Comments

[Sivilla]

Комментарии к статье Times Online
The hypocrisy of the US is astonishing. It's OK for the US/UK et.al. to bomb Iraq illegally and kill millions of civilians, when Russia responds to Georgia's invasion of Ossetia it will be ostracized from the international institutions. I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning!
John, Glasgow, UK

If the western governments and citizens are so sad to see total annihilation of Georgian troops then why didn't they go and fight? The simple answer is they have to fight Russia - major power, a nation which did not surrender to the Nazis when one after another European countries were falling.
Ali, Bombay, India

whilst the uk and usa condemn russia lets not forget the nato bombing of belgrade in 1999 which left 500 civilians dead and more injured not to mention us acton in iraq and vietnam.We ought to be very nervous who joins nato
david, gosport, england

If it was a well-planned operation by Russia then Tskhinvali (the capital of South Ossetia) would have been liberated much sooner from Georgian forces. The units of Russian 58 army that entered to prevent genocide in South Ossetia were very uncoordinated and unprepared due to urgency of situation.
Oleg, London, UK

the Georgian attack on South Ossetia was more than a provocation. it was a deadly attack, and it was a big strategic mistake. would it be in our interest to have Georgia in NATO? Do we want to go to war with Russia, because Saakaschvili decides to go for it.
Carl J., Tokyo , Japan

Do you think the journalists could be any less impartial?
One side of the story and if balanced out with other situations related to more western friendly nations the current Russia / Georgia situation is no different.
The carcass of the Cold War still has a pulse....
matthew, Sydney,

The U.S lost because it showed it's weakness. Georgia is no ally of the EU, it might be joining NATO (an american influenced orgainization) but the EU is a completely different thing. We can't let anybody who wishes join! Ultimately this war had no winners...
Tom, London, UK

Didn't Stalin draw Georgia's borders? Why should borders drawn by a totalitarian over half a century ago remain frozen in time?
If the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia want to leave Georgia and join Russia, why is it the USA's business, or the EU's?
Reggie, Melbourne, USA

Russians did the RIGHT thing. Period.
Apply the same standard as KOSOVO. Georgian president should be tried for WAR CRIMES just like what NATO did to Milosovic. No double standards please. For all those Georgians, dogs get crushed when elephants come running. No ethnic clensing should be allowed.
prasad, Falls Church, USA

Georgia over-trusted that USA will advance to fight for it; USA took it granted that it can irritate Russia anytime and anywhere. But Russia will no more tolerate such nasty designs by USA with support from EU. Better pack off from the border of Russia and find mutually agreeable solution.
S K Das, Delhi, India

So many "democrats", but no humans. Every Russian region receives today hundreds of injured refugees from Osetia. And USA is very rich to support freaky presidents to kill people. Americans, do mind? Is that what you're paying taxes for?
Marina, Cheboksary, Russia

In some way I think Georgia is right - not in blasting civilians but for trying to re-establish authority over a territory technically still its own. But Russia invading Georgia proper? US invaded Iraq because it threatened regional stability - Georgia could never threaten collosus Russia.
John, Brisbane,

It's funny to see how those from the former Soviet republics and states, brainwashed by their nationalistic government, are trying to brainwash the Western people and convince them that Russia is Dark Side of the Force. It's called lauching of the international dissension, guys. It's against the law
Krister, Stockholm, Sweden

It is obvious that the coordinated Russian attack by land, naval and air forces on two fronts was planned well in advance. This clearly was not a spontaneous response to a Georgian provocation. Why did U.S. not see it coming and give warning? Another shocking intelligence failure?
Fritz Milligan, Columbus, Ohio, USA

To those who think the US is their ally, and will protect them from all evils ... read the opening lines of this report and weep.
To those who thought to strike while the world watched the Peking circus and get away with it....Tough
John, Adelaide, Australia

Why does everybody say the US lost. This is in the backyard of Europe and they stand to lose the most by Moscow reaserting it power westward. Where is the united EU and the show of EU power, or wasn't that part of this great union. I guess Russian gas trumps borders.
Al , Tracy , CA, USA

Western world is still in the position of cold war. They still consider Russia the enemy. People, stop deceiving yoursel. Russia is poweful and independent enough to ingore all your efforts to rend the air. Kazakhstan supports Russia in its actions and attitude.
Valery Belyayev, Astana, Kazakhstan

