“Kosovo, South Ossetia can’t be compared”

South Osetia can be compared ONLY to North Mitrovica.

Rest assured that Kosovo and Georgian intergrity will be intact.

"Kosovo saw ethnic cleansing and was the victim of the former nationalist regime of Slobodan Milošević. Georgian President Mikhael Saakashvili did no such thing in South Ossetia, neither in terms of persecution of the population, nor in terms of political ambitions"

2 big problems with this statement. Milosevic wasn't a nationalist and the KLA started the war there. Saakashvili's attacked the South Ossetian capital with multiple rocket launchers killing many civilians.

“Kosovo, South Ossetia can’t be compared"
oh, yes it can, its the same NATO strategy to support one side, train them, arm them against the other side under the veil of secrecy and mask of democracy.
Georgia with the help of USA/NATO were trying to get rid of (ethnically clean) Russian population in those 2 provinces, just like K'Albanian separatists were trained, armed and secretly suported by them to
fight the Serbs in Kosovo.
So the only difference would be
1) we've learned how it works by now tought by the lesson of Kosovo
2) Russia is back as a powerplayer

NATO/US dirty games were unmasked this time succesfully.

If it is impossible to cooperate with Russia after this. Then why is it possible to cooperate with Uncle Sam after everything they did in Iraq and Afghanistan? Not to mention 78 days of bombing of Serbia even though Serbia did not threaten Uncle Sam in any way.

This all boils down to the U.S. trying to create a gap between Russia and Europe. The old Divide and Conquer tactic. U.S. has no interest in seeing good relations between Europe and Russia.

The fact of the matter is that Russia is in fact a superpower that can't be controlled by the West like small countries of the former Yugoslavia or weak powers like Iraq or Afghanistan. The EU and US know that Western Europe gets half of its oil supply from Russia. For this very reason, they are completely incapacitated in providing any pressure on Russia. The events following the attack by Georgia and the response by Russia provide enough evidence for this. You will never see a peacekeeping force in this region because Russia will not allow it. For those of you who thought that Russia had no influence on the Kosovo issue, let these events over the past few days serve as a lesson of things to come. No EU country, or the US for that matter, will risk war with Russia over small countries like Georgia or Kosovo. All you will see and hear is dissaproval, which will come in one ear and go out the other.

It will cost a lot of work to prove that Milosevic was involved in etnic cleansing or that he killed more people in Kosovo than Sjaakaasvili killed in the last 6 days in Ossetia. The Yougoslav tribunal didnt succeed in 6 years. We are forced to stop measuring with two different tools. Lets thank Putin for not bombing Tiblisi with nuclear warheads like we did to Belgrade. They could have according to the law of the strongest!

Before we the readers form any opinions based on media reporting, we shall know that so called Main Stream Media is the part of the New World Order and the motto of the NOW is: “Perpetual Commerce trough Perpetual War”.
So called “New Democracy” of Georgia decided to attach Russian ethnic group which is occupying prime seashore property. But, we shall now that ethnic Russians were there during Soviet Union era, stayed in Georgia and accepted Georgian citizenship. It is obvious that Georgian governments is keen of confiscating that property and expel Russians. Time chosen is the Eve of the Olympic Games.
The other and most important issue for the Georgian government and western oil companies is the free oil flow to the sea port. No one wants any possible indurations especially if pipeline passes trough disputed area.
Oil companies are poring millions of dollars to sway the public opinion from the real issue. One of the effective methods is very carefully created phrases as: Russia the Aggressor, Oil prices will raise again if oil and gas flow is interrupted etc.
But, no one explains real reason for high gas prices. Example: Iraqi government as budget surplus while western world is ripped off paying for Iraqi war. Iraqi oil still flows freely, who rips off profits of that oil?

South Ossetia is directly linked to the Kosovo precedent, that is beyond doubt and was widely discussed at the time of the IUDI. I expect this to be just the beginning and others will begin to pop up as time goes on.

ZK UK in Budapest - one stop away from Belgrade.

