia - it’s “separatism.” If it’s not a policy of double standards, what is it then? Ossetia never either historically or ethnically was a part of Georgia.

Yana, St.Petersburg, Russia

Russia is protecting Russians? Then any country with Russians on its territory would do well to get rid of them. Sure, it would be a loss as they are such a delight to have around, but the West would eventually recover

Frank, Alymer, Canada

The Americans are taught to hate Russia (and Putin in particular) even though most of them have no the least idea what is the capital of the country. So, Pavel from Moscow, I agree with you – they are TOTALLY brainwashed.

Yana, St.Petersburg, Russia

What an unfair coverage of the situation! It's a disgrace! CNN and BBC shows only one side of a coin! Saakashvili is a facsist and a murderer! Go here and take a look: http://www.infowars.com/?p=3871

Natalie, St-Petersburg,

Interpretation of an event as an "act of agression" or an "act of defence/establishing democracy/etc" is such a subtle matter nowadays. History is written by victors, and what we are witnessing today is a victory of the West in what they call info war. And they've been always successful in it.

Archi, Khabarovsk, Russia

This conflict will hopefully be the last wake up call needed for ending NATO's 15 years of snooze

Andreea, Milano, Italia

Do you think its just the West who are oil thirsty and wage war to get it? Do Russians not remember Chechnya? Bush, Blair and Putin speak the same language and have the same goals. Each blamed terrorists for their' acts of war - when oil/gas were the real reasons. Both sides have bloody hands!!

Matt, London,

Dear Lars from Stockholm! why do not you remind germans about Hilter?! Or you might also remind of Alexander Makedonsky? Russia has changed a lot for the past 10 years. You might have not noticed.

Natasha, St.petersburg, Russia

"But you're just too brainwashed to think your own minds.

Pavel, Moscow, Russia"

Sorry, I almost collapsed in a fit of giggles. A Russian told me to stop being brainwashed.

Ed, LONDON, Great Britain

Both Russians and Georgians are biast. Russians only talk about Georgian attrocities, and Georgians only talk about Russian attrocities. Both countries troops have killed civilians. If only both sides could take a step back and look at the others point of view, maybe then there will be peace.

John, Dunfermline, Scotland

The Putin does not care about South Ossetia, you got to be naive to believe that. Is there any proof of genocide, the Russia tanks move too quickly for that to be the reason, it took NATO weeks to response to the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and years to respond in Bosnia. Putin after the pipeline!!

William Davison, Nottingham, UK

Every war is a very tragic situation for the civilians. But it's twicely tragic then the government killes it's own population. Saakashvili doesn't care about the people, he cares only about his political influence and oil resorces. And he hopes tha USA protect and support him. Very doubtfully.

Sonia, Kotka, Finland

If I hear a Russian official, I do not believe a word. Now they say that Mr. Saakashvili is a criminal. Just like they did with all and any non-communist Eastern and Central European politicians. Mr. Putin and his boys lie even during their sleep.

Piotr, Warsaw, Poland

Absurd! U know nothing about this. U see and listen to quite anomalous news and believe it. CNN and BCC kept silence while Georgia Army began to fire on South Ossetia territory. U didn't see what and how people from South
Ossetia speak about their killed chilldrens and lost relations

Alexander, Ekaterinsburg,

British Petroleum (and of course British and US Government) - paid this war. They don't care of Ossetian casualties - only gas and oil pipeline across Georgia - that's what they need. Georgians now are crying: Help us - EU and US! And 3 days ago who attacked Ossetians? Shame on Georgia!

Sergey, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

thanks for this article - finally it admitts the liasons between Georgia and the USA so the reasons the West support Georgia are obvious.

victoria smirnoff, London, UK

STOP STOP STOP RUSSIAN AGRESION!!! SOS SOS SOS .If Russia will ocupate georgian territory(they try)they will ocupate whole EUROPE.please please please international community u don't have a right to calm down

Giorgi, TBILISI, GEORGIA

And after US Security Council with US help failed to make a straight decision what was happening in Osetia, does anyone know another way to stop Saakashvili from murdering civilians? Or to make Osetia Georgian again means to overkill all Osetians and settle Georgians there?

