August 11, 2008

Russia Invades Georgia

Marc Comtois

President Bush has denounced Russia for escalating the conflict in Georgia:

"I just met with my national security team to discuss the situation in Georgia. I am deeply concerned by reports that Russian troops have moved beyond the zone of conflict, attacked the Georgian town of Gori and are threatening the Georgian capital, Tblisi," Bush said.

He cited evidence suggesting that Russian forces may soon begin bombing the civilian airport in the capital city.

"If these reports are accurate, these Russian actions would represent a dramatic and brutal escalation of the conflict in Georgia," Bush said.

He said the actions "would be inconsistent with assurances that we have received from Russia that its objectives were limited" to restoring peace in separatist pro-Russian areas.

If it hasn't happened already, I suspect the bloom is off the rose of President Bush's personal relationship with Vladimir Putin. To catch up, here's a quick "sitrep", a map of Georgia, a deeper historical background and the latest news, which indicates a full-blown Russian invasion of Georgia is underway.