Can someone explain this conflict between Russia and Georgia?

Question

What caused it? Who initiated it? What are their goals both short term and long term? What could be the possible repercussions? Will the US, UN, NATO, EU, or any other organization become involved? What do you predict the outcome will be?

Thank you for answers.

Answer 1

Georgia is a freedom loving country that wants to be with NATO. One of their little provinces wants to be independent and got the Russians to help them. Russia wants to invade georgia so it can retake land it lost when the soviet union collapsed.

The Russians, on the other hand, appear to be supporting the breakaway province through the use of tanks and aircraft...but they claim its all in the name of 'peacekeepers.' Many Russians live in the breakaway province and Putin (Prime Minister) is declaring support to the Russian citizens living there. Georgia is trying to restore power in its land and russia is being an aggressive bum.

the Problem is that Russia has violated Georgia's sovereign territory and is weighing in on the internal conflict. but they're doing nothing more than the US and their coalition forces are doing in Iraq, ie, violating (right or wrong) another country's sovereign space.

NATO, the European Union, the US and the so-called OSCE is calling for a cessation of violence and return to negotiations. Russia is also pissed that Georgia is requesting admission into NATO, something seen in their eyes as going over to the 'dark side of the force' so to speak.

Answer 2

I believe it has to do with Georgia reasserting claims to S Ossetia or something and sending troops into Ossetia, provoking a response from Russia, who seems to be align with the Ossetians because of Russian interests there. Whose at fault is anyone's guess I suppose this conflict dates back to the early 90's and you have so many differing ethnics crammed into that small caucus area its bound to reach a boiling point.

U.S. too tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan to get involved and EU/NATO doesn't have the balls to fight so if left unchecked I wouldn't be suprised if Russia doesn't roll Georgia and occupy or absorb it into the Russian Federation, hope I'm wrong on all of it and cooler heads prevail. The fact that the area is rich in resource, oil and natural gas and host a pipeline could cause further escalation/involvement of other countrys.

Answer 3

This was initiated by Georgian president Michiel Saakashvily. He is agressor, We lived happily before it. He told that he doesnt want war but he did it. He is liar.

Russian troopes are heroes. They are saving lifes. They are helping people. Do not believe what Georgia president said. His hands in blood.

Answer 4

It is an ongoing ethnic clash that just became a military operation and conflict. And yes, the US, UN and others are condemning the invasion. The military invasion began within the last 24 hours. The main focus is on a city called South Ossettia.

See for a more in depth discussion:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/754973...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/755035...