Alex, VVO, Russia

guys, esp. those from US and UK, do you like georgian military killing civilians? just on friday georgians killed 2000 ossetians - they burned them alive in their houses, run over women and children by tanks, do you really like how it looks? But you're just too brainwashed to think your own minds.

Pavel, Moscow, Russia

Osetia and Abhasiare not historical Georgia earth!!!! Stalin jointed them together.
Georgia have not any right on this territory and peoples, becauce this peoples don't want to be with Georgia in one country, they want to be independent like Kosovo!!

Maria, Tallinn, Estonia

let's not to forget the first reaction from Russian officials was to call for the UN Security Council on the same night Saakashvili started to bomb Tskhinvali with heavy artillery and volley mortyrs - the night 1500 civilians are killed, the town and dozen villages around fully ruined.

Alex, VVO, Russia

Just one note:
Russia is protecting its citizens. There are about 80% (or more) people in Abkhasia and South Ossetia having russian passport.
Remember, what Israel did when two its soldiers were captured by Lebanon? Right. And nobody told them anything...

Ivan, Novorossiysk, Russia

let's not to forget the first reaction of Russian officials was the call to UN Security Council the same night Saakashvili started to bomb Osetia with heavy artillery and volley mortars, the night 1500 civilians are killed in their houses, Tskhinvali and a dozen of surrounding villages fully ruined

Alex, VVO, Russia

I am from Ukraine. We do not need any emboldment from anybody. Our president is a clone of Georgian president. he promtes US interests instead of supporting Ukrainian national interests. Nobody cares about Osetians. Russia is the only country who stopped the genocide. Shame on US, UK, Ukraine!!!

Tania, Kharkov, Ukraine

Russia has always put indigenous Russian people in its satellite states to dilute the strength of the native people. There are large numbers of native Russians in almost all former USSR states. The only difference is that those countries like Lithuania and Larvis who joined EU have more protection.

Miron, Seattle,

To those who think that caring about oil pipe lines is not the same as caring about people: Oil means freedom. Energy resources can affect independence of Europe. Even now, when Europeans seriously think about not annoying Russia by allowing Georgia and Ukraine to NATO, they are becoming dependent.

Andrey, Birmingham, UK

It is a very big mistake to think about Russia as about another "alternative" US. The US is based on law and christianity. They share European values. Russia is not a part of Europe. It is a very dangerous, racist and xenophobic country, full of messianic ambitions to rule the world.

Andrey, Birmingham, UK

I have worked in Georgia for over 5 years. During this time, Georgia has provoked South Ossetia and Abkhazia, to the point of war. They have spoken negative about Russia to the international community and blame Russia for everything, including the riots in which Georgia hurt it's own citizens.

John , Tbilisi, Georgia

I am proud to be Georgian and I believe that as it was the case for the last 40 century, Georgia was and will be a sovereign country, and will be in a position to chooce own friends and political line, regardless whether Russia likes it or not. Rusia has its own hungry people, conflict zones to mind

nina, Tbilisi, Georgia

Russia this
USA that
Black and white, totally opposite yet completely the same in their totality.
Both are trying to protect their interests using small nations as pawns.
Death in the name of democracy or death for totalitarian regime is still death, no difference at all...

Zeljko, Sydney,

Truth is the first casualty, we now treat war like a game where we cheer our favorites from the comfort of our armchairs. Have we learnt nothing from the War of Lies.

joe reilly, spalding, England

For Latvia, Lithuania, etc. WE DONT NEED YOU and you havnt to go to the way of warrior, as funny Audrius said. You say about Russia only to pay attention to you. We can take us NOTHING. But your little countries need some investments. You have investors and we dont want to be among them! Lets just t

Taees, Dmitrov, Russia

Lets just to be friends. As people say "Let bygones be bygones"

Taees, Dmitrov, Russia

And 80% Russian people sure that this 3 part is the USA. Recently Americans government talk that the USA have 2 main enemies: Russia and China. Thats why Georgias thirst attack was on the day the Olympic games started. And thats why you have the information that Russia is an aggressor.