Yes, ZK UK, South Ossetia is directly linked to Kosova. That's why when Russia asks for independence of S Ossetia from Georgia, it is also asking for independence of Kosova from Serbia. Russia spent the greater part of the decade decrying the intervention of NATO in Kosova, yet is now pretty much saying "We judged it as the wrong thing to do for so long, yet we have no problem of doing the same thing and worse."
The connection of S Ossetia and Kosova is such that, even if viewed by the perspective of those that have maintained that connection - Russia - it's own actions are condemnable. It took Russia only 6 days to remove any doubts, anyone might have had, that any talk about International Law coming out of Russia's mouth is utter hypocrisy.

"Adrian Gashi - The same can be said about the US. Why recognise Kosovo and not South Ossetia?"

And why, Zoran, should the US recognize South Ossetia when Russia doesn't recognize Kosova? And why the US should have recognized South Ossetia when Russia itself had not recognized South Ossetia?

Bottom line, Russia warned the west that if they went down this crooked road these will be the consequences.

Why is the west so upset now?
They knew that each action results in a reaction.
Looking at the situation now, everything is going to go back to the negotiating table, indluding Kosovo.

The US Atlantic Council’s Program Director for International Security has about as much credibility on this issue as his masters in Washington.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Tim-Marshall-Russia-Eats-The-Kosovo-Cake/Article/200808215076194?lpos=World%2BNews_0&lid=ARTICLE_15076194_Tim%2BMarshall%253A%2BRussia%2BEats%2BThe%2BKosovo%2BCake

S.Osetia ia a town of 30 000 people. How can it be compared with Kosovas 2.5 mil Albanians. Rusia is trying to expand its territories as always has done. Will it work? Hard to tell but one thing is for sure. Ucraine is alarmed and will enter Nato as soon as it can.

z, welcome :)
drive safe

smile, s :)

"He said that Russia’s reaction had harked back to Soviet times and tactics, which included the use of unrealistic and excessive accusations and military means in order to achieve political goals." - Descriptions of US actions in Iraq and Serbia.

"Townsend said that the Russian operation had destabilized the Caucasus region" - US destabilization of the middle east and the Balkans

"Townsend added that there would be “major repercussions” for Russia, and that “this is not an action that Russia can be proud of,” since its reputation had been tarnished in the West and in the U.S." hehehe, I'm sure Russia is really disgruntled that the West aren't happy. the WORLD wasn't happy about the invasion of Iraq or Serbia. It's a very narrow minded view and describes the US and it's current policy perfectly - it doesn't give a damn about global relations, just global hegemony. If the US were so judicial why didn't the world see it that way when they invaded Iraq. Judging by the way most of the Arab world danced around when the twin towers were blown up, I'd say that most people in the world don't agree with the current US policy of energy security at any cost.

""We need Russian help in Iran, but Russia needs our help to solve crises all around the world, especially the Middle East, a region that might become a problem for Russia,” Townsend pointed out" - It'll only become a problem for Russia if the US decides to bomb Tehran. Then it'll be a problem for ALL of us.

He added that the Russian action therefore presented a challenge for the U.S., NATO and the entire Western world.

...a challenge or a balance of power, that is the question...


Townsend added that there would be “major repercussions” for Russia, and that “this is not an action that Russia can be proud of,” since its reputation had been tarnished in the West and in the U.S.

...well the US administration has been tarnishing themselves for 8 years with lies and blackmail, so why should Russian care about their imagine now that they have the energy weapon in hand, they just need to turn the wheel a bit to the right and some will start getting very cold during this winter!
By the way woundering why Germany,Italy and most of the major european countries had been rather quiet, even Sarkozy showed some understanding of the Russian actions, that says all....

Now whether Kosovo and South Ossetia can be compared... very much depens on which side of the law you want to be, which "standards" are applied, etc etc etc, the never ending story..

