08-14-2008, 05:07 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-14-2008, 05:09 AM by Swiss Mercenary.)
I'm looking for our NATO expert, here.
After taking a good look at the propaganda from both sides, it seems to me that it's one of those situations where we'll never know who started shooting first... With the uncertainty granting the Red Bear good justification to use it's traditional strong-arm approach.
The Georgians seem to have been mistakenly expecting support in this endeavour (Or have seriously misexpected Russia's response) - otherwise, they wouldn't have invaded (Not going to say they attacked first).
Not overly convinced by accusations of ethnic cleansing made by both sides... Quite convinced that they are more then happy to use cluster rockets in civilian areas.
What's your take, Occhi?
As for motivation, Russia's interest in the area's obvious, as are Georgia's. Not too much I could think of, besides the oil pipeline, showing off Russian strength, and Georgia wanting to reclaim South Ossetia, there.
After taking a good look at the propaganda from both sides, it seems to me that it's one of those situations where we'll never know who started shooting first... With the uncertainty granting the Red Bear good justification to use it's traditional strong-arm approach.
The Georgians seem to have been mistakenly expecting support in this endeavour (Or have seriously misexpected Russia's response) - otherwise, they wouldn't have invaded (Not going to say they attacked first).
Not overly convinced by accusations of ethnic cleansing made by both sides... Quite convinced that they are more then happy to use cluster rockets in civilian areas.
What's your take, Occhi?
As for motivation, Russia's interest in the area's obvious, as are Georgia's. Not too much I could think of, besides the oil pipeline, showing off Russian strength, and Georgia wanting to reclaim South Ossetia, there.