Taees, Dmitrov, Russia

My God! I read it and understand that our friends from USA and some another contries get under mass media influence and dont believe us.
But look on this situation on the other hand. Mr. Richard in his article said that Russia helped Ossetia. Now we have destroyed South Ossetia.

Taees, Dmitrov, Russia

Previous ex-Soviet Union countries now independent have absolute right to choose their future, be it inside European Union, or NATO. They want to be protected, never forget Soviet tanks in Budapest 56 and Prague 68. They suffered too much to be trapped wrong side the Iron Curtain.

Michel , Aix en Provence, France

Blah...blah...Blah...Geo politics pure and simple: the US and more importantly Western Europe must face down Russia or lose 'options' in relation to energy security. All appologist EU 'citizens' should wize up and realise that this situation is a majorly critical power play for your future viability

Greogor MacLeod, Ullapool, Scotland

Natalya
You forgot that it was the URSS who occupied Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, etc.
Russians, you say that the Western countries are blinded and manipullated by the mass media. But why do you think that you are objective and YOUR mas media is not manipulating??

Liva P., Paris, France

Some of the logic of Russians writing here is amazing: territorial integrity matters for Serbia, even though the Kosovars don't want the Serbs to rule them. It doesn't matter for Georgia. Nor for Russian-occupied Moldova. Nor for Ukraine (Crimea back to Russia!). Estonia, same. Consistency??

Paul, FL, USA

People keep bringing up Chechnya and I understand why but do two wrongs really make a right? Personally I don't find the killing of 1000 or so Ossetian civilians any more acceptable then Russia killing civilians in Chechnya.

James, Brisbane, Australia

The only solution to the problem will be :

Greater autonomy for south ossetia

UN peacekeeper - Serbian /chinese/ forces in ossetia

No NATO membership for Georgia

Maintainance of Georgian statehood and integrity , with autonomy for Abkhazia , and ossetia

goldsmith , manchester , UK

A joint NATO , USA ,Russia , Georgian , Ossetian , - UN sponsered discussion and peace accord for Georgia

goldsmith , manchester , uk

A good article, well written. It will evoke much comment. My view is that there is nothing the West can effectively do, will do, or even wants to do. NATO in the belly of Russia is about as comfortable to them as missiles in Cuba to the Americans. It's amazing that people could imagine otherwise.

Justin Easter, Aberdeen, UK

I am not backing Russia for its previous use of force.
But it is public¬orious USA predisposition to try to rule the world and mess around. It has open conflicts with Irak,Iran,North-Korea, Venezuela,Cuba and manouvres in Russia borders far away from home. What the hell(Bush) for?
Obama=peace
Inaki, Madrid, Spain
I'm really confused with this war. People who laugh at George Bush' words have the right to do it, his foreign policy made us all hate USA. On the other side, Russia is also to blame for most of its problems in the former soviet republics.
One is for sure, people are dying while we discuss this!

Christo, Karlsruhe,

Putin has waited unil the West has been fully occupied with Terrorism and the down-sizing of the US Military to execute this attack on such a small county. How can any country condemn the US when Putin's Russia orchestrates this naked aggression?

Alan Hamilton, SA Texas, US

Russia's bombing and shelling of Gori should be taken to the UN Security Council. The wholesale killing of non-combatants cannot stand.

James Epstein, Sharon , USA

Someone's speaking about respecting national sovereignty. First revoke the recognition of Kosovo. The West had tried to steal the Serbian province on the basis of the low-scale skirmish. Now Saakashvili's American-trained camarilla carpet-bombs their own citizens. That's called consistence.

Sasha, Zrenjanin, Serbia

Audrius, Panevezys, Lithuania and Darius, Vilnius,

What you are writing is nonsense!You have no right for such groundless speculations. You all forget that Russia is not USSR for about 20 years now!!! Russian Federation gave independence to all former republics of USSR, Lithuania included!!!

