Russia Invades Georgia Over South Ossetia Province

On the day the Olympic Games begin to promote unity and healthy competition between nations, Russia and the breakaway state of Georgia have made more brutal and disastrous headlines. It appears that Russia has invaded Georgia after a series of violent exchanges. Before Russia invaded Georgia, Georgia sent troops to the region of South Ossetia, a region that has been demanding independence from Georgia since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. After Georgia's attack on South Ossetia, Russia sent troops to strike back at Georgia, putting the two on the brink of war.

Russia's invasion of Georgia is the latest climax of a conflict going back to the end of the Soviet Union. Georgia won it's independence as a result, but South Ossetia wanted it's independence from Georgia. South Ossetia has officially been labeled as a Georgia province, but they have sought to break away from the state.

Russia and Georgia have long conflicted over not only South Ossetia, but over Georgia's desire to be part of NATO. Russia has long opposed these efforts, and has also given support to South Ossetia's separatist forces that are fighting Georgia.

Recently, Georgia sent troops into South Ossetia to quell the latest round of rebellion. However, many of the separatist forces attacked have Russian passports or are backed by Moscow. At least 3 Russian peacekeepers and 15 civilians were reported to be killed in this attack.

In response, Russia sent 150 tanks into South Ossetia itself and also bombed a military airbase outside the Georgia capital of Tbilisi. No one was reported to have been killed, but two Russian warplanes were shot down during the assault, according to Georgia President Mikhail Saakashvili.

Since South Ossetia is still labeled as part of Georgia, this is officially labeled as a Russian invasion of Georgia. There is now fear that it may be Russia's intent to retake over Georgia itself, and not just to free South Ossetia. The former Soviet state of Kazakhstan may also eventually support Russia in any future conflicts to come with Georgia.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev now faces his first major test as official head of the Russian government, though many still believe Russian Prime Minister and former President Vladimir Putin still holds all the real power in Russia.

Sources

Digital Journal- "While the World Watches (Something Else)- The Conflict in Georgia" www.digitaljournal.com/article/258363

Cleveland Leader- "Russia Invades Georgia, On the Verge of War Over South Ossetia" www.clevelandleader.com/node/6328

Times Online- "Georgia says Russian tanks mean 'war' in South Ossetia" www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4486208.ece