Ben,

The point is that you're either with the USA and some Western countries, or you're not. If you are, you will abide by all US and Western EU demands, thus you've been in many ways taken over. It all starts with military bases and a physical presence that never goes away, and ends in economic and cultural influence as well. In Serbia's case, she is too small to move forward on her own merry road and ignore the wishes of the EU and the US. Other means then must be implemented such as continued diplomacy all over the world, etc. My point was, that in the case of Russia, they do not have to abide by the wishes of the US and EU like Serbia, Kosovo, and all of those other countries you have listed. Too many countries in Europe now depend on Russia and the Russians know it. They will continue to do as they please and the only way to even attempt to stop them is by military means, which of course, know one is willing to do due to nuclear implications. The Russians aren't stupid either though. Although they support Serbia, they will not commit militarily either because the threat of a growing US presence is not immediate as it is in a country like Georgia, which is right in Russia's back yard. Russia will continue to flex its military muscle on ocassion just to remind the US and the west that the Russians have grown to be independent and have once again reached superpower status.

"No EU country, or the US for that matter, will risk war with Russia over small countries like Georgia or Kosovo. All you will see and hear is dissaproval, which will come in one ear and go out the other."

Then how come Russians or Serbs aren't starting another war over Kosova? Because they know what you posted is wrong.

Today USA is sending "aid" with the US military, right at Russia's borders. Let Pootie touch them.

Adrian Gashi - The same can be said about the US. Why recognise Kosovo and not South Ossetia? Energy security in both cases. So Kosovo and S.O are much more closely connected than the Albo's and the US like to admit.

The big powers will chop up countries as they see fit, so Georgia, S.O, Serbia and Kosovo are in the hands of the powers that be, whether anyone likes it or not.

The only thing that Kosovo can be compared to is... Georgia itself.

Like Georgia, Kosovo has an angry neighbour to the north with territorial ambitions over its territory. It does so by claiming that their main concern is the well being of their citizens in these regions. For Kosovo, North Mitrovica. For Georgia, South Osetia and abkhazia. Like Georgia, Kosovo has shown good will to give the serb minority widest autonomy that any minority in the world could ever dream of. But since the well being of the "serb citizens" and "russian citizens" is not the real reason behind Serbias and Russias actions, of course these offers are rejected. The resemblances between georgia and Kosovo go on and on. Like the ethnic cleansing of the native people of both Kosovo and georgia, and the implantation of the Serbs in Kosovo and Russians in S. Osettia, to give Russians and Serbs reasons to claim these territories.


Now here are a few reasons why S. Osettia is in no way comperable to Kosovo.

Legal-Kosovo was a constituent of Former Yugoslavia with veto power. A country that disintegrated in the 90's.
S.Osettia, not only was it never a consituent part of USSR, but it wasnt even an autonomous province.

Historical: Kosovo has been a part of many different Countrys, empires, formations, throughout time that it is ilogical for any of these imperialsit powers to claim it, just because they have once ruled it. If that is the Case, then Kosovo belongs to non other than to the Turks. They have ruled it for 500 years, far more than the 100 years of Serbian rule.

Precednt: We do not set precendents. Independences are a common way of one territory seceding from another country. If anything S'Ossetia has set a precendent to Kosovo, by declaing independence in the 90's. ALl these territories that Russia is "worried" about have already declared independences. It isnt our fault that their claims for independence are so weak that they cant gather enough suppport from the west to recognize them.

Looking at the situation now, everything is going to go back to the negotiating table, indluding Kosovo.
(Peggy, 14 August 2008 01:18)

Peggy, it has already been negotiated time ago, Kosovo's Indipendence and South Ossetia are just the visible results of the negotiations between them (US and Russia). They have been playing a chess game for power for a long time now and we (Kosovo Serbia South Ossetia Georgia) aren't even the most important pieces. That is what Russia wanted to say when they mentioned "precedents". They were saying they would have made a "precedent" out of Kosovo.
The headline of the article is: “Kosovo, South Ossetia can’t be compared”, but Russia says: "I want to compare them, who are you to tell me not to".
Good luck Baltic countries, Ukraine, and Poland.

Kosovo and S. Osettia can not be compared. God hepl people of Georgia. My heart goes to Georgian people. Russia must back off. Let people of Georgia live in democracy. President Sakaasvili is one of the best president in entire word.

"Kosovo saw ethnic cleansing and was the victim of the former nationalist regime of Slobodan Milošević"

He forgot to mention that it was also the most incompetent ethnic cleansing program in the history of ethnic cleansing given that over 90% of the population that remained are the ones that were ethnically cleansed!!