Natalya, St-Petersburg, Russia

Ironically, it's Russia that is keenest to apply the rule of territorial integrity. No independent Kosovo, despite the wishes of the majority they say. But when it suits Russia, they see things differently,

Be consistent: Kosovars and South Ostetians have the right to choose who rules them.

Alex, Tunbridge Wells,

I fully agree with you Yula. Indeed this is not just a Georgian war it's much more that. The package is full of 'secret' backing and encouragement Georgia has been getting. Looking things in security perspective, Russia must 'bit up' Georgia hard if it wants to protect its existence...

Carl, London, UK

Comments from americans - reflect good brain wash and propaganda by us media. It always helps to have an enemy to distract attention from own problems.
what's awful is refugees' stories - savage shooting of women and children trying to escape from the city

Irina, Moscow,

I laughed today when Bush said "we should respect Georgians sovereignty and territorial integrity and its military bases should not be bombed"

Remember 1999 when NATO bombed Yugoslavia over Kosovo? Who decides when sovereignty and territorial integrity should and when they should not be respected?

vladimir, Beograd,

Please stop genocide of Ocetian nation!
At the moment the tragedy is happening – Georgians systematically shooting dead the Ocetian people in their own houses or burying under the falling homes. Georgian fascists destroyed Ocetian settlements and town Tskhinvally – they lay even with the ground.

Mikhail, Moscow,

The biggest mistake of the West is misunderstanding of what Russia - has long been no Soviet Union, Russia is another country. USSR died and his propaganda machine is dead, but the propaganda machine in the West of the Cold War time is not dead, every time it is used in the media against Russia.

Nick, Moscow,

Attacking a non-NATO neighbour may just be a dress rehearsal for larger Russian strategic ambitions. Is it just a question of time for Russia to attack Tallinn or Vilnius in order to test the resolve of NATO's Article V? If Europe stands idle today, remember what followed Munich/Chamberlain in 1938.

Darius, Vilnius,

Guys, come on! You know only what the mass media of your national government wants you to know.It is obvious that this conflict has nothing to do with Georgia and Ossetia. USA really wants something (we all know what) from Russia and this conflict is a great provocation. Feel sorry for people...

Yula, Moscow, Russia

I feel sorry for people that are so easily get under mass media influence and history books written by same people as you and controlled by politics and government. No comments about THE ACTIONS of USA (I can ignore the wrong words) against the world.

Yula, Moscow, Russia

GO RUSSIAN haha

Tyler, vancouver, canada

To Vadim, New York, USA
Georgia could not be named agressor because the South ossetia is the province of Geargia as Chechnya is the province of Russia. So if Russia had not been named agressor for her war in Chechnya so Georgia should not be named agressor either.

Nadin, CA,

Russia had always looked at Georgia as at its own territory, as well as at the other post-soviet countries. Granting russian citizenship to south-osetians wasnt one-day decision, but well-considered strategy. US and UK had known ab this conflict long ago, and they could prevent it. Why they hadnt?

Alicia, Lviv, Ukraine

To david, gosport, england, If geargia joined NATO already this conflict would not happened because Russians would be afraid to start the war with NATO. Russia start this war now to prevent Georgia from entering tha NATO and tp control oil and gas pipelines and by this to control Europe.

Nadin, CA,

Actually, Sid, since almost all of the Georgian Army's equipment is Russian, I would assume that it was Russians who "Trained the Georgian military men to shoot from heavy artillery and rocket systems on a sleeping city". Those Rockets are BM-21s and the Arty is mostly D-30s. Your SA-11 SAMs too.

Matt , Chicago, IL, USA

Alexander you mean Rusia must let free Chechnya? Or maybe whole Caucasus region? Bugaga. Now whole world see - russians are blood craving monsters. And saddly my country must prepare for oncoming war with russians. Later will be too late. I will stand for my country and not forget the way of warrior

Audrius, Panevezys, Lithuania

So many miopic views. It's not the first provocation by Georgia. And Saakashvili is the most interested in the conflict, he provoked it. Russian peacekeepers were trying to maintain peace in the region to ensure that the story from 15 years ago when Georgia burnt down Osetian towns does not repeat.

