The Russian-Georgia Conflict

[Craig]

This needs its own thread... considering this could be a precursor to a much larger and more deadly war. Though it is my belief that eventually Russia will have no one to fight and will have to decide whether to occupy, or leave Georgia. I don't see this escalating myself, but you never know.

War in South Ossetia - The Big Picture - Boston.com

[BuddhistSoldier]

The best neutral description of this IMHO is at wikipedia. 2008 South Ossetia war - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

EDIT: Definitely something to keep an eye on.

[Gantua]

Bush tossed out some words today and Putin fired back...don't realy think much will happen other than what Craig said. Hard telling though it's not by definition a civil war but then again it sort of is. Shame we didn't put these guys away in 45 like Patton wanted to.

[CoffeeShark]

Putin is posturing, and Georgia is an easy target. It's the beginning of the formation of the former Soviet Union. Until someone challenges them militarily, they won't stop.

[DennyCrane]

I agree. Putin is attempting to reconstitute the Soviet Union.

This is not a new fight by any means. In the Winter of 2006, Russia sabotaged the oil pipeline in Georgia and imposed a military blockade as a warning against pursuing membership in NATO. Militarily, Georgia is crucial for Russia. It opens a pathway to Iran, Syria, and Turkey. Remember, Turkey is an Islamic nation. And in any dispute involving Israel, I'll give you 3 guesses who they'll side with.

Russia is not now, nor has ever been a friend of America. I keep repeating this over and over. The fall of the Soviet Union has never sat well with people like Vladimir Putin. The former KGB man wants the USSR back and is actively working not only towards that end, but towards their age-old desire for a warm water port.

Georgia to Turkey to Iran to the warm water.
On the U.S. side, we've moved two carrier groups to the Persian Gulf area. This could easily escalate into a direct conflict between Russia and the United States.

[Bojingles]

Nobody is going to do anything about the matter at the moment, but I can guarantee the US, NATO, and the UN are watching Russia very closely right now.

[CoffeeShark]

Georgia's got huge oil, as does Azerbaijan. it's a perfect place for the Russians to start.

I don't pretend to know if that's why they'll do, but the incredible show of force would make it seem so.

[DennyCrane]

The oil fields in the north of Russia dwarf Georgia's. This isn't about oil. It's regaining Georgia because it's strategic in the region. Balance this with Russia supporting Iran in every action with the west.

[CoffeeShark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennyCrane

The oil fields in the north of Russia dwarf Georgia's. This isn't about oil. It's regaining Georgia because it's strategic in the region. Balance this with Russia supporting Iran in every action with the west.

the US has helped Azerbaijan put in a pipeline that will more than quadruple their oil output, with reports of a possible 10x revenue increase by 2010. It's a huge asset. No, it's not all about oil, but it's a huge factor.

[DennyCrane]

Watch the Ukraine in the next few days. The west may respond by bringing that country into NATO. Russia wants the Ukraine. They have about 40 million people which Putin wants to add to Russia's 140 million. That threat alone might get Russia out of Georgia.