Georgia's CIA backed puppet leader cold heartedly lulled S Ossetia folks with talks of peace hours before he attacked them... timing invasion with precision while Putin was in Beijing. Mercenaries apparently helped Georgia. Russia's quick response was not anticipated.
indignant, denver, usa

I'm sure Nato will be studying the Russian tactics,and arms used in invading Georgia,but from the pictures I see that the Russian army is using old tanks and armored vehicles( the T72 tanks are 30+ years old).Even the troop carrying trucks,jeeps and ambulance minivans are from the 1960s.
Sam, Dallas, USA

John, UK, and others, Russians telling truth, because, we have no to hide or lie, - we just saves lifes of civilians and peacekeepers from the bloody aggression of Georgia. There was not other aims. Hope, that soon, it will be clearly known to everyone. Why you massmedia so unobjective?
Alexander, Moscow, Russia

I was/am a Cold Warrior, BUT Russia always was a "great power." The period since the Soviet collapse is exceptional. Russia feels encircled; NATO, once 1,200 miles from its border, is now 60. The U.S. wants every European nation, and former Soviet republic, in NATO and ignores all Russian concerns.
Walter, East Hampton, USA

i guess im the one of the few americans that supports what russia did
josh, ft myers, florida

That was what the tea pot calling the kettle black. US has long lost the moral authority to condemn Russia's action. I am exceptionally this time on the side of Russia. Georgians had themselves to blame when they elected a opportunist as president. Who plays with fire will get burned.
Phung, Houston, USA

No, it just stole $20 billion of oil-for-food money from the Iraqi people. Oh, and the rights to the oil in the country. And along with it's allies it has killed well over a million Iraqis and caused 4 million refugees. Yep, we sure have the moral high-ground...
Tim Foster, Cambridge, England

It is deplorable that noone in the mainstream media cares about the Ossetians and their human rights - why are they pro-Russian and anti-Georgian? I am embarassed - our little dumb bully starts a fight with the big nasty Russian bully by beating a small kid and noone cares about the kid. Shame on us
Dimiter, St. Paul, USA

Amazing, when the USSR broke up nobody had a problem with Republics becoming independent. But now, after the Soviets made tons of bogus dealings in appropriating lands to each SSR, you all accuse RF of being imperialistic. Why didn't anybody demand it all revert back to Russia, maybe US of Russia?
PT, Portland, OR, USA

I live in Alabama. I am tired of the USA getting into every conflict of the world. I do not want my tax money to support or fight every crazy regime in the world including the sick, crazy Georgian president. Let that corrupt Georgians, Polish, Ukrainians... manage their crazy businesses themselves.
vlad, Huntsville, USA

This forced Georgia to retaliate and so gave Russia the opportunity to invade. Russia were the aggressors and this gave them the opportunity to overthrow the Georgian goverment whilst leaving the west confused. Luckily the USA weren't easily fooled and Bush's strong words prevented this.
John, UK, UK

Ossetia - the only thing worse than being invaded by Germany, is being rescued by Russia.
Guy, Sydney, Australia

Hey! Under Ceasefire Agreement 1994, signed by President of Georgia and Abhkazia, russian peacekeepers has fully right to use the force if they will be atacked by other side in safety zone. So what are you talking about? Im crying for all casuilties, georgians and ossetians
Dmitry, Vladivostok, Russia

Mr. Saakashvili achieved all his objectives in that. Fast track to NATO/EU, financial infusions (weaponry to follow) and overvhelming support from the westen democracies. US military analysts think he was not expecting quick Russia response. Ha, he was counting on it. Too bad Russia took the bait.
Seva, Boston, USA

There was economic life and relative peace in separatist Georgia before Saakashvili waged a war of opportunity. Russia's response was tough but just. At least much more just than the US invasion of Iraq, a nation which had never attacked us! Bush opened a Pandora's Box for unilateral warfare.
HIdeki, Oregon, USA

Lets hope Georgia will think twice next time they want to be America's Puppet.
John, London, England

How many people from South Ossetia region are screaming 'genocide'? While the region is pro-Russian, there were almost no militants to conquer. Only unarmed civilians who had an opinion about their government and disagreed with the way things are run - for this they were slaughtered by the 100s .
Daniel, Sydney, Australia

What about Chechnya? Didn't you know that when Chechnya gained its independence it then went on to attack Dagestan?
How about this: if the U.S. and England are so adamant about the sovereignty, "independence" and territorial integrity of Georgia, then why don't they leave Serbia and Iraq alone?
Alex, Toronto, Canada