Lana, Moscow, Russia

People, don't believe BBC and CNN, they misinform you!!! It's not Russia who started the aggression! The attack started at night when Russian troops weren't even there, Russian peacemakers were killed. Saakashvili was killing civilians of Osetia in their houses, his troops bombed schools and hospitals. Russia had to do somthing to stop this genocide!

Natalia, St-Petersburg, Russia

And I would like to highlight once again that, because Russia had the agression against her own part Chechnya, Russia and Russians lost their rights to criticize any other country for the similar deeds.

Nadin, CA,

So who encourged Saakashvili to attack Russian Peace Keepers ?

I will listen to Alex Jones before recycling proporganda claims that "Russia has attacked"...

David Ginger, Leicester, England

Russia has just bombed and severed the oil pipeline that runs from the Caspian to the Black Sea. Putin now has the control of Eurasian energy sources that he needs to dictate to EU governments. It is time for European to put aside their chocolate and cheese-making and fight for their freedom.

Jay, NYC, USA

Saakashvili is not only "The US-educated Geogian leader" but CIA financed to steal an election, and uses police state brutality to maintain his position. Presumably he was taught how whilst in the US. Why should Russia tolerate US missiles in Eastern Europe and a US satrap in Georgia.

Jill Dandy, Nantwich,

Lets not forget whats important I see alot of comments about the uk,but you have to remember its out of our power just like iraq when we voted for our leaders,we didnt vote for war we never wanted it,lots of people are died we don't want no more dying! Its the egg heads at the top need 2 chill

Jemma, Manchester,

Bush will not respond except with words, because Georgia has nothing to offer. His attempts for Georgia in NATO are only for a show. He already has two disasters (Iraq and Afghanistan) and will not send troops to Georgia to fight against the Russians. Georgia must go its way alone.

Steve McWilliams, Minot, North Dakota, United States

Saakashvili - the citizen of the USA. The salary to officials in Georgia is paid by Americans. Finance acquisition of the weapon and an ammunition - the USA. Trained the Georgian military men to shoot from heavy artillery and rocket systems on a sleeping city - too the American military men. Then whose it is aggression?

Sid, St-Petersbug, RU

James Cullup
On the day that China shows its status to the world through the games, Georgian forces striked Capital of South Ossetia, killed 1500 civilians , and 10 russian peacekeepers, destroyed most part of the citiy. Russian tanks only liberated the city.
I HATE desinformation of the West

Lev, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

In Europe communists have seized power? So much lies I saw only in the USSR!!!

Sid, St-Petersbug, RU

"The US-educated Geogian leader has rightly been praised for turning around his country’s dire economy"...? Richard Beeston, do you even know where Georgia is? 60% of the population there live below the poverty line.

Tom, London,

If we don't tell the Russians, in no uncertain terms, to get out of Georgia and stop trying to blackmail the other independent republics that it used to own we will all be eating gherkins and wearing boots with no socks.
We don't need a new initiative what we need is a leader to stop them.

Eugene Bari, Southampton, UK

I think the aggressor here is fairly obvious: Georgia. Saakashvilli was elected on the promises of national unity and now trying to strengthen his authority in the province that wants freedom from him. Most of the victims are Ossetians that fell to the Georgian force. Blood is on Georgia's hands.

Vadim, New York, USA

To stop dispute between parties, firm+solid response from UN is compulsory but without interference of USA,China and Russia.
Urgent+inteligent talks and generosity could bring peace to region, otherwise we are heading off 3rd WW and no civilians will survive this no matter nationality or religion.

Humberto, Malaga, Spain

Temporal correlation between electoral activity in the US and some "unfortunate" developments in sensible parts of the world do seem to exist.
Last time they had a serious terrorist bomb attack in Moscow, was exactly when the 2004 gopconvention was deciding whether W is their man for the 2nd term...

Leo, Moscow, Russia

"Americans are once again reminded that Europe and its eastern flanks are a perilous place, needing a firm steady, hand at the helm."

Oh yes, as a matter of fact, the firm, steady american hand is what all europeans obviously need the most.

