[evgeny]

The Russia-Georgia clash has generated heated anti-Moscow rhetoric from John McCain and U.S. neoconservatives about a new Cold War, a prospect that most people might see in a negative light but which many military contractors surely view as a financial plus.

One unstated reality about revived tensions between Washington and Moscow is that it will mean a bonanza in military spending – billions of additional dollars for anti-missile weapons systems, larger armies, construction of new bases in Eastern Europe, etc.

Indeed, the spending on Cold War II could dwarf what military contractors are now making on the “war on terror” – and the prospect of spending on both conflicts simultaneously should make arms industry executives drool.

Others who stand to profit grandly from a new East-West showdown include tough-talking politicians and their friends in Washington think tanks – like Heritage, AEI and CSIS – that have long fattened up on contributions from the defense industry and related corporations.

There would be losers, too, like taxpayers who would see more of their dollars go to “national security” and less to domestic needs, from repairs to the crumbling infrastructure to the costs of health care, education, the environment and Social Security.

But, in many ways, the exploitation of Cold War fears – to divert money away from domestic needs to the coffers of what Dwight Eisenhower dubbed “the military-industrial complex” – is nothing new.

[dissident]

gw,

Where's the proof that 10000 died in Kosovo in 1999? I haven't seen the bodies anywhere. I haven't even seen 133 bodies of Kosovars shown on TV. Just because the western media and "humanitarian" organizations like Human Rights Watch are being a bunch of partisan shills does not imply nothing happened. Not all of the basements of collapsed buildings in Tskhinvali have been excavated. Georgian tanks fired on fleeing civilian cars obliterating the bodies so I guess we can't see these on TV......

NATO does not have a good track record with body counts during conflicts so all of the holier-than-thou BS being spewed by NATO drones of various sorts is a wonder to behold. What happened to the 600,000 dead and missing Kosovars, then 100,000 dead Kosovars and finally 10,000 dead Kosovars.

Yet more hypocrisy from NATO. I remember reading all of the "it does not matter how many died" articles when the death toll in Kosovo turned out to be much less than announced for months by NATO officials and parroted by the media.

[evgeny]

Who are the REAL Terrorists?
"But you will not by any means, listen to any overture of peace before the total ruin of their settlements is effected....Our future security will be in their inability to injure us...and in the terror with which the severity of the chastizement they receive will inspire them....Lay waste all the settlements around...that the country may not be merely overrun but destroyed."
--General George Washington, orders given to Major General John Sullivan to proceed against the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy in Central New York State, 1779

"The central--and not very surprising--conclusion that emerges from the documentary and historical record is that U.S. international and security policy, rooted in the structure of power in the domestic society, has as its primary goal the preservation of what we might call 'the fifth freedom,' understood crudely but with a fair degree of accuracy as the freedom to rob, to exploit and to dominate, to undertake any course of action to ensure that existing privilege is protected and advanced."--Noam Chomsky, 1988

Link

[Plantagenet]

Russia lied about not going beyond the borders of South Ossetia, and they lied when they committed to retreat in the cease-fire treaty. Their criminal invasion of Georgia and continued occupation of Georgia and ethnic cleansing of Georgians and continued attacks and murders of Georgian civilians makes them liable to war crimes prosecutions.

The Bush administration and it's brainwashed minions are making it more clear than ever what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are.

This topic is about the Russian invasion and occupation of Georgia.

Every day that goes by without a Russian withdrawal by the brainwashed minions of [s]Stalin[/s] [s]Putin[/s] Medvedev makes it more clear what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are.

[Micki]

Russia lied about not going beyond the borders of South Ossetia, and they lied when they committed to retreat in the cease-fire treaty. Their criminal invasion of Georgia and continued occupation of Georgia and ethnic cleansing of Georgians and continued attacks and murders of Georgian civilians makes them liable to war crimes prosecutions.

The Bush administration and it's brainwashed minions are making it more clear than ever what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are.

This topic is about the Russian invasion and occupation of Georgia. Every day that goes by without a Russian withdrawal by the brainwashed minions of [s]Stalin[/s] [s]Putin[/s] Medvedev makes it more clear what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are.

Please, Stalin was a Georgian.

[Plantagenet]

The Bush administration and it's brainwashed minions are making it more clear than ever what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are.

This topic is about the Russian invasion and occupation of Georgia. Every day that goes by without a Russian withdrawal by the brainwashed minions of [s]Stalin[/s] [s]Putin[/s] Medvedev makes it more clear what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are.

Please, Stalin was a Georgian.

Of course he was. That doesn't change the fact that he committed mass murder in Georgia and throughout the Soviet Union, nor that there are still brainwashed Stalinists in Russia.