You guys can say whatever you want, but now they will be just words. Putin won one more. This guy is the best leader alive. He, again, made us look like clowns. What we got to oppose him? Russians are swimming in oil and gas. They got us. Without their gas and oil, Europe and the US will die...
John, Miami, FL, USA

Stalin was an Ossetian Georgian born in Gori. Beria was a Mingrelian born in Merkheuli, near Sukhumi in Abkhazia.
Will the Ossetians and Abkhazians ever be allowed 'self determination' free from Russian and Georgian influence....move in non NATO 3rd parties China, Brazil, Indian to oversee?
Dr andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada

If you play with fire you get burnt. Georgia attacked and then were hammered. If Georgia had been successful would the West have objected to the death and suffering caused? Unlikely. Which just goes to show the nauseating levels of hypocrosy and self-deception involved.
Chris, Hongkong,

Two victories here by the Russians. Firstly, they booted the Georgians out of south Ossetia. Secondly, and a more significant victory, is the exposure of the folly of having the US as an ally.
The US demonstrated a weak hand here and it won't be forgotten by other 'allies'.
Rob, Sydney, Australia

It's very true what this article says in the first paragraph - that this war has "left Georgia and its Western backers weakened".
This disaster is the final masterpiece by Bush-Cheney and their unpresentable ally Saakashvili.
Paolo, Rome, Italy

I think its time for us in the West to stop being hypocritical. Lets be clear who started the fighting, Saakashvili as a diversion to draw attention way from the dreadful state of the Georgian economy. And lets us also be clear now what a bad precedent our recognition of Kosovo has set for Russia
Grayson Clarke, Beijing, China

Some Georgian’s media try to inform about that locals: there is a special military division in Georgia to wear Russian army uniform. There are Baltic countries and Western Ukraine volunteers speaking in Russian. People in Georgia to reveal that expect the division can be used for mass killing Georgian peasants to film for western media.
Alexey, Moscow,

Georgia had every right in its attempt to take back its territory from the resurrected Soviet empire. The invasion of Georgia, a sovereign country, by the blood-thirsty dictatorship of Russia is very chilling indeed. All nations should now doubly guard themselves against Russia's gaze.
John, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How can you say that the US is not stealing land from a sovereign nation? When the US invaded Iraq on the false WMD claim, Iraq was a sovereign country. US troops are still over there for OIL!
Ossetians and Abkhaz will ask for independance or to join Russian federation if you let them vote
Reno, Paris,

I am not sure if president Mikheil Saakashvili is with Russia or with America, but its definitely not with Georgia.
Samuel Maviso, Leicester, UK

georgia and ukraine have to be admitted to nato, immediately if not sooner. the russians are always going to try to exert their control over the countries they feel they should be controlling. If the russians want to bully countries, let them try to bully Britain, America and Canada.
will, grimsby, uk

If Russia is so adamant about the self-determination rights for people in South Osetia and Abkhazia, why does it apply different standards when it comes to the independence of Chechnya?
Mario, San Diego, California,

South Ossetia is Geogian territory under control of seperatists, they have every right to try to take back control of their own territories. Russia has no buisness being involved in an internal matter. I'm also embarrassed by my own countrymen who bad mouth democracy just to appear as noncomforming
Adam , Providence RI, USA

Georgia has attacked innocent people who want only self determination. Russia is right to teach them a lesson. Bush and the rest of the West have taken a position that is difficult to understand. I am an American, and a Southerner.
John, Mississippi, USA


I love how people on this forum read 1 story about what's happening and all of a sudden become an expert in geopolitics.
I think everyone is to blame in this incident but Russia mostly. They are nasty land grabbers. Don't compare this to Iraq. The USA is not stealing land from a sovereign nation!
John, New York , USA

Georgia strikes first killing 2000 civilians during their sleep.Saakshivilli parades his innocent army to russian bear. and ashames them by forcing them to flee.Imagine if he was a soldier how will be his self esteem.Irony the western media criticizes Russia and not US/Uk for their valour in IRAQ.
Kannan, Bolton, UK

Just let Ossetians and Abkhaz people choose for themselves. Let *them* vote - independence, Russia or Georgia and respect their choice after. That's exactly what they (and Russia) wanted all those 16 years.
Slava, Moscow, Land of Balalaikas and Bears

