Did Georgia start the military conflict with Russia?

Question

Some people say Georgia started this conflict with the Soviets. How? Did they invade Soviet territory?

Answer 1

Yes, Georgia was the first.

Georgian forces surrounded the capital of breakaway region South Ossetia (most of population are Russian citizens) on August, 7 and attacked it and Russian peacekeeper forces with rocket artillery. So Russia had to send forces to protect Ossetian citizens and to support peacekeepers.

First news on Aug. 7 - http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCri...

Answer 2

We haven't seen any Russians here in Atlanta.  But you never know.  They kinda look like us good old boys. Lock n load fellers, them ruskies are a-comin'.

Answer 3

First of all there is no Soviet Union. Secondly S. Ossetia has declared its independence as Kosovo has. If Serbia entered Kosovo, you'd call them at least war criminals. Now that the Georgian troops tried to take over S.Ossetia seems to you very natural. Thirdly, most Ossetians (both Northern and Southern) are Russian citizens (they have Russian passports). So, if Ossetia was attacked, Russia would defend them.

Conclusion: The Russian arguments seem more rational than the Georgian ones. However, both armies caused the death of thousands of civilians. So, the goal of all people should be the (real) end of the war and peace in the region.

PS: When something similar happened to Greece in 1922 (I use this example, cause I'm Greek), Greeks made the king leave the country and executed the six generals in charge. Now, the Georgian president that deceived his people and caused the defeat of the Georgian army with his actions is still in charge to rule the country. I'm sorry to say this, but I think this president is dangerous for both the Georgian people and peace.

Answer 4

no russia attack Georgia but Georgia attacked south osetia so russia attacked georgia

Answer 5

The problem is complex.  The problem began with the Czarist Russia, then the USSR, but today Russia has continued to occupy parts of Georgia with its "peace keeping" troops.  Only one of the two break away provenience's is pro-Russian.  Only if you consider South Ossetia as a part of Russia can you say that Georgia invaded Russia.  And clearly Russia has invaded Georgia with its destruction in the city of Gori, which is south of the South Ossetian borders.   But basically Russia is trying to accomplish several geopolitical goals in their move:

1. Intimidate its smaller neighboring states, especially the Ukraine and Georgia.

2. Do a land grab of parts of Georgia and parts of OTHER neighbors.

3. Develop a Pan-Slavic commonwealth.

4. Completely control the flow of oil and natural gas out of the region.

5. Command respect out of strength and fear.  (Russia has always had problems with being a friendly state.)

6. Dominate the flow of energy into Western Europe and thus the foreign policies of those states.

This is not going to be an easy problem to resolve.

Answer 6

Pretty much as Capt Hammer said. Georgia attacked an independent area of Russian citizens and sure enough the full weight of Russia slapped them silly.

I support Russia for continuing. The best way to end it is a quick surrender from Georgia and concession of the disputed territories.  

Answer 7

The Soviets haven't existed for decades; Georgia attacked Russian citizens and Russian soldiers in a region claimed by Georgia but which has been free since the early 90's, in a suprise attack at night after they had agreed to cease fire earlier that day.

South Ossetia is officially Georgian territory, although it was part of Russia until it was given to Georgia by a Georgian named Joseph Dzhugashvili in the 1930's. When the Soviet Union broke up, the people fought for, and won, their freedom from Georgia. They did not gain international recognition, but Georgia agreed that they would control their own affairs, and agreed to Russian peacekeepers.