We are not all Georgians

Republican candidate Senator John McCain must have decided to take a page from President John F. Kennedy's phrase, "Ich bin ein Berliner" ("I am a Berliner"). At a Straight Talk Express rally at the Toyota Arena in York, PA, McCain touted his foreign policy credentials and his phone conversation with Georgian President Mikhail "Misha" Saakashvili.

The senator reassured the Georgian president that "the thoughts and the prayers and support of the American people are with that brave little nation as they struggle for their freedom and independence."

"And he wanted me to say thank you to you, to give you his heartfelt thanks for the support of the American people for this tiny little democracy far away from the United States of America," McCain said of his conversation with Saakashvili. "And I told him that I know I speak for every American when I say to him, 'Today we are all Georgians.'"

"We are all Georgians." What a great quote for the MSM to extol and the neo-cons to take praise in, and leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

However, not every American should believe that statement. In actuality, we should throw those words back to the senator.

First of all, Georgia invaded South Ossetia on August 8, as the Olympic Games got under way in Beijing. This fact has not been mentioned often by the mainstream media though they love to display "Russia Invades Georgia," "Russia Attacks Georgia," and other variations. We may never know the real truth on why President Saakashvili chose to order his military forces to invade the breakaway province on that particular day. Either he got "approval" by the U.S. or he felt that his military forces, trained by American advisers, are strong enough to take South Ossetia within a short period of time. Such fast action could have discourage Russia from using military action. Perhaps Georgia felt confident since they were promised by NATO that they will eventually join their security alliance.

From the Telegraph UK article - Caucasus in crisis: Georgia invades rebel region (08-Aug-08):

"Despite our call for peace and a unilateral ceasefire, separatists continued the shelling of Georgian villages," Mamuka Kurashvili, a senior Georgian commander, said. "We are forced to restore constitutional order in the whole region." A rapid deterioration in the separatist crisis began over the weekend when at least six people were killed in a shoot-out after an improvised explosive device detonated as a Georgian military convoy drove past.

The risk involved was quite high. One trigger for Russia retaliation was the station of Russian peacekeeping troops in the pro-Russian enclave. Eventually, some of them were killed, and with more than 100,000 people uprooted, and 30,000 civilians fleeing across the border to Russia, the bear took action.

Russian troops, armored vehicles, tanks, aircraft, and naval ships were quickly mobilized. The Georgian air force was destroyed on the ground, same with its navy. Georgian troops were pretty much forced out of South Ossetia and back into their own territory. This lightning attack surprised military analysts in the U.S. and NATO. I am sure that Russia has now reminded the West that it should no longer be treated as a second-rate power, especially in their own backyard and sphere of influence. The belief that Russia would always play second-fiddle to the US is no longer true.

The West condemned Russia's actions, criticizing the disproportioned military response. (See Russia and Georgia on map) (Another map of region)

The French, holding the European Union presidency, brokered a ceasefire agreement. By this time, Russia had pretty much kicked Georgia's arse. Russia said its military assault was ending because its mission has been accomplished, reports CBS News correspondent Richard Roth. But Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made clear the Kremlin's army isn't pulling out, accusing the Georgian leader of starting the war, even calling him a lunatic. Of course, President Saakashvili has accused Russia that they are still advancing within Georgia and violating the terms of the ceasefire. Russia argues that it is trying to maintain security and securing abandoned ammo dumps and military bases.

Georgia - South Ossetia: Conflict Chronology

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to condemn Russia's actions and praise Georgia's defiance against military aggression. Bush and other administration officials praised Georgia's commitment in sending troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. Of course, Georgia had to pull all 2,000 troops from Iraq to help reinforce their forces back home. The departure of the third largest contributor to coalition forces essentially leaves a series of checkpoints along smuggling routes near the Iranian border empty. Checkpoints surrounding the city of Kut, 100 miles southeast of Baghdad, were also vacant. According to some Iraqis, the departure of the Georgian contingent was actually a good thing. They say the Georgians were rude, disrespectful, and ineffective. Most spoke very little English or Arabic. "They did not try to give us services. Instead, they were a source of annoyance by delaying us at their checkpoints and mocking the simple locals," said Salim Ali, a 45-year-old farmer.

So second, was the contribution of 2,000 Georgian troops to Iraq a "quid pro quo" for US support against Russian influence? Of course!

Third, why is the U.S. helping such a small, poor "semi-democratic" country in Central Asia? OIL! (See picture of the pipeline going through Georgia) The Caspian Sea contains one of the world's largest groups of oil and gas fields. During Soviet times, all transportation routes from the Caspian region were built through Russia. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline bypasses Russia by going through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. One of the three construction companies that helped built the pipeline was US Petrofac International. At the inauguration ceremony, US Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman was there.

If we are indeed "Georgians," then we should be practicing their democratic ideals. Shutting down opposition tv stations is one example (see below):

The government also blocked most access to Russian news broadcasters and web sites. Most Georgian media, private and state-owned, are under the sway of President Saakashvili. Channels can be shut down at the whim of the Communication Commission.

Western-style democracy? NOT!

Also, take the case revolving Badri Patarkatsishvili, a tycoon and opposition leader against Saakashvili. He was found dead at his home outside London in February. British police call the death "suspicious."

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Clearly, I do not consider myself to be Georgian. Neither should you.

Oh yes, gotta love this other quote:

McCain: "in the 21st century nations don't invade other nations." (link)

Related Links

Editorial: It's all about the oil, in this game (Newsday)

Vladimir Putin's mastery checkmates the West (Times Online UK)

(more to come)