"If the court rules against you are you going to turn to violence to establish a country called Kosova? "

peggy,
what the court says is irrelevant. They cannot enforce it as the most powerful nations have said yes. But no court will force Albanians to go again under Serbian rule. 3-5% of the population will not treat 95% Albanian as a second class citizens.

No EU country, or the US for that matter, will risk war with Russia over small countries like Georgia or Kosovo. All you will see and hear is dissaproval, which will come in one ear and go out the other.
(USA, 13 August 2008 19:05)

Sure! according to pundits like pur USA (are you talking form teh white house??) teh next small country will be Slovakia, than Czech R., Hungary, than Letonia, Estonia, finland, Sweden, Norway. all blody small to fight for and here we got Russians in Berlin again.

What naivety and hypocrisy.

What's the message here dear USA- small countries shoudl vanish???

"South Osetia can be compared ONLY to North Mitrovica.

Rest assured that Kosovo and Georgian intergrity will be intact.
(PRN, 14 August 2008 11:22)"

it looks like some writers here seem to forget that UNSC 1244 keeps Kosovo intact.

so, there is no northern Mitrovica alone... it´s all serbian territory, and you will learn that, I have no doubts in that.

only a question of time.

and we have time. since the law and moral are on Serbia´s side! ;)

I agree that Kosovo and Georgia situations cannot be compared.
It was the Serbs from Kosovo who were ethnically cleansed and not the other way around.
Georgians tried to expel the Russians and not the other way around.

Have a look at this article and you will see who did the cleansing. Enough of this American propaganda.

www.newstatesman.com/europe/2008/08/pilger-kosovo-war-nato-serbs

In Kosovo case it was the separatists Albanians who were the aggressors and in the case of Georgia it is the Georgians who are the aggressors.

The only consistent thing in all that story is the Serbian, Albanian, Georgian, Ossetian, North American, Russian and European hypocrisy.

But at least the last ones are getting something in that story, while the other ones are just losing.

S.Osetia ia a town of 30 000 people. How can it be compared with Kosovas 2.5 mil Albanians. Rusia is trying to expand its territories as always has done. Will it work? Hard to tell but one thing is for sure. Ucraine is alarmed and will enter Nato as soon as it can.

Yes, ZK UK, South Ossetia is directly linked to Kosova. That's why when Russia asks for independence of S Ossetia from Georgia, it is also asking for independence of Kosova from Serbia. Russia spent the greater part of the decade decrying the intervention of NATO in Kosova, yet is now pretty much saying "We judged it as the wrong thing to do for so long, yet we have no problem of doing the same thing and worse."
The connection of S Ossetia and Kosova is such that, even if viewed by the perspective of those that have maintained that connection - Russia - it's own actions are condemnable. It took Russia only 6 days to remove any doubts, anyone might have had, that any talk about International Law coming out of Russia's mouth is utter hypocrisy.

"Kosovo saw ethnic cleansing and was the victim of the former nationalist regime of Slobodan Milošević. Georgian President Mikhael Saakashvili did no such thing in South Ossetia, neither in terms of persecution of the population, nor in terms of political ambitions"

2 big problems with this statement. Milosevic wasn't a nationalist and the KLA started the war there. Saakashvili's attacked the South Ossetian capital with multiple rocket launchers killing many civilians.

If it is impossible to cooperate with Russia after this. Then why is it possible to cooperate with Uncle Sam after everything they did in Iraq and Afghanistan? Not to mention 78 days of bombing of Serbia even though Serbia did not threaten Uncle Sam in any way.

This all boils down to the U.S. trying to create a gap between Russia and Europe. The old Divide and Conquer tactic. U.S. has no interest in seeing good relations between Europe and Russia.

"Adrian Gashi - The same can be said about the US. Why recognise Kosovo and not South Ossetia?"

And why, Zoran, should the US recognize South Ossetia when Russia doesn't recognize Kosova? And why the US should have recognized South Ossetia when Russia itself had not recognized South Ossetia?