Alexey, Moscow, Russia

I have no idea who's at fault, again we have conflicting views that do nothing to shine the light of truth on what's really happening/happened. I find it inreasingly frustrating that our leaders are prepared to bring countries to the brink of war and beyond in the name of oil.

Russ, Bristol, UK

"Georgian troops fire rockets at separatist South Ossetian rebels" or capitol of south osetia whit all cityzen whitout any diference?

Ivan, Kragujevac,

This is a meaty subject when cast in terms of the forthcoming presidential election in the USA. My guess is Sen. Obama's campaign will face even more difficulties as Americans are once again reminded that Europe and its eastern flanks are a perilous place, needing a firm steady, hand at the helm.

JohnR(DC), Washington, DC, USA

The only people who will suffer AGAIN will be innocent civilians!!!
Russia tried to warn Georgia by banning georgian goods, blockades, etc...
But Georgia's goverment pushed the situation to the edge.
I know that georgian people don't want and don't need this war!

Karina, Los Angeles, USA

It concerns me all the countries that are joining NATO apparently Georgia is about to join, if it was in aready
world war 3 would be well underway.

david, gosport, england

Georgian forces armed and trained by US killed 1600 civilians IN ONE DAY. Most of them women, children, elders. Most of them russian citizens. Several villages and towns raised to the ground with all their inhabitans.Imagine 1600 brits or americans murdered. What would UK or US do?

anton, Moscow, Russia

On the day that China shows its status to the world through the games, Russian tanks roll into Georgia. Communism seems to be flexing its muscles...we could have some trouble ahead.

James Cullup, Oxford,

the point people arent considering is that the russian population in south ossetia was at some stage put their by either the soviets or the russian federation. the russians are known to be funding the seperatists and undermining tblisi, it is in no way the same as kosovo.

time to stand up Britain

will, grimsby, uk

I see this as nothing more than a puppet show to force the USA into conflict with Russia where the Russians have a home-field advantage. Russia, Georgia, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine,ect... are all part of the Neo-Soviet conspiracy machine. They just needed to pretend so Russia could rebuild for war.

Flavio , San Juan, Brazil

Russian minorities live in all old Warsaw Pact countries. People have died in those countries, some of them Russian.

In Iraq GWB set the precedent for invading without UN SC approval.

The excuses are there for Russia to use.

This precedent by the USSR, err Russia, puts all Eastern Europe at risk

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Let me see now.
Georgia claims Ossetia as part of its territory.
And backs up that claim by sending troops in.
Now- if Ossetia is Georgian territory...
Then why are the Georgians bombing the living daylights out of what they see as 'Georgian citizens...?'
Because that's what they are doing...

Josef Balzer, Askeaton/Co. Limerick, Ireland

it seems to me that Russia is trying to protect its interests in Georgia. They gave out citizenship to the people of South Ossetia in order to make it look like Georgia was attacking Russian citizens, thus making it look like they have a just war when all they want to do is take back Georgia.

Garrick, Las Vegas, USA

as for ethnic cleansing or anything on the ground it seems impossible at the moment to verify what is happening as it seems simplistic to trust the Kremlin Times which is what all Russian media is and in a war zone that's just become hot it'll be awhile before we know anything for sure

mike, Minneapolis, USA

In Georgia 10 years ago, even then the Russians were trying to destabilise the country, Regional Bully trying to regain it's former Glory (USSR) Watch out world!

Mike Kunz, Launceston, Australia

There is no US-led invasion fleet is floating towards the Persian Gulf.

Sean Burley, Buffalo, Ny, USA

The larger effect of this situation will be greater urgency for the European Union to develop it's own military power. The Union cannot have Russia mlitaristically dominating ally neighbors in close proximity. If they do not want to have to rely on American support they will have to act soon.

Trebla M, Atlanta, USA

How you can defend Saakashvili? You are being deceived!!! He is a treacherous murderer, who fights with women and children.The attack started at night when Russian troops were'nt even there, russian peacemakers were killed. Saakashvili was killing civilians of Osetia in their houses, his troops bombed schools and hospitals. Russia had to do somthing to stop this genocide.And then he makes a tragical face and claims to the west that Russia is the aggressor!!!