Describing Saakashvili as a loyal US ally is akin to decribing Mugabe as a loyal British ally. Saakashvili is guilty of genocide and started his ethnic cleansing with the permission of the US. The defeat of Georgia is a defeat of the US.
Dayahka, Aberdeen, USA


Putin has been itching to get stuck into Georgia. This is not the first time Putin has interfered in the internal affairs of a previous state of the USSR. Once an agent of the KGB always an agent of the KGB. He has destroyed democracy in Russia and those who support his nationalistic ideals.
Glen, Johannesburg,

It's enough to see, who started the fire, to understand who is agressor. For all, who's afraid of Russia, look: we don't want Georgian:
1) territory, as the region is too problematic
2) gas, as we have enough
And if someone starts to kill your people, I wish you government act, like ours!
Sasha, St.Petersburg, Russia

This article underlines what a victory this has been for the Georgian government, they have clearly won the PR war. We must not forget that it was in fact the Georgians who provoked the Russians into war after a long war of words. The Russians are by no means innocent, but neither are the Georgians.
Gullik, Oslo, Norway

"In a televised address, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has vowed to restore Tbilisi's control over what he called the "criminal regime" in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and reinforce order."
Well they did their best, you can give them that. They should have bought even more RM-70 to finish it.
George, Cluj,

It is inconcievable that so many comments seem to ignore the fact that it was Georgian troops who attacked Tsklinvali that started off this battle. I am a "Westerner" but am surprised that so many people comment without bothering to read the facts.
Trevor Greenwood, Vancouver, Canada

I am a grassroots american from Texas. I say as my fellow Americans. We should leave all of Europe, Asia and the world for that matter to fend for themselves. We don't want to give our money away any more in moranic deals to save this country or that. America is tired of paying & dying for you
Bob, San Antonio, TX, USA

Gin, Vilnius , Lithuania - I see nothing in international law that allows a country (Georgia in this instance) to attack a province at night and aim at civilians, raze a city and many villages to the ground, push women and children into barns and set them on fire, and shoot down fleeing civilians.
Vera Chevrolet Hart, Geneva, Switzerland

Dan, in Ukraine and Estonia there are no peacekeepers on duty, and Kaliningrad luckily is not being shelled in the middle of the night by heavy artillery alike Tshinvali,so luckily there peace now. Hope it won't change. And let's not forget we all live in the world where propaganda washes our brains
Igor, Moscow, Russia

You saying that Russia will start invading other post-USSR countries are crazy. You understand nothing! You never lived neither in Russian nor in any post-USSR countries. It can happen only if Ukraine by some reason will start killing Russian-speaking citizens or Ukraine. But this will never happen
Andrei, Brest, Belarus

Governments of West Countries are blind again (1920, 1939) - Russia pretends to protect their citizens, in fact Russia tends to: 1. take control of alternative source of gas and oil from Azerbeigan and Georgia; 2. show its imperial power and no respect to normal, modern civilisation standards.
Stefan, Kielce, Poland

If any side has effected ethnic cleansing they should be held liable. The USA hypocritic cries about international laws & sovereignty of Georgia are only laughable when they are Gold medalists in ignoring the United Nations and international rule of law. How about Kosovo? Cyprus? Iraq? Panama?
Peter, Nicosia, Cyprus

The conscequences of this skirmish are yet to be seen.. don't pop the Champagne bottle as yet. Russian enemies ( Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania, Estonia, )will probably arm themselves to the teeth and it will not be so easy next time.
Brendan, Stutgart, Germany

The international law is one the Georgian side.
Gin, Vilnius , Lithuania

Let's give the people of S. Ossetia and Abkhazia free referendum to decide which state they would like to be part of. Whether they would like to join RUSSIA, GEORGIA or establish a independent republic. That is the best way to measure what the people of these regions want.
Naleen Lal, Northern California,

Which country will Russia walk over and into next week - and the week after?
With no significant resistance - Russia can easily re-occupy all the old Soviet bloc countries - and no one will lift a finger.
Looking at the map, my guess is Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and maybe Belarus? Easy.
Bob Brown, Carlsbad, USA, California

S. Ossetia and Abkhazia want to be Russians. S. Ossetia had a democratic election 15 years ago and 95% showed up and 98% voted to be Russian and not Georgian.
Is this the democracy that is being stifled, Mr Bush?
Russia has been very reasonable and fair. Georgia is a puppet regime of Israel/US!
D.A., Dallas, USA