Bottom line, Russia warned the west that if they went down this crooked road these will be the consequences.

Why is the west so upset now?
They knew that each action results in a reaction.
Looking at the situation now, everything is going to go back to the negotiating table, indluding Kosovo.

South Ossetia is directly linked to the Kosovo precedent, that is beyond doubt and was widely discussed at the time of the IUDI. I expect this to be just the beginning and others will begin to pop up as time goes on.

ZK UK in Budapest - one stop away from Belgrade.

z, welcome :)
drive safe

smile, s :)

I agree that Kosovo and Georgia situations cannot be compared.
It was the Serbs from Kosovo who were ethnically cleansed and not the other way around.
Georgians tried to expel the Russians and not the other way around.

Have a look at this article and you will see who did the cleansing. Enough of this American propaganda.

www.newstatesman.com/europe/2008/08/pilger-kosovo-war-nato-serbs

In Kosovo case it was the separatists Albanians who were the aggressors and in the case of Georgia it is the Georgians who are the aggressors.

The US Atlantic Council’s Program Director for International Security has about as much credibility on this issue as his masters in Washington.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Tim-Marshall-Russia-Eats-The-Kosovo-Cake/Article/200808215076194?lpos=World%2BNews_0&lid=ARTICLE_15076194_Tim%2BMarshall%253A%2BRussia%2BEats%2BThe%2BKosovo%2BCake

"He said that Russia’s reaction had harked back to Soviet times and tactics, which included the use of unrealistic and excessive accusations and military means in order to achieve political goals." - Descriptions of US actions in Iraq and Serbia.

"Townsend said that the Russian operation had destabilized the Caucasus region" - US destabilization of the middle east and the Balkans

"Townsend added that there would be “major repercussions” for Russia, and that “this is not an action that Russia can be proud of,” since its reputation had been tarnished in the West and in the U.S." hehehe, I'm sure Russia is really disgruntled that the West aren't happy. the WORLD wasn't happy about the invasion of Iraq or Serbia. It's a very narrow minded view and describes the US and it's current policy perfectly - it doesn't give a damn about global relations, just global hegemony. If the US were so judicial why didn't the world see it that way when they invaded Iraq. Judging by the way most of the Arab world danced around when the twin towers were blown up, I'd say that most people in the world don't agree with the current US policy of energy security at any cost.

""We need Russian help in Iran, but Russia needs our help to solve crises all around the world, especially the Middle East, a region that might become a problem for Russia,” Townsend pointed out" - It'll only become a problem for Russia if the US decides to bomb Tehran. Then it'll be a problem for ALL of us.

The fact of the matter is that Russia is in fact a superpower that can't be controlled by the West like small countries of the former Yugoslavia or weak powers like Iraq or Afghanistan. The EU and US know that Western Europe gets half of its oil supply from Russia. For this very reason, they are completely incapacitated in providing any pressure on Russia. The events following the attack by Georgia and the response by Russia provide enough evidence for this. You will never see a peacekeeping force in this region because Russia will not allow it. For those of you who thought that Russia had no influence on the Kosovo issue, let these events over the past few days serve as a lesson of things to come. No EU country, or the US for that matter, will risk war with Russia over small countries like Georgia or Kosovo. All you will see and hear is dissaproval, which will come in one ear and go out the other.

It will cost a lot of work to prove that Milosevic was involved in etnic cleansing or that he killed more people in Kosovo than Sjaakaasvili killed in the last 6 days in Ossetia. The Yougoslav tribunal didnt succeed in 6 years. We are forced to stop measuring with two different tools. Lets thank Putin for not bombing Tiblisi with nuclear warheads like we did to Belgrade. They could have according to the law of the strongest!

"No EU country, or the US for that matter, will risk war with Russia over small countries like Georgia or Kosovo. All you will see and hear is dissaproval, which will come in one ear and go out the other."

Then how come Russians or Serbs aren't starting another war over Kosova? Because they know what you posted is wrong.

Today USA is sending "aid" with the US military, right at Russia's borders. Let Pootie touch them.

