Some conclusions seem obvious. The first: US condemnations of Russian actions can be completely disregarded. Putin himself pretty succinctly summarized why:
Then there's Bush's hilarious quote accusing Russia of a "disproportionate response" -- hilarious in lieu of the unconditional support given Israel during the 2006 war in Lebanon. And of course, the notion that Russia is inherently wrong in its support of the rebel Georgian provinces is rendered ludicrous in the light of Kosovo.
"Of course, Saddam Hussein ought to have been hanged for destroying several Shiite villages," Putin said. "And the incumbent Georgian leaders who razed ten Ossetian villages at once, who ran elderly people and children with tanks, who burned civilian alive in their sheds — these leaders must be taken under protection."
And all of this takes place against the backdrop of Georgia attempting (with Bush's approval) to join NATO (how would we feel if a Russian-led military alliance had a member on our border? Oh that's right, we found out about that in Cuba, Chile, Nicaragua.) And also, of course, the plans for the missile defense shield on Russia's borders.
So there's that.
But what about the Russian side of the story? I don't suppose Vladimir Putin is any more trustworthy than George Bush. I suppose that this is an imperial game, and maybe neither side is more "right" -- though that might also not be true, and that statement might be the sort of equivocating that justifies aggression. Does anyone have a balanced perspective?
2 comments:
If you're looking for a balanced perspective, ask anyone who has watched her home destroyed by soldiers following orders. Ask any grandparent or child being crushed under the advancing treads of a tank. Ask any farmer watering his scorched crops with only his tears. Ask them all for their perspectives, because we here at our keyboards, behind our press badges, and in front of our televisions cannot say.
Sure it's an imperial game! Well of course I lay blame at Bush's feet. From now on no matter what happens in the world I will blame Bush. He opened the door. He set the example.( I think ) Why not invade Georgia?! (sarcasm ) In the eyes of power hungry politicians and world leaders it's all about 'can I get away with it' and not so much if it is right or wrong. All so called 'Leaders' they have some grandiose thought in their minds about how 'history will view this'. I am sure Putin's version might be just the fact that history will show again how 'the great Russian empire rises again'.Yeah that's a lame thought but Who knows what's in the mind of the powerful. Probably something just as lame I imagine.
Europe needs to step up to the plate and Bush needs to butt out! He is an embarrassment.(I think) The United States dosn't have the credibility any more to request anything regarding invasion(s) nor can the U.S. use a military strong arm in enforcement because the strong arm is starved and Bush starved it. No, I don't have a balanced perspective. I'm ranting. I'll leave now.
I liked your last paragraph btw. I thought it balanced enough.
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