It's war.

[Propaganda]

Originally posted by Oerdin


So when parts of Russia want to leave they get invaded and occupied but when parts of other countries do the same it's A.O.K. as long as it benefits Russia? Face it, this is nothing but a blatant Russian land grab.

You, an American, are telling me what should and shouldn't benefit Russia? All of you Americans have no knowledge of geography, much less the rest of the world. Hell, you still think the world is geocentric and you are the beacon of light, and everything revolves around you. Ask any Iraqi, or for that matter, the world whether they are benefitting from your hegemony.

[Dinner]

I've spoken to lots of Iraqis.

In any event this is just Russia attempting to steal land from it's neighbors.

[onodera]

I guess I was wrong. We've sent the reinforcements.

[Felch]

[Propaganda]

Originally posted by C0ckney


not really. i would say that these feelings of national identity have always existed, but in soviet times they were suppressed by political concessions, coercion and often brutal repression. following the break-up of the soviet union many of the old methods are now unavailable to the state. people do not forget who or what they are very easily and it is no surprise that people are expressing nationalistic feelings now that they have the opportunity to do so.

it's similar to what happened in the former yugoslavia.

Aside from globalization, the trigger that blew the powder keg may have Gorbachev's dismantling of the Soviet of Nationalities. Within that forum, nationalities had bargaining power, and even had more authority than the Supreme Soviet.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Saras
Replace your location flag already!

Sorry... I was hoping Arshavin would see it and be moved to go to Newcastle

[Agathon]

Originally posted by Saras
Why do you have Cliff Richard as your avatar?

Because he's the total and utter king of rock and roll, dude.

[rmsharpe]

Originally posted by Oerdin
Russia is such a lawless thug of a country. You whine when ethnic minorities try to split from your country but you encourage Russian gangsters to try to fake rebellions in neighboring countries.

Bingo.

[Geronimo]

It's a bit sad that so few are either against the secession of Kosovo along while also opposing the secession of most other regions like the rebellious areas of Georgia and Russia or alternatively offer their support to most similar secessions. I wonder why it's so difficult to be consistent?

For the record I find nearly all of the modern secession movements pointless and foreign support for them retarded and pointless.

[BeBMan]

Couldn't it be an anti-Chinese conspiracy? Noone talks about the games anymore. Or pro-Chinese, since noone talks about Tibet anymore. Damn, whatever. Conspiracy nonetheless.

[Heresson]

While I have a sympathy for Georgia and not that much for Russia... well, IF Ossetians are indigenous in this area (which I am not sure of, because I think their origin is north of Caucasus), I don't like the idea of destroying their independance, even if it was achieved with Russian help. But I don't really know the situation there, and neither of You does.

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by Heresson
But I don't really know the situation there, and neither of You does.

QFT, but that never stopped us at poly.

[GePap]

Does anyone know why the Georgians picked now to make a move to win this dispute militarily? I don't think the Chinese will be amused by their timing.

[Geronimo]

Originally posted by GePap
Does anyone know why the Georgians picked now to make a move to win this dispute militarily? I don't think the Chinese will be amused by their timing.

I wouldn't doubt it really was the shelling.

[Agathon]

Does anyone know why the Georgians picked now to make a move to win this dispute militarily? I don't think the Chinese will be amused by their timing.

It's been building up for some time. My guess is that other countries knew.