“Kosovo, South Ossetia can’t be compared"
oh, yes it can, its the same NATO strategy to support one side, train them, arm them against the other side under the veil of secrecy and mask of democracy.
Georgia with the help of USA/NATO were trying to get rid of (ethnically clean) Russian population in those 2 provinces, just like K'Albanian separatists were trained, armed and secretly suported by them to
fight the Serbs in Kosovo.
So the only difference would be
1) we've learned how it works by now tought by the lesson of Kosovo
2) Russia is back as a powerplayer

NATO/US dirty games were unmasked this time succesfully.

The only thing that Kosovo can be compared to is... Georgia itself.

Like Georgia, Kosovo has an angry neighbour to the north with territorial ambitions over its territory. It does so by claiming that their main concern is the well being of their citizens in these regions. For Kosovo, North Mitrovica. For Georgia, South Osetia and abkhazia. Like Georgia, Kosovo has shown good will to give the serb minority widest autonomy that any minority in the world could ever dream of. But since the well being of the "serb citizens" and "russian citizens" is not the real reason behind Serbias and Russias actions, of course these offers are rejected. The resemblances between georgia and Kosovo go on and on. Like the ethnic cleansing of the native people of both Kosovo and georgia, and the implantation of the Serbs in Kosovo and Russians in S. Osettia, to give Russians and Serbs reasons to claim these territories.


Now here are a few reasons why S. Osettia is in no way comperable to Kosovo.

Legal-Kosovo was a constituent of Former Yugoslavia with veto power. A country that disintegrated in the 90's.
S.Osettia, not only was it never a consituent part of USSR, but it wasnt even an autonomous province.

Historical: Kosovo has been a part of many different Countrys, empires, formations, throughout time that it is ilogical for any of these imperialsit powers to claim it, just because they have once ruled it. If that is the Case, then Kosovo belongs to non other than to the Turks. They have ruled it for 500 years, far more than the 100 years of Serbian rule.

Precednt: We do not set precendents. Independences are a common way of one territory seceding from another country. If anything S'Ossetia has set a precendent to Kosovo, by declaing independence in the 90's. ALl these territories that Russia is "worried" about have already declared independences. It isnt our fault that their claims for independence are so weak that they cant gather enough suppport from the west to recognize them.

South Osetia can be compared ONLY to North Mitrovica.

Rest assured that Kosovo and Georgian intergrity will be intact.

"South Osetia can be compared ONLY to North Mitrovica.

Rest assured that Kosovo and Georgian intergrity will be intact.
(PRN, 14 August 2008 11:22)"

it looks like some writers here seem to forget that UNSC 1244 keeps Kosovo intact.

so, there is no northern Mitrovica alone... it´s all serbian territory, and you will learn that, I have no doubts in that.

only a question of time.

and we have time. since the law and moral are on Serbia´s side! ;)

No EU country, or the US for that matter, will risk war with Russia over small countries like Georgia or Kosovo. All you will see and hear is dissaproval, which will come in one ear and go out the other.
(USA, 13 August 2008 19:05)

Sure! according to pundits like pur USA (are you talking form teh white house??) teh next small country will be Slovakia, than Czech R., Hungary, than Letonia, Estonia, finland, Sweden, Norway. all blody small to fight for and here we got Russians in Berlin again.

What naivety and hypocrisy.

What's the message here dear USA- small countries shoudl vanish???

Kosovo and S. Osettia can not be compared. God hepl people of Georgia. My heart goes to Georgian people. Russia must back off. Let people of Georgia live in democracy. President Sakaasvili is one of the best president in entire word.

"If the court rules against you are you going to turn to violence to establish a country called Kosova? "

peggy,
what the court says is irrelevant. They cannot enforce it as the most powerful nations have said yes. But no court will force Albanians to go again under Serbian rule. 3-5% of the population will not treat 95% Albanian as a second class citizens.

