Defiant Putin accuses US of 'helping Georgia' as fighting escalates amid fears of ground invasion

[HAL 9000 96]

Funny since Serbia had Russia's backing during that whole mess.

And why is it "funny"? If there were no precedent, Russian response would've been different.

Funny as in a figure of speech. Ironic as it seems, it was the precedent. And Russia is now on the other end of the principle it was upholding against the Kosovars. Precedent or not, that is pure political hipocrisy.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

In my opinion it is really simple.

The US and the the rest of the West recognized Kosovo opnening up by doing that a huge can of worms. Russia didn't want it, but it happened, and so the precedent was set.

S. Osetia = Kosovo

Georgia = Serbia

Russia = NATO

End of story.

Oh, Tskhinvali was leveled by the Georgian bombardment, despite the things written above.

That's what I've read, but all of it is still a bit confusing. I think people are trying to decipher which ones are the good guys and which ones are the bad guys.

[412 0]

Since no one listened to Russia's opinion, why use this chance to exploit the precedent? And this is just a beginning. Abhazia is to follow, then Transdnestria, and then. . . Who knows? Basques? Corsicans? Kurds?

[HAL 9000 96]

In my opinion it is really simple.

The US and the the rest of the West recognized Kosovo opnening up by doing that a huge can of worms. Russia didn't want it, but it happened, and so the precedent was set.

S. Osetia = Kosovo

Georgia = Serbia

Russia = NATO

End of story.

Oh, Tskhinvali was leveled by the Georgian bombardment, despite the things written above.

That's what I've read, but all of it is still a bit confusing. I think people are trying to decipher which ones are the good guys and which ones are the bad guys.

Who knows? Personally I'd be satisfied with a nation's sovereignty being respected just a little bit more. Then you could lop foreign pressure and diplomacy on top of it as is done in the civilized world.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Since no one listened to Russia's opinion, why use this chance to exploit the precedent? And this is just a beginning. Abhazia is to follow, then Transdnestria, and then. . . Who knows? Basques? Corsicans? Kurds?

I don't this fierce need for complete independence when these areas are relatively small.

[HAL 9000 96]

Since no one listened to Russia's opinion, why use this chance to exploit the precedent? And this is just a beginning. Abhazia is to follow, then Transdnestria, and then. . . Who knows? Basques? Corsicans? Kurds?

How does that make sense? How would there be consistency there?

Does this mean Russia is now going to champion colonized nations and separatist movements' claims to independence internationally? That would be kind of awesome since plenty of other nations have skeletons in their closets with respect to the hegemony of lands and peoples not of their own.

Since no one listened to Russia's opinion, why use this chance to exploit the precedent? And this is just a beginning. Abhazia is to follow, then Transdnestria, and then. . . Who knows? Basques? Corsicans? Kurds?

I don't this fierce need for complete independence when these areas are relatively small.

Lets see how this present situation pans out. I foresee some degree of autonomy being given to these regions under threat of Russian attack. But again... NOW we could say that there'd have to be a political precedent established.

[almaty 19]

[merijan 0]

Does anyone know why this all started in the first place? Is this like an attempt to reformate the soviet union?

It's a twofer - a power play to stop the expansion of NATO and to secure access to an oil pipeline.

Putin is smart. He knows no one will lift a finger for Georgia.

Perhaps George Bush should change his slogan so he can go and "help" and call it now as it should be called, The War On Oil Control"

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Does anyone know why this all started in the first place? Is this like an attempt to reformate the soviet union?

It's a twofer - a power play to stop the expansion of NATO and to secure access to an oil pipeline.

Putin is smart. He knows no one will lift a finger for Georgia.

Perhaps George Bush should change his slogan so he can go and "help" and call it now as it should be called, The War On Oil Control"

Operation Free The World's Supply of Oil

[Ilya R. 0]

You guys are too much, why are so many of you delusional?

[Brad and Vika 129]

You guys are too much, why are so many of you delusional?

Another rabid Putinist county heard from

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

You guys are too much, why are so many of you delusional?

Another rabid Putinist county heard from

ah yes, another one to be assimilated!

[bob_bonner 0]

You guys are too much, why are so many of you delusional?

This reminds me...

An old man was driving down the highway when he got a call from his wife. “Honey, please be careful. They just reported a car driving the wrong way on the Interstate," she said. "I know," replied the old man, "it's not just one car, there’s hundreds of them!"

[Ilya R. 0]

Im glad, all of you ganging up on me surely makes you right.

Oh I forget, It doesn't matter who is right or wrong, its how cool your reply is.....

savy

Edited August 13, 2008 by Ilya R.

[bob_bonner 0]

Im glad, all of you ganging up on me surely makes you right.

Oh I forget, It doesn't matter who is right or wrong, its how cool your reply is.....

savy

Not really, we're ganging up on you because you're a пиздун.