Natalia, St-Petersburg,

How terrribly, dreadfully sad.... Plus, the deep concern with this conflict is that the ideologies behind the anger, on both sides, run deep indeed. The West needs to avoid judgement and be the supreme diplomat here. The one hope came in early calls for mediation, over condemnation.

anthony, notingham, uk

What a stupid gamble to take, I couldn't believe it when he started calling for uk/usa support it's not going to come. No way is the uk or america going to risk a war with Russia, they've been arming and training georgia in the hope of making it a too costly battle for the russians. He moved to soon

scott, birmingham,

Guys the truth is on Osetian side. Mr. Saakashvili is on a payroll of US Government, so all this was planned way back in the days when he was negotiating his salary if not earlier.
He was provoking Russia for a long time now. Chihuahua will never be a Lion and can't talk to a Lion as equal.

Frank, DC, US

How you can defend Saakashvili? You are being deceived!!! He is a treacherous murderer, who fights with women and children.The attack started at night when Russian troops were'nt even there, russian peacemakers were killed. Saakashvili was killing civilians of Osetia in their houses, his troops bombed schools and hospitals. Russia had to do somthing to stop this genocide.And then he makes a tragical face and claims to the west that Russia is the aggressor!!!

Natalya, St-Petersburg,

A balanced piece of news on this. It's quite disturbing to see that Georgians and US opinion makers clearly portray this as a Russian agression. Still It's Georgia that made the offensive move. Should other Nato countries really keep following the US blindly in all their moves?

Philippe, Brussels, Belgium

With the Georgians acting on the opening day of ther Olympics, am I being cynical in thinking this is not a co-incidence?

Eddie Tulasiewicz, London,

I'm not being facetious here, but have you ever noticed, countries go to war, one wins, occupies conquered territory for a while, brings homes some war brides, things calm down, loser rebuilds and eventually countries decide to be trading partners and then allies. Why not skip to end, and end wars.

Penny K, Westminster, Colorado, USA

The guy from Finland is an big expert. After all Russia and Hitler solved the Finland problem, After WWII we should have Rusia keep Finland. For this War, it is funny how he blames The USA and UK, not Russia. Russian tanks are rolling into another country, not UK or US tanks.

SP, Jackson, USA

Its quite a coincidence that Russia has been threating Georgia for a long time, and now all this things happen...

Lars, Stockholm, Sweden

This is a mess caused by both Georgia and Russia, but Russia as the more powerful country should have the discipline to stop short of creating an international crises, and investigate ways towards peace. The people of the United States would like to be friends with Russia but will not abandon allies

Magoo, Minneapolis,

and Russia with a more violent and longer history of imperialism, massmurder are still denying the facts and glorify what they have done to its own people, other nations. Its disgusting. Now they are trying to eat up Georgia as well as other nations. How about giving freedom to Chechnya and ...

Lars, Stockholm, Sweden

not invading Georgia. I sincerely hope that the democratic western nations will step up on Georgian side to repel Soviet aggression and imperialism.

Lars, Stockholm, Sweden

Saakashvily started a bloodshed after a years of fragile peace, bombed city, full of civilians, in the night, sent troops to fight on the streets, ethnic cleansing is reported. Is it a "pro-West democracy" you talking about?

Sergey, Moscow, Russia

An Anglo-American conflict with Russia is inevitable. Although Kosovo proved to be a time of intense diplomatic exchange, this "mini war" is the first brushfire of the neo-Cold War in a post-Soviet world.

Scott Keenan, Alexandria,

I hope the International Tribunal in The Hague awaiting Saakashvili for the aggression against the peaceful population of South Ossetia.
Is it better to Milosevic, Karadzic?
Sorry for my English.

Slava, Vologda, Russia

So crazy World!!! So crazy People!!! The press make a zombi from you)) Only our children's children will be know the truth, maybe... I'm not sure...
But I like this article, it was interestingly to read.