[Micki]

Please, Stalin was a Georgian.

Of course he was. That doesn't change the fact that he committed mass murder in Georgia and throughout the Soviet Union, nor that there are still brainwashed Stalinists in Russia.

You mean more crazy Georgians in Russia? Horrible thought.

[Plantagenet]

You mean more crazy Georgians in Russia? Horrible thought.

The current problem isn't caused by crazy Georgians in Russia----its caused by crazy Russians invading Georgia.

[idiom]

What problem?

[Plantagenet]

What problem?

The Russian invasion and occupation of about 1/3 of their neighboring country, Georgia. It happened a couple of weeks ago----its been in all the new reports.

[eastbay]

What problem?

The Russian invasion and occupation of about 1/3 of their neighboring country, Georgia. It happened a couple of weeks ago----its been in all the new reports.

Maybe people aren't thinking much of anything about this minor Russian humanitarian police action with their tiny errant neighbor because it's really next to nothing compared to the trillion dollar multiple 100% military occupations the USA is currently engaged in. None of which is even in the same hemisphere as the US!

[Blacksmith]

Getting back for Stalin?

[Plantagenet]

What problem?

The Russian invasion and occupation of about 1/3 of their neighboring country, Georgia. It happened a couple of weeks ago----its been in all the new reports.

Maybe people aren't thinking much of anything about this minor Russian humanitarian police action with their tiny errant neighbor because it's really next to nothing compared to the trillion dollar multiple 100% military occupations the USA is currently engaged in. None of which is even in the same hemisphere as the US!

True enough.

But its still very important to the Georgians, and its worrying to the Poles, people in the Baltic states etc., and its of concern to Europeans and other people living in the EU and adjacent countries in the eastern hemisphere, and it is even a matter of interest to at least a few Americans, Canadians etc.

[eastbay]

Maybe people aren't thinking much of anything about this minor Russian humanitarian police action with their tiny errant neighbor because it's really next to nothing compared to the trillion dollar multiple 100% military occupations the USA is currently engaged in. None of which is even in the same hemisphere as the US!

True enough. But its still very important to the Georgians, and its worrying to the Poles, people in the Baltic states etc., and its of concern to Europeans and other people living in the EU and adjacent countries in the eastern hemisphere, and it is even a matter of interest to at least a few Americans, Canadians etc.

And it should be troubling to the neighbors. Couldn't agree more. Jabbing a sleeping bear over and over again with a sharp stick is really idiotic. Eventually it'll wake up. And it won't be very happy!

Maybe they'll now think twice about screwing with the Russians and not repeat the little Georgia mistake. If those neighboring Russia would simply mind their own business and avoid getting too cozy with the United States of War, then quite possibly peace and stability would reign throughout the entire region.

[Carlhole]

Russian studies prof offers insight into Georgian conflict

As a political science professor and director of Russian Studies at Stetson University, Eugene Huskey regularly visits Central Asia. He is one of the West's foremost experts on the politics of Kyrgyzstan, which borders China, the larger nation of Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet states south of Russia's border. Earlier this month in the airport at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital, he noticed that flights west to Tiblisi, Georgia, across the Caspian Sea, were canceled. Something was up.

The Georgian military began shelling the breakaway republic South Ossetia, where many residents identified more closely with neighboring Russia than their home country. Russian troops then invaded Georgia, a democratic country the United States had given $75 million in aid in 2007. During the fight, Russian troops exerted muscle but western leaders including President Bush decried the Russian actions, while French President Nicolas Sarkozy negotiated a cease-fire.

Q. How much of this conflict is Russia's fault?

That's a tough one. I think structurally Russia wanted to do what it did. It has been waiting for the right moment over the last several years. This is a frozen conflict, a conflict frozen in place since very shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union. South Ossetians didn't want to be governed by the Georgians and looked to Russia as their protectors. Russia was very keen to play that role, and had so-called peacekeeping troops moving gradually into the area.

The western NATO decision to support independence for Kosovo (in 1999) was seen by Russia as crossing a line. Their allies were the Serbs. They thought it was inexcusable that Kosovo should be separated from Serbia. So they thought: Why shouldn't it happen in South Ossetia, and we're going to play the role that NATO had done in supporting Kosovo. They were also offended in 2003 (during the ascension to power by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili), the movement of Georgia toward NATO and Georgia's involvement in the Iraq war. They thought: Here's a small country on our border that is destined to become part of NATO and we can't allow that to happen. Russia drew a line in the sand. They just don't like Saakashvili. He is temperamental and disrespectful.

