Heavy Fighting in South Ossetia

[Marshal Murat]

What? How is Georgia's terrible economic situation and ultra-nationalist government Russia's fault?

Had the Soviet Union reinvested in the region, when they had a chance, rather than funding terrorist organizations across Africa and Latin America, or had the Soviet Union adopted a better economic policy, many of the split-away republics would be in a better position to care for itself. Considering where the republics started off, few were really prepared to deal with the economic situation in the world at large. They simply sought independence from a ultra-nationalistic communist nation whose repressions against human rights is astounding, and are facing the results. They aren't the wealthiest nation, Georgia. They don't have the best services because they are essentially starting 10 years behind the rest of the world. It's not like people in former Soviet republics decided that eating grass and herding sheep was the best thing, ever. They've been trying to improve their economies, but it's not easy starting with a handicap.

The unfortunately economic situation only serves to breed ultra-nationalistic governments. Many nations, in the throes of economic downturn, often turn to nationalistic governments. Russia in 1916, Germany 1930s, Japan 1930s. All uniting the nation and changing the economy under the direction of nationalistic leaders.

Unfortunate economic times also causes people to isolate themselves culturally, socially, etc. This often leads to greater conflict between groups, clans, whatever. If Yugoslavia moved into a prospering nation following Titos death, then what impetus would any of the republics there-in have to split away and form their own nation?

Had Russia reinvested in the republics before they broke away, not abused them for cultural reasons, had a different economic policy, or abused ethnic groups with deportation and genocide, then yeah I think we would have a different situation.

Well, I heard that someone else proposed the ceasefire. I'm not sure who.

It might be those pesky westerners...