Recent Developments in Georgia?

Question

I've already asked a question about this conflict (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20080808173936AAFePLn), but recent developments warrant a new question. Sources are saying that Russia is now attempting to invade Georgia. The attack has been repelled, according to the Georgia government, but Russian armor has attempted to enter Gori. Also, Russia's navy has launched vessels to the Black Sea coast of Georgia from bases in the Ukraine. The Ukraine, also to join NATO, is threatening to not allow the Russian ships to return to these bases. Does it seem as though Russia is seeming less like a peace-keeping force in South Ossetia as time goes on? Do these recent moves on Georgia's coast and the Georgian city of Gori, along with air attacks on oil facilities, airports, military bases, communications and cities in Georgia seem to imply a more aggressive motif on the part of Russia? Also, the Ukraine, also wanting to join NATO, is seeming to take the side of Georgia. Do you think that there is a possibility that Russia may also end of fighting with Ukraine?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080810/ap_on_re_eu/georgia_south_ossetia

Answer 1

Don't get hung up in the "truth" that our press gives either. I hear both sides, as I have relatives in Ukraine who get the "other side of the story." None of us will know the truth about the situation.

I personally believe that some of what Russia uses for their excuse is valid, but they certainly have other motives in mind than "peace keeping". My guess is to reign in what they consider "rogue" CIS countries like Ukraine, who get bolder and bolder in their stance against Russia, based on NATO and their friendship with the US.

But I also know that everything the American press says as "truth" is not necessarily the truth either. We tend to gloss over the fact that when Georgia declared independence from the USSR, South Ossetia declared Independence too - with the desire to rejoin with North Ossetia. So ask yourself... why has Georgia not allowed their independence for 18 years? Are they complaining about Russia wanting to control them, while they try to control others?

I believe that Georgia thought they could wander into Ossetia at this time, and based on their new found friendship with the US and NATO, they would be exempt from Russia protecting Russian citizens. Of course, I also believe Russia is not simply "peacekeeping".