Q. How much of this conflict is Georgia's fault?

I think the immediate conflict you can lay at Georgia's feet. The way they were shelling the capital, Tskhinvali, I found it difficult to understand what Saakashvili thought they were going to do to get out of this. He misread (Russian Prime Minister Vladimir) Putin and (President Dmitry) Medvedev. I think this is a very serious miscalculation on the part of the Georgians.

[joelcolorado]

You talk about it as tho its just territory. Its the women and children that Russians will have to answer for. Well both sides if they killed any. In a war that happens, but to go in and rape and pillage the populace after the assault is over is unforgivable. Give me a gun I will line those bastards up and do what is necessary. COWARDS ALL.

Ihave seen plenty of those kinds of men in war zones and they are all cowards and cry when challenged for their lives.

[MOCKBA]

Well, Russian sources speculate that Harper speech means that Rabasca would be canceled.
http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lastnews/2008 ... 9748.shtml

Rabasca is a project in Lewis Quebec to supply QC and ON once AB runs dry... contracted 100% Gazprom from Shtockman... I think the terminal would be eventually build but I am not certain it would be contracted to Gazprom 100%...

They've been working on that deal for many years and just signed letters of intent in July, hoping to contract out by the end of the year... Would be interesting to see how it would play out now...

[MOCKBA]

Georgia cannot use the excuse that it engaged in gunfire exchanges with South Ossetians since it was brutally provoking them by launching periodic shelling of Tskhinvali and South Ossetian villages with mortar bombs.

Shows deep understanding of the origins of the conflict and weapons used...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_(weapon)

[evgeny]

In the State Duma have prepared the statement project in which the request to the president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev about a recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia which it is already supported by the Duma majority contains. The reference to the head of the state was approved in particular by fraction "United Russia" presidium on what the chairman of committee of the State Duma on the international affairs Konstantin Kosachev has informed journalists. He also has noticed that the text is approved by committee on the international affairs. Earlier it became known that the document has supported also the Duma committee on affairs of the CIS and communications with compatriots. We will notice that besides the State Duma on Monday should gather and the Federation Council which also should discuss the statement for a recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It is necessary to notice that the probability of that D.Medvedev as a result will go on a recognition of two republics, is rather high. As informs the edition "Kommersant", one of the reasons of it is necessity of preservation in territory of South Ossetia and Abkhazia Russian military contingents. In the circumstances Moscow hardly can count on preservation for military men of the status of peacemakers. The recognition of independence of two republics will allow to create there military bases. Also in the Russian management have found possibility to bypass a problem of the territorial integrity of Georgia written down in all documents. In the event that lawyers will manage to prove the facts of a genocide against the people of two republics during recent military operations, Russia will manage to take advantage of an opening existing in international law. Moscow hardly can count on other countries in a question of a recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, however hopes that to its example Minsk will follow. In this case both republics it will be possible to include in structure of Union State that will allow to guarantee their safety.

[evgeny]

The American minister has threatened membership of Russia in G8
Membership of Russia in "G8" (G8) and its plans under the introduction into the World Trade Organization (WTO) are under the threat. The reason for all is its position during the Georgian-Osset conflict. The minister of trade of the USA Carlos Gutierres has informed on it, transfers Reuters referring to German mass-media. In interview to K.Gutierres's journalists has noticed that Russia "has put itself in very difficult situation"." Till today the USA were the supporter of the Russian integration into the international community. We have accepted the Russian Federation in G8 and welcomed its aspiration to enter the WTO. Now all it is in doubt ", - the minister has declared. Answering a question on, whether it is necessary to exclude Russia from"eight"and to block its accession to WTO, K.Gutierres has underlined that in the present situation the West does not need to refuse these tools of pressure upon Moscow voluntary. Russia, in its opinion, should reflect on the interests seriously. Earlier with the statement that operations in Georgia will slow down a Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, the assistant to the assistant to US State Secretary Matthew Brajza has acted. Last days Washington also has threatened to block acceptance of the Russian Federation in the Organization of economic cooperation (ОЭСР), to boycott the Olympic Games in Sochi and to freeze the Russian-American strategic dialogue. According to experts, Russia in a condition to answer possible sanctions with a number of counter measures which will put Washington in valid a difficult situation. For example, Moscow can support Teheran in a question of the Iranian nuclear program. Also the Russian Federation can curtail cooperation with the USA in sphere of non-distribution of the nuclear weapon. One more, and hardly probable not the main lever of Moscow still have, of course, power. We will add that such organisation which would include industrially developed eight countries, does not exist. At "G8" is not present either the charter, or reception rules in it new members or an exit of the old. Summits G8 pass on a voluntary basis and if someone from leaders of member countries of "G8" does not want to be present at the next meeting, it can not come.