Elena, Moscow, Russia

... how imposing its rule on two republics that clearly are not nterested in being part of Georgia could be considered as establishment of Western-looking democracy.....?

alexander, London,

Like in Chechenya, Alexander?

Mikhail Leonidovich, Kobrin, Belarus

Stan from London - You are a blind man and have no clue what you are talking about (or you're a Communist sympathizer). Russia has been infringing on Georgian sovereignty for centuries. This is just the latest episode in an agonizing history between the 2 countries.

Jonathan, Seattle, USA

The US and UK should explain why Kosovo should be independent and South Ossetia and Abhazia should not. In all 3 cases it is US military self-interest and reaching for Caspian oil, not law. And Saakashvilli's takeover of course followed the familiar CIA-sponsored scenario a la Ukraine, Serbia, etc.

Jon Leyton, Groningen, Netherlands

Face the facts - Georgia bombed Tshinvali this morning and sent the troops there, like Serbia did in Kosovo. Russia responds to protect Osets who are all Russian citizens. I think US and Britain should apply maximum pressure on Georgia now to call its troops off and start serious talks on Osetia.

Andrey, Moscow, Russia

alexander,

So If Northern Ireland said that they would like to unite their Island, you would have no problem with them leaving the British? The U.S. has some experience in states trying to break away, according to your logic we shouldnt have fought the civil war.

Matt, Columbus, Ohio, USA

-It is Georgia that attacked on the day of Olympics
-It is Georgia that destroyed villages and the capital of South Ossetia.
-It is Georgia that killed its own citizens - hundreds if not thousands...
-It is Georgia thakilled UN-backed Russian peacekeepers...

Stan, London, UK

The USA and its poodle GB/UK playing "powers" again; the anniversary of 1914 will be upon us; remember what happened to the imperialist powers in central Europe of he day and the genesis of the break up of the then British Empire - troubles in Ireland. Will we see another BEF heading to Georgia?

John Edgar, Cupar, Fife, Scotland

The USA and its poodle GB/UK playing "powers" again; the anniversary of 1914 will be upon us; remember what happened to the imperialist powers in central Europe of he day and the genesis of the break up of the then British Empire - troubles in Ireland. Will we see another BEF heading to Georgia?

John Edgar, Cupar, Fife, Scotland

Georgia's pesident gambles on the US support, he gambles his future, the future of his children.
All economic restrictions and suctions were lifted by Putin earlier this year. Russian presence and its historical ties with Georgia can not be disputed, while American 'interests' are speculative.

alex, reval, estland

I see it as aggression of Britain and USA, because without US and Uk support Saakashvili could not start attack to civil people. As ussualy politicians do not think about lifes of peaceful people. USA and UK think about oil pipes, 1 m ot pipes means more for them, that 100 lifes kiled today!

Serge,

Serge, Helsinki, Finland

Russia has always put indigenous Russian people in its satellite states to dilute the strength of the native people. There are large numbers of native Russians in almost all former USSR states. The only difference is that those countries like Lithuania and Larvis who joined EU have more protection

c chapman, macerata, italy

On the day of the opening of the Olympic games in PRC, We see posturing and Russian aggression which has been building up over some time not only against the Georgians but also Estonia and Latvia as well as the UK with agressive long range bombers patrolling Nato skies now flare into open War, Bravo

Rob, London, UK

I hate to think this could be the start of World War III.

Jeff, Sioux Falls, USA

"But Mr Saakashvili has calculated that his friends in the West, notably America and Britain, will protect him against an all out Russian attack" - We named it "has spoiled and has hidden in bushes" in Russia. The good word-play has turned out :)

Dmitry, Moscow,

Textbook scenario. While the Russians move on Georgia, a US-led invasion fleet is floating towards the Persian Gulf. But we shall enjoy the Olympics, and be oblivious to the dangers. There is nothing like panem et circus

Mathew Maavak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

maybe the author can explain how imposing its rule on two republics that clearly are not nterested in being part of Georgia could be considered as establishment of Western-looking democracy by Saakashvilli?

alexander, London,