Transatlantic Politics

While the West’s leaders enjoy the gigantic-Mao-style Olympic show in Beijing, Russia is sending armoured vehicles and bombing Georgia.
The breakaway region of South Ossetia, a mere "post stamp" in terms of territory and capabilities (but backed by Moscow), has been constantly attacking Georgian civilians and peace-keeping troops in the region. After a last offer of ceasefire which was again violated by the Ossetians, the Georgian army got the green light to enter the breakaway region and regain control over it.

Only a few hours after, 3 Russian planes entered the Georgian airspace and dropped bombs onto Georgian soil. Moscow denies this but has acknowledged sending about 150 armoured vehicles into South Ossetia (see picture), allegedly in order to "protect" its Russian citizens (about 90% of the Ossetians have Russian passports).

In a CNN interview, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili was asked whether Georgia and Russia were now at war:

"My country is in self-defense against Russian aggression. Russian troops invaded Georgia."

"All day today, they’ve been bombing Georgia from numerous warplanes and specifically targeting (the) civilian population, and we have scores of wounded and dead among (the) civilian population all around the country. This is the worst nightmare one can encounter."

Saakashvili also said it was in the United States’ interest to help his country.

"It’s not about Georgia anymore. It’s about America, its values. We are a freedom-loving nation that is right now under attack."

 The West should not abandon Georgia AGAIN, as it did in April during the Bucharest NATO summit, when the young democracy was not granted the coveted NATO candidate country status (see A NATO summit for Putin for more information).

Backing Russia (or even standing idly by) would be a huge mistake.

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