Heavy Fighting in South Ossetia

[ICantSpellDawg]

Georgia began an operation against South Ossetia after they agreed to a second ceasefire. Georgia started this round.

Georgia broke a ceasefire and admit that, but they did not ignite the conflict here. South Ossetians seem to have done this and inflamed the conflict by destroying a Georgian APC. This is what the U.S. maintains as well. This is Russian opportunism and i'm suprised that this is not your interpretation of it, EMFM. They will use this opportunity to sever Abhkazia and South Ossetia from Georgia once and for all. Former Soviet satellites should understand how ridiculous this is.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Georgia broke a ceasefire and admit that, but they did not ignite the conflict here.

Well, by breaking the ceasefire they started the present conflict.

This is Russian opportunism and i'm suprised that this is not your interpretation of it, EMFM.

Certainly they are taking advantage of the situtation. Any country would do the same. Georgia attempted to take advantage by attacking South Ossetia, and they failed when the big kid on the block stepped in to take advantage. The little kid (Ossetia) seems to prefer the big kid to the medium kid.

They will use this opportunity to sever Abhkazia and South Ossetia from Georgia once and for all.

Why is that a problem if that is what Abkhazia and South Ossetia want? Because it is the Russians doing it?

My point is that this is a local conflict and no threat whatsoever to the Western world. I don't consider Georgia particularily useful, and I've lost all sympathy I may have had for them when they attacked Ossetia after agreeing to a ceasefire hours before.

[Marshal Murat]

My point is that this is a local conflict and no threat whatsoever to the Western world.

Even the smallest grain of rice can tip the scales - Mulan

It's a matter of principle for me. It has raised an interesting philosophical question.

Why would I support Kosovo and Tibet independence and decry Ossetian and Abhakazian independence? I would say that it's because Tibet and Kosovo wish to be free and independent nations. Ossetia and Abhakazia (sp?) wish to be a part of Russia. It's a dangerous precedent. Were there a significant majority of illegal Mexican immigrants to move into Southern Texas, and then settle there? They might ask to leave this Union, and join the nation of Mexico! It would be absurd for me to allow the Mexican immigrants any right to rejoin Mexico. The same, to me, applies to Ossetia and Abhakazia.

Seeing Georgia break a ceasefire is disgraceful, but considering the swift (surprising swift) Russian response, not only in Ossetia but across the nation of Georgia? Were Russia to march in only to Ossetia and attempt to prevent further Georgian advances, and then attempt to argue for mediation, that I would understand. However, continued Russian aggression is disconcerting. Georgia is a small nation and the seemingly large Russian response makes me feel bad for Georgia. Call it the "David vs. Goliath" mentality of Americans.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Even the smallest grain of rice can tip the scales - Mulan

Only if you let it.

Seeing Georgia break a ceasefire is disgraceful, but considering the swift (surprising swift) Russian response, not only in Ossetia but across the nation of Georgia?

It's not really surprisingly swift. Russia already had forces there, and when the order comes, they can move quickly. That is the whole point of keeping a prepared military - to respond swiftly.

Georgia is a small nation and the seemingly large Russian response makes me feel bad for Georgia. Call it the "David vs. Goliath" mentality of Americans.

I also see it as a David vs. Goliath battle, only I see South Ossetia as David, Georgia as Goliath, and something much larger coming to help South Ossetia when it requires it.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Russian peacekeeper troops in South Ossetia obvioualy failed in their duty to keep the peace since the Georgian APC was destroyed. South Ossetia is Georgia's territory, they have every right to defend themselves within it.

South Ossetia is just an excuse for Russia to invade or at least impose its influence over Georgia.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

It's getting worse. Though I suspect incidents like those mentioned in the article have been going on for several hours at least, a full military conflict between Georgia and Russia will ensue unless the UN gets something together quickly. I've already said that I believe South Ossetia is in the right in this conflict, but I'm still hoping it doesn't escalate.

[Devastatin Dave]

It's getting worse. Though I suspect incidents like those mentioned in the article have been going on for several hours at least, a full military conflict between Georgia and Russia will ensue unless the UN gets something together quickly. I've already said that I believe South Ossetia is in the right in this conflict, but I'm still hoping it doesn't escalate.

The UN? Hahahahahaha!!!
Riiight, the UN is going to "swiftly" move in on this one!!! Man, no offense to you Mr Martian but there is a better possibility of Boy George going straight than the UN doing anything but talk in this one.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

The UN? Hahahahahaha!!!
Riiight, the UN is going to "swiftly" move in on this one!!! Man, no offense to you Mr Martian but there is a better possibility of Boy George going straight than the UN doing anything but talk in this one.

Did I say I thought they were going to do anything? If I don't trust the EU, what makes you think I'll trust the UN? Allow me to clarify my original post. A full military conflict between Russia and Georgia will ensue, barring a miracle. We're screwed.