Looking at the situation now, everything is going to go back to the negotiating table, indluding Kosovo.
(Peggy, 14 August 2008 01:18)

Peggy, it has already been negotiated time ago, Kosovo's Indipendence and South Ossetia are just the visible results of the negotiations between them (US and Russia). They have been playing a chess game for power for a long time now and we (Kosovo Serbia South Ossetia Georgia) aren't even the most important pieces. That is what Russia wanted to say when they mentioned "precedents". They were saying they would have made a "precedent" out of Kosovo.
The headline of the article is: “Kosovo, South Ossetia can’t be compared”, but Russia says: "I want to compare them, who are you to tell me not to".
Good luck Baltic countries, Ukraine, and Poland.

The only consistent thing in all that story is the Serbian, Albanian, Georgian, Ossetian, North American, Russian and European hypocrisy.

But at least the last ones are getting something in that story, while the other ones are just losing.

He added that the Russian action therefore presented a challenge for the U.S., NATO and the entire Western world.

...a challenge or a balance of power, that is the question...


Townsend added that there would be “major repercussions” for Russia, and that “this is not an action that Russia can be proud of,” since its reputation had been tarnished in the West and in the U.S.

...well the US administration has been tarnishing themselves for 8 years with lies and blackmail, so why should Russian care about their imagine now that they have the energy weapon in hand, they just need to turn the wheel a bit to the right and some will start getting very cold during this winter!
By the way woundering why Germany,Italy and most of the major european countries had been rather quiet, even Sarkozy showed some understanding of the Russian actions, that says all....

Now whether Kosovo and South Ossetia can be compared... very much depens on which side of the law you want to be, which "standards" are applied, etc etc etc, the never ending story..

Adrian Gashi - The same can be said about the US. Why recognise Kosovo and not South Ossetia? Energy security in both cases. So Kosovo and S.O are much more closely connected than the Albo's and the US like to admit.

The big powers will chop up countries as they see fit, so Georgia, S.O, Serbia and Kosovo are in the hands of the powers that be, whether anyone likes it or not.

Before we the readers form any opinions based on media reporting, we shall know that so called Main Stream Media is the part of the New World Order and the motto of the NOW is: “Perpetual Commerce trough Perpetual War”.
So called “New Democracy” of Georgia decided to attach Russian ethnic group which is occupying prime seashore property. But, we shall now that ethnic Russians were there during Soviet Union era, stayed in Georgia and accepted Georgian citizenship. It is obvious that Georgian governments is keen of confiscating that property and expel Russians. Time chosen is the Eve of the Olympic Games.
The other and most important issue for the Georgian government and western oil companies is the free oil flow to the sea port. No one wants any possible indurations especially if pipeline passes trough disputed area.
Oil companies are poring millions of dollars to sway the public opinion from the real issue. One of the effective methods is very carefully created phrases as: Russia the Aggressor, Oil prices will raise again if oil and gas flow is interrupted etc.
But, no one explains real reason for high gas prices. Example: Iraqi government as budget surplus while western world is ripped off paying for Iraqi war. Iraqi oil still flows freely, who rips off profits of that oil?

Ben,

The point is that you're either with the USA and some Western countries, or you're not. If you are, you will abide by all US and Western EU demands, thus you've been in many ways taken over. It all starts with military bases and a physical presence that never goes away, and ends in economic and cultural influence as well. In Serbia's case, she is too small to move forward on her own merry road and ignore the wishes of the EU and the US. Other means then must be implemented such as continued diplomacy all over the world, etc. My point was, that in the case of Russia, they do not have to abide by the wishes of the US and EU like Serbia, Kosovo, and all of those other countries you have listed. Too many countries in Europe now depend on Russia and the Russians know it. They will continue to do as they please and the only way to even attempt to stop them is by military means, which of course, know one is willing to do due to nuclear implications. The Russians aren't stupid either though. Although they support Serbia, they will not commit militarily either because the threat of a growing US presence is not immediate as it is in a country like Georgia, which is right in Russia's back yard. Russia will continue to flex its military muscle on ocassion just to remind the US and the west that the Russians have grown to be independent and have once again reached superpower status.

"Kosovo saw ethnic cleansing and was the victim of the former nationalist regime of Slobodan Milošević"

He forgot to mention that it was also the most incompetent ethnic cleansing program in the history of ethnic cleansing given that over 90% of the population that remained are the ones that were ethnically cleansed!!