What the Russians Left in Their Wake in Georgia

Wall Street Journal ^ | 24 Sep 2008 | Melik Kaylin

[docbnj]

Having devastated vast areas of its own lands in the Caucasus, such as Chechnya and Ingushetia, in order to "protect" them from instability, Moscow's obliterating shadow has settled deep over Georgia -- with the usual consequences. The full barbarism of Russian actions in Georgia may not emerge for years; much of the evidence lies behind the lines in terrain newly annexed by Russia. But some details are now beyond dispute. Alongside the various human atrocities, such as the bombing and purging of civilian areas, the invaders looted and destroyed numerous historical sites, some of which were profoundly revered by the Georgians as sacred building blocks in their national identity.

[docbnj]

True modern barbarism.

[dellbabe68]

ping

[Redleg Duke]

Don’t worry, President Obama will send the Russians a letter of apology for the Bush Administration’s actions that forced the Russians to do this!

[snowrip]

Was this really a surprise to anyone?

[LibLieSlayer]

By that time there will not be enough money for paper or stamps. Maybe barry can send it by Carrier Pigeon?

LLS

[Kay Ludlow]

Looks like they actually did the things we were only accused of. I wonder if the Russians were giving the peace activists and NGO’s their talking points after we invaded Iraq?

[wmileo]

“Was this really a surprise to anyone?”

If it was, this is conclusive proof that the Federal level organizations responsible for intelligence gathering aren't doing their job again.

[oilfieldtrash]

Our government allowed the Albanians do the same to Serbian cultural heritages in Kosovo. Why was there no indignation there?

[Brian S. Fitzgerald]

Would the strong, brave Putin care to take a stroll in broad daylight down a quiet Georgia street?

[july4thfreedomfoundation]

And Putin has the gaul to wear a cross around his neck!!

He’s more like the anti-christ than Jesus Christ.

[Islander7]

Photos

More Photos

[Freedom Dignity n Honor]

You bet they were, just like they did during the Vietnam War.

We have to speak out about their propaganda so that they don't cause our government to pull diplomatic defeat out of the jaws of military victory like in Vietnam.

[B2orNotB2]

Nino Burjanadze, former parliamentary chairperson and now the president of the Foundation for Democracy and Development (FDD), has prepared 43 questions to the authorities regarding the August events.

“The authorities claim that they have answers to all the questions; so, we expect their public answers within the nearest days,” Burjanadze said at a press conference on October 1.

Earlier on September 12 Burjanadze said that her position on the matter would largely depend on the answers she received from the authorities.

Burjanadze wonders why the Georgian authorities could not predict that Russia was preparing a wide-scale military intervention and why the Georgian authorities could not avert direct military confrontation, “despite numerous and direct warnings of Georgia’s friends not to yield to Russia’s provocations.”

Perhaps Nino can get some answers.

Civil.ge