Russia and Georgia War (with background music)

LONDON — Fighting broke out Friday between Russia and a strong U.S. ally in the region, the Democratic Republic of Georgia. The violence could significantly destabilize Russia's ties with the West — and even influence the actions of U.S. troops in Iraq. USA TODAY's London correspondent, Jeffrey Stinson, answers some questions about the conflict.

Q. What are Georgia and Russia fighting over?

A: Georgia launched a military strike on the province of South Ossetia, aiming to reclaim it after 16 years of semi-independence. In response, Russia sent tanks in. Moscow says Georgian forces had killed Russian peacekeepers there and were committing acts of "ethnic cleansing" of native Russians living there.

Q: Why does Moscow care what Georgia does in its own provinces?

A: Georgia, which borders Russia, is a former Soviet republic. It declared its independence in 1991 after the collapse of communism. Many of the 70,000 people in South Ossetia speak Russian and carry Russian passports. Relations between the two have been tense, as Moscow tries to reassert influence over nations that border it. Georgia has aligned itself with the West and wants to join NATO — a desire the Bush administration supports.

Q: Why is this happening now?

A: Georgia insists it had no choice but to act after what it says are increasing attacks from separatists. Georgia President Mikhail Saakashvili claims Moscow took advantage of situation to "invade" his country while the world's attention was focused on the Olympics in Beijing.

Q: How bad could hostilities get?

A: It depends on how large a response Russia wants to muster. Russia has an active and equipped armed force of 1.02 million, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies of London. The institute numbers Georgia's active servicemen and women at 21,150.

Q: How have the United States and the rest of the world reacted?

A: The United States, NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have called for a halt in hostilities and for Georgia, Russia and South Ossetia to sit down and talk. The U.S. State Department says it supports Georgia's territorial integrity, while calling for an immediate cease-fire. The White House says President Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have talked about the situation while both are attending the Olympics.

Q: Is there a chance that the United States and the West could be drawn into a confrontation with Russia over this?

A: Georgia is not a member of NATO, so there are no obligations to come to its defense. Georgia so far has asked for diplomatic, not military, assistance from the West. The Pentagon says it has only 125 defense personnel and contractors in Georgia that provide military training for Georgian forces deployed in Iraq.

Q: Could hostilities here affect U.S. military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan?

A: Georgia's president said Friday he is bringing home the 2,000 troops it had stationed in Iraq. That is a significant blow to coalition forces because Georgia was the third-largest contributor of troops behind Britain and the U.S. Apart from that, direct U.S. military involvement seems unlikely. Although Georgia may look close to Iraq and Afghanistan, it has little in common. Like Russians, Georgians and Ossetians are largely Orthodox Christian.

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[Prorok107]

Georgia started war . And you fucking americans you kill more people in iraq and you started the war . Twins destroyed usa because they wanted fight iraq. Fucking americans bitches you dont now anything . Russian now english but you now nothing. I am not russian but i now how it was

[karoman]

I guess that books that you are reading are written by Saakashvili (notable lier).

He was so scared that truth will spread to Georgia that he blocked all sites with domain ".ru". This nothing else but censorship.

If you like to belive lie; please do.

Surely, it is by far easier for georgians to believe that it was Russia that attacked Georgia and Tshinvali was leveled by russian troops.

But, reality is just opposite.

Georgia started bomardment of Tshinvali and is agressor

[miRoshevich]

@TavrosCity13 ok,no problem.

[TavrosCity13]

@miRoshevich ok let me change it,Fuck Georgian goverment

[miRoshevich]

@TavrosCity13 why you said "fuck Georgia" ? thats why I said except you.

[TavrosCity13]

@miRoshevich i am Orthodox madafaka :P why except me ? :D

[miRoshevich]

@TavrosCity13 NO,fuck Russian imperialism,fuck Usa,fuck NATO. Bless Georgia,Bless Romania,Bless Serbia,Bless Greece(except of you),and bless every orthodox

[MaNch3s73rUn173d]

There is a movie about it called 5 days of war its a good movie.

[NorthShoreArea7]

war is sad both are guilty of taking lives bottom line

and i wouldnt be suprised if the us started the whole thing thats wut they do best

[realIBeliX]

@davita352 Hah, don't be butthurt.

[davita352]

Fuck you russia  & serbia GO GEORGIA!!!

[davita352]

rusebis dedas sheveci trakshi GO GEORGIA!!!!!!