American troops to fly in to Georgia / Bush accuses Russia over cease-fire

[Amewsment]

US troops to fly in to Georgia

AP
Wednesday, 13 August 2008

The US is to send troops to embattled Georgia in the form of a humanitarian aid exercise, President George Bush announced today.

Mr Bush said military planes would deliver supplies in a move which would put American forces in the heart of the region.

The president said he was concerned that Russia might be violating the cease-fire in Georgia and he expected all Russian forces to withdraw.

He is also sending Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Paris for talks with EU peacemakers and then to Georgia to express solidarity with the democratically elected government there.

Mr Bush spoke after meeting his national security team over the crisis in Russia.

He said he strongly supported France's efforts to broker an end to the fighting.

Mr Bush said that Russia must allow the US and other countries to deliver humanitarian assistance in Georgia.

"The United States stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia and insists that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected," Mr Bush said.

He also announced that the massive US humanitarian effort was already in progress and would involve US Naval forces as well as aircraft.

A C-17 military cargo plane loaded with supplies was on the way, and Mr Bush said that Russia must ensure that "all lines of communication and transport, including seaports, roads and airports," remain open to let deliveries and civilians through.

"To begin to repair the damage to its relations with the United States, Europe and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must keep its word and act to end this crisis," he said.

Source (The Independent): http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/us-troops-to-fly-in-to-georgia-893917.html

BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7559252.stm

Yahoo News: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080813...sia_georgia;_ylt=AmGd64zpBluciY68I0Xwhdes0NUE

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/08/13/georgia.russia.war/index.html

Interesting developments here, I find it interesting that Bush is backing Georgia so strongly. I think it's definitely a good thing considering that the conflict in Georgia did outline the weakness of the West. I would also agree with the voicing of his suspicion in regards to Russia actually respecting the agreed cease-fire, it would appear that this is not the case.

 

[Zeta]

Does Georgia have some oil fields?

 

[Armads]

I was kinda wondering this too... Don't we already have our hands full in the Middle East anyway? Getting involved in another war is sure to help the situation there and the public opinion of the government. <_< >_>

 

[Amewsment]

I think if they did the US reaction would have been swifter and harder. As oil is listed under their imports we can safely assume that they do not have natural oil wells. However they are developing an oil pipeline from Baku through Tbilisi to Ceyhan, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (BTC) and a parallel gas pipeline, the South Caucasus Pipeline. So this pipeline runs past Russia from Azerbaijan to Turkey that could theoretically make it a target. Although I do no think that this was the real cause for Russian aggression.

My assumption is that it was a demonstration of Russian military might to act as a direct and unmissable warning to places like the Ukraine and others that try to defy the will of Russia. It may have also been a warning to the West because Georgia is seeking to join NATO and may in future make an application to the EU, this would pull it away from Russia's sphere of influence and could even make it a threat in the eyes of the Russians. I think it was a political stunt and a way of cementing influence, rather than a drive for any resources. Possibly the Russians may try to take over the two breakaway provinces and assimilate them into the Russian Federation some time in the future.

 

[Every Breaking Wave]

Georgia is a staunch American supporter, and their strongest ally in the region. Not only that Georgia is also interested in becoming part of NATO, something the Russians feel is a mov for America to expand their infuence (for lack of a better word) further west.

This does not surprise me in the least.

Edit: Beaten

 

[Amewsment]

Well hardly beaten, as the saying goes "Great minds think alike" or "Great minds like a think".

 

[hitman528]

True Georgia is a big supporter of the U.S. but even if they where not they would still probably try to play the role of World Police and send the troops in when they are already spread so thin. Dont get me wrong Im from the U.S. and love my country but it really annoys me when I see how the U.S. goverment seems to want to get involved in everything even stuff that dosnt relate to them maybe it would be different if we had more troops to spare but we are already stretched thin.

 

[Amewsment]

I don't really believe that to be true, yes the Americans do play an active role in a number of hot spots. However to state that they would intervene everywhere is slightly farfetch'd if you ask me. Usually it does involve oil, other natural resources or helping governments that will support the USA in their crusade against terror or join NATO. Additionally places like Zimbabwe or the situation in Kenya to name a few beg to differ.

 

[hitman528]

Even if they dont get into "Every" conflict which is not what I ment the U.S. sticks its hands into a lot of stuff it shouldnt.