Reply #57: some facts to change the opinion that ossetia is not part of Georgia [View All]

I would like to comment on AlphaCentauri's points:

"a) South Ossetia declared Independence the same way Georgia did from Russia"

No, South Ossetia was never an independent republic and could not declare independence from Georgia the same way as Georgia (country of 20+ centuries) did. South Ossetia was granted the status of autonomous republic by Stalin. FYI, ethnic Ossetians came there starting only from the 18th century, which, for the caucasus is not of a too long ago. in the 19th century assessment they were minority. Ossetia used to be called Samachablo and it was an integral part of Georgia.

"b) Many South Ossetia residents are Russian citizens"

That was the Russian step to make ossetia more of its own - couple years ago it granted Russian passports to everyone who wished so in Ossetia and Abkhazia.

"c) There is something wrong with a government who lunch rockets to the people they consider their own"

As much as you say, initial steps against Ossetian separatists caused minimal damage and minimal casualties. Missiles were not directed against citizens. Currently, there is no more Tskinvali as Russian military completely destroyed it while "protecting" it against Georgia. In addition, for a decade Georgian government has been tolerating regular attacks on Georgian villages from Ossetian separatists/Russian peacekeepers.

"d) Georgia was preparing to lunch an attack last month http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/04/georgia.osse..."

Yes, probably in retaliation of Ossetians closing the water channels to Georgian villages (and it is Summer!!! how much could be tolerated). Even know, so called president of Ossetia was probably well aware of planned "invasion" as he evacuated his family three days in advance. Or was it a provocation that Georgians got caught it after so many attempts?

"e) This probably was the last change for the president of Georgia to get the US involve, after the presidential election many things could change."

We are not dreamers, we know that no one will fight against Russia just to protect small Georgia. Russia will never let Georgia go - it always hated this small rebel country - it has free spirit, russians do not like this.

"f) The president of Georgia is a US lawyer, he may have lost touch with his people."

`At this moment president of Georgia is supported by whole Georgia, even by very hostile opposition parties.