The Conflict between Georgia and Russia
Resumed Cold War in Hot August:
The Conflict between Georgia and Russia
#1
Who Is Going to Take the Big Pot in Eurasia?
By Kang Yeon-ah, Freshman, Guest Reporter
#282 Opinion
On the other side of the world, people are groaning in outrageous pain resulting from the war between Georgia and Russia. On August 8th, when the world was paying attention to the Beijing Olympics Opening ceremony, Russian troops invaded South Ossetia, Georgia, claiming to fight back Georgia to protect Russian citizens who had been attacked by Georgian forces.
Ever since the Soviet Union dissolved, in Georgia there has been a continuous conflict between those who are pro-Russian and who also have Russian citizenship and dwell in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, versus a Georgian majority. As the Georgian government has used military force to suppress the pro-Russians, Russia officially proclaimed a war against Georgia. The capital of South Ossetia was taken by Russian force within three days of the invasion, and the Russian President claimed that they would halt military action.
The background of this war is not so clear due to the geographic importance of Georgia. The location of Georgia is like a bridge connecting Central Asia and Europe so that Western European countries can get oil without passing through Russia. Russia, Georgia, the United States and Western European countries are deeply entrenched in this tragic situation.
The majority of Georgians have a pro-U.S. tendency with the Georgian President Saakashvili having been educated in America. A few days ago, he declared that not only Georgia would secede from the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), which is lead by Russia, but also that they wanted to become a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). The U.S. and Georgia have had an alliance since 2003. The Georgian army has been trained and equipped by the U.S., and they dispatched 2000 soldiers to Iraq, which is the third largest number following those of the U.S and the U.K..
Internationally, Poland and the Czech Republic have agreed to a Missile Defense Agreement with the U.S. One of the original anti-Russia countries in the region, Ukraine, is trying to become a member of the EU (The European Union) as well as NATO. Neighboring countries are friendly with the U.S. and other Western nations. This has worked as a hidden weapon against Russia and has made Russia breath harder and harder.
Lastly, the one thing that everyone has to remind of is that there are victims. Innocent civilians have been killed in this war, however, their deaths were not considered to be the main issue in the shade of the turf war between Russia and the U.S. International aid should go to South Ossetia immediately, and there should not be any other casualties.
#2
Before It Becomes Worse
By Imteyaz Qamar, Guest Reporter
The South Caucasus is a region which has been known for its volatility and instability throughout history. The Georgian case has been like this since the breakup of the Soviet Union and at least because the region is considered as the gateway between Europe and Central Asia. It is definitely what is happening in Georgia where tensions with Russia have heightened to the extent that the battle of words between Tbilisi and Moscow might yet turn into a new war over the breakaway and de facto independent region of Abkhazia. As most might know, most people in Abkhazia prefer to be linked with Russia over Georgia in spite of their linguistic proximity with Georgia. On the other hand, Azerbaijan (on the East) is tempted to send Mujahedeen forces into Georgia to fight against the Russian (the Christian) influence, for example against the independent Abkhazia.
Nowadays, tensions between Georgia and Russia have increased. Georgia is trying to separate itself from Russia. It has applied for NATO membership. Just recently, hundreds of civilians were killed in the breakaway Georgia province of South Ossetia as Georgia launched a major military offensive to regain the territory while two or four Georgian spy planes have been shot down in Abkhazia. Russia has continued to respond by sending more troops into Abkhazia because Georgia might try to attack with NATO-trained soldiers which would force Russia to defend its citizens. Georgia has said it invaded South Ossetia because of rebel attacks while the Georgian breakaway territory claims Georgia violated a ceasefire. The current conflict is threatening to spark a larger war between Georgia and Russia as well as increasing tensions between Moscow and Washington.
This increasing tension has affected not only neighboring countries, but also many other nations outside the region. Because of this, different opinions and reactions around the world have arisen. Some people think that it is always fine to help smaller nations against Russia as they consider Russia as the ultimate symbol of communist evil. On the other hand, others disagree and think that the West should stop irritating Russia since they believe that the Russians have no reason not to exercise their right to use the force and ignore Georgians abuse of sovereignty. However, it still seems unlikely for some that Georgia would actually go to war with its much larger and military superior neighbor since it cannot compete with Russia in man power, equipment, or budget, but unless the U.S. military intervenes, leading to a larger war.
As for me, the problem is of course, this is developing news and there are a lot of contradictory stories that make it hard to tell who is right and who is wrong. Although the current situation could get out of hand and the consequences seem uncertain, I still hope it would not take its toll to the extent that it would affect the whole world. In a volatile region such as the South Caucasus where conflicts always run the risk of over spilling into neighboring countries, I hope that remains the case. But before it becomes worse, all sides should be heard on behalf of stability in Georgia. For both Georgia and Russia, the U.S., the United Nations Security Council, and the International Community should fully support a peaceful solution to this crisis.