Russia invading Georgia

**digitalcraft** · 08-08-2008, 01:43 PM

Russia battles Georgia over breakaway region of South Ossetia | World news | guardian.co.uk

This region, South Ossetia, decided they didn't want to be part of Georgia, and have basically been in conflict. Georgia launched a campaign to retake the area. Apparently some Russian property got destroyed in the process, and some Russians were killed. Now Russia has sent tanks over the border and commenced bombing targets in Georgia.

Some around 1000 people have already been killed, reportedly between 2 and 4 russian planes shot down and lots of property destruction in Georgia and the South Ossetia region. Georgia is calling for the U.S. to assist, diplomatically so far. Georgia has 2000 troops in Iraq, and is withdrawing 1000 to deploy against Russia.

This has me really nervous. If things continue it could draw a lot of countries into conflict. Georga has been a helpful ally of the U.S. for instance, and trying to get into NATO. The U.S. hasn't been exactly known for non-interventionalism.

**Zytek_Fan** · 08-08-2008, 02:05 PM

The media is using this for an anti-Russian campaign

Hopefully the US doesn't decide to intervene

**Matra et Alpine** · 08-08-2008, 02:09 PM

Georgia == oil pipeline so dont' hold your breath for non-interventino

**cmcpokey** · 08-08-2008, 02:11 PM

i just checked off my ship today, and coincidently they are leaving tomorrow for the Black Sea. they will be part of a standing Nato group that stays in the Med and adjacent seas. I have a feeling there will be some maritime presence off the coast, whether they will play or not was a huge topic of discussion today on the ship, but there has been nothing official from the miltary side. (even if there was i probably woudlnt be able to discuss it on here.)

whether we will send a carrier battle group or not depends on a lot of factors. i really think its unlikely though. that woudl probably exacerbate the situation, and worsen our already fractious relationship with russia.

**Dino Scuderia** · 08-08-2008, 02:12 PM

Russia has a "peacekeeping force" in South Ossetia. It has practically been giving away Russian passports to Ossetians, with a minimum of bureaucracy. As a consequence, about 90% of South Ossetians are now "Russian citizens".

Therefore, Russia is arguing that it is only protecting its citizens (while attacking Georgian military and civilians in Georgia), while Georgia is saying that it was only moving troops within its own country (while possibly violating a peace agreement concerning an autonomous region).

Depending on your point of view, both the South Ossetians and the Georgians could therefore claim "underdog status".

**Zytek_Fan** · 08-08-2008, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by cmcpokey

i just checked off my ship today, and coincidently they are leaving tomorrow for the Black Sea. they will be part of a standing Nato group that stays in the Med and adjacent seas. I have a feeling there will be some maritime presence off the coast, whether they will play or not was a huge topic of discussion today on the ship, but there has been nothing official from the miltary side. (even if there was i probably woudlnt be able to discuss it on here.)

whether we will send a carrier battle group or not depends on a lot of factors. i really think its unlikely though. that woudl probably exacerbate the situation, and worsen our already fractious relationship with russia.

Putin is going to be pissed if there is a US carrier laying in wait.

I don't think the US will take action against Russia, because one of Russia's top allies is--China

And this my friends, is why the US needs a president who will be willing to delve into correct foreign policy.

**cmcpokey** · 08-08-2008, 02:32 PM