Did no one see this coming?

[eumelia]

Russia plowing through Georgia that is.

I had a feeling something was going to happen, at some point, because Georgia had been appearing more and more in the News over the past two months... as was Russia, though I admit I wasn't looking too close at the connection.

So, yeah... Technically Georgia started it, you know, for wanting to assert some control over a region within it's borders that is known for being mostly Russian in its population and wanting to be a part of Russia (so is my understanding).

Russia's response cannot be seen as anything other than trying to re-assert the control the great Russian Bear had over the various usurped, annexed and conquered nations during the High Days of the Soviet Union.

With the West not doing much other than watching and telling Putin that he's going a wee-bit over board and Putin replying with what could only be described as the diplomatic equivalent of the one fingered salute, I don't think Georgia is going to be making it in the end.

I don't have any clear memories of the days of the Cold War. I was four when the Berlin Wall fell, symbolically marking the end of the Soviet Union, despite it's actual dissolution in the early 90's.

I think since then has been regarded by the West (and specifically the US) as a sore loser in the game of Nations.

Putin is a scary guy. He always reminds me of a Bond Villain, and not because of the KGB thing, but because of the cold, unnerving stare he has. Reading about him earlier this year when he was named Time's ManPerson of the Year, I admit I was spooked.

I didn't get the impression Putin was a fan of being relegated as Bush's "Pal" in the East. I got the impression that Putin was not happy with the way the US plays around the various fronts; militarily, diplomatically and economically.
It's not like Russia was making any secret about any of this in any event.

So Russia watched Georgia closely, like it is watching all of it's neighbors closely, and took it's chance.

During the Olympic games.

Just when China was coming out into the world.

One can almost imagine the two former Communist nations being in cahoots in this.
But I doubt it.
Even my Conspiracy Theory brain can't go that far.
...You never know though...

Comments

[tempestbreaker.livejournal.com]

Hmm...I don't think anyone ever really thought of Putin as Bush's pal. To be honest, I always expected Bush to pull his fake cowboy shit on Putin one day, and for Putin to remind him, painfully, that Bush is the rich son of a rich man from Connecticut, while Putin is a highly skilled martial artist and spy master. Little known fact: Putin's bodyguards aren't meant to keep Putin safe. They're meant to keep everyone else safe from him. ;)

It's a shame what's going on. The sick twisted part of me that distances himself from the human race is enjoying watching Bush say that force is never a solution and regime change is wrong. I think Russia is "funny" considering their own history with Chechnya.

So now the big questions: What is the role of national self determination? What about state sovereignty over its borders? There will be a quiz later folks.

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

But, but... Regime change is only for those countries that have... ya know... EVIL Leaders! Like in South America and stuff.
Saakashvili was a-okay! He wanted to join NATO!

Also, only superpowers get any say is who rules what country at any given time.

I'm passing on the quiz, is that's all right? I can barely deal with that sort of thing at home, never mind countries that up until recently I could barely find on a map without an Atlas key.

[tempestbreaker.livejournal.com]

No no. Regime change is for everyone and anyone. America's CIA beams with pride on this matter. ;) But you got the golden rule. Only superpowers get the say.
Yeps! You pass the quiz, and get bonus points for the eddie izzardtastic icon.

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

Ms. Izzard is good for many occasions.

[aesiron.livejournal.com]

I was listening to NPR on the way home from work last night and I almost swerved into the other lane when they played bits from Bush's statement. I seriously cannot comprehend how our administration was able to release that with a straight face.

[tempestbreaker.livejournal.com]

I can. They practice. sadly.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

I've always quite admired Putin for his honesty. He's never pretended to be anything other than a total 100% hard scary bastard who really will kill you with his pen if he thinks it would be in his self interests.

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

As I said... Bond Villain... with less dialouge I would imagine.