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[KimyReizeger]

Saakashvili:

The Russians want the whole of Georgia. The Russians need control over energy routes from central Asia and the Caspian Sea. In addition, they want to get rid of us, they want regime change. Every democratic movement in this neighbouring region must be got rid of

Regardless of Russia's next move, aren't Georgia pretty much asking for it by invading a break-away state with an inclination towards Moscow? Given the fact that the president can make statements like the above - in other words, recognise Russia's ambition 'they want to get rid of us' - it doesn't seem very wise to risk provoking volatile superpowers.

[Stripey]

I suspect the georgians expected nato or at least the US to back them up. Sadly it's pretty clear to everyone that russia is just going to pound them into submission. It's interesting to see how it's being reported by most news agencies in the US, i.e that Russia is the aggressor.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by KimyReizeger

Regardless of Russia's next move, aren't Georgia pretty much asking for it by invading a break-away state with an inclination towards Moscow? Given the fact that the president can make statements like the above - in other words, recognise Russia's ambition 'they want to get rid of us' - it doesn't seem very wise to risk provoking volatile superpowers.

Russia probably can't believe their luck to be honest. They are now within 60-odd miles of getting to the BTC oil pipeline that runs though Georgia and is the West's only oil export route from the Caspian Sea that bypasses Russia. It's not a simple conflict by any means with plenty of blame on both parities, but as much as the US and fellow NATO allies may protest, I don't think any of them will risk getting involved. I suspect South Ossetia will just become part of Russia ultimately. I don't think Russia would risk trying to invade the whole of Georgia.

[KimyReizeger]

As far as I can make out South Ossetia recognised itself as an independent state, but the ties with Russia are obviously strong and surely Georgia could have scripted the outcome. I can't imagine a 'peace-keeping' body entering war with Russia on the basis of Georgia's interest.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by KimyReizeger

As far as I can make out South Ossetia recognised itself as an independent state, but the ties with Russia are obviously strong and surely Georgia could have scripted the outcome. I can't imagine a 'peace-keeping' body entering war with Russia on the basis of Georgia's interest.

Georgia has always refused to recognise South Ossetia as an independent state (ala Kosovo) and the peacekeepers there have been Russian soliders, not Georgian. The Russian government gave 80,000 of South Ossentian's citizens Russian passports not so long ago and they very much consider themselves more Russian than Georgian. I believe what triggered this conflict was Georgia "invading" South Ossentia a few days ago and killing a number of Russian peacekeepers. It's hard to tell what's true and what's not though at this stage. Either way, Russia are definitely making a play for taking the region.

[Stripey]

abkhazia is looking distinctly less georgian by the minute aswell.

[KimyReizeger]

An analysis of reporting rhetoric:

Russia brushes aside ceasefire calls after Georgia withdraws

- the Guardian

Russia Deploys Ships, Expands Georgia Bombing Blitz

- Fox News

[KimyReizeger]

Originally Posted by Neil

Either way, Russia are definitely making a play for taking the region.

Given the seemingly pro-Russian nature of the place it's possibly the best outcome for them. Therefore, Georgia have created an unnecessary pile of corpses and given spark to more problems in other parts of the country.

"You can see, nobody wanted to help us. The UN and the Americans, they all sat there while we got bombed. It was the Russians who saved us. One more day and this whole place would no longer exist, and nor would any of us."

- South Ossetian soldier on Georgian attacks

[Chris]

RUSSIA EVIL AFTER ALL - The Daily Mash

I was watching the Russian news channel over the weekend, their take on the situation is vastly different to the western news.

The banner headline on Saturday was WAR IS ON, while a grinning blonde told everyone how despicable Georgia was.

[Frosty Jack]

The first casualty of war...