Did no one see this coming?
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'sManPerson 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...
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
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...
