The 2008 South Ossetia War
Russians in South Ossetia
Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia has been forced to deal with internal strife. Since the fall of communism, two regions in Georgia have declared independence. If you look at the map at the top of this page, you will see the two separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Georgia refused to recognize the independence of these two regions that were part of its realm since ancient times. Tensions finally came to a head in mid-2008, when the Georgian army marched into South Ossetia in an effort to reclaim its lost territory. When Georgia moved in military force, the Russian government decided to send 1,000 peace-keeping, non-combatant troops into South Ossetia. The Georgians thought that their homeland was being invaded, so they opened fire and killed Russian peacekeeping personnel. Russian retaliated with a true military force, the entire Russian 58th Army and part of the 135th Motorized Rifle Regiment moved into South Ossetia and occupied the territory. Most of the wars carnage and fighting took place in the city of Tskhinvali, the so called "capital" of South Ossetia. The Battle of Tskhinvali took place from August 8th to August 11th. This battle was the highpoint of the war. The result of this battle was a strategic Russian victory and a Georgian withdrawal due to the Russians overwhelming military numbers. Later, the Russians blockaded the Black Sea coast, near Abkhazia (look at the map on the top of this page) the Georgians tried to fight them off, only to be defeated in a naval battle. On August 15th, the Russian Federation and Georgia signed a ceasefire, which stated that Russian forces were to leave all posts in Georgia proper (parts not including South Ossetia and Abkhazia). Russia stated that she would keep 7,600 soldiers in South Ossetia and Abkhazia for "the foreseeable future". Also, Russia officially recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as full independent countries. Russia's invasion of Georgia, which came after a long period of tension between the two countries, can be seen as yet another example of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's want for Russian power in non- Russian lands, and his want to rid American influence in the region. The war changed Georgia forever because they realized they were not invincible despite having American support. We may be a great nation, maybe the best, but we are not invincible. Russia too, is strong.
How did this war affect the United States?
The United States may not have sent troops to fight in South Ossetia, but we were affected. Russia is a key economic partner of the United States. Russia was condemned by the international community for its role in the war. due to this, businesses and investors around the world stopped trading, selling and buying in Russia. Because Russia and the US are economic partners, the United States economy suffered to. Also, the Russians produce more oil than Saudi Arabia, 12% of the worlds supply of oil comes from Russia. During the war, there was more demand for Russian oil so that the military could sustain the war against Georgia. This brought up gas prices in the United States. As well as economic effects in the US, there were other effects, as the premier superpower of the world, America is expected to help weaker nations in need. All the US did is release a statement condemning Russia. Some took this as a sign of American weakness. It lowered some peoples opinion of our great nation.
My Personal Opinion
I personally think that the war in Georgia was a valiant stand. The Georgians wanted their land back under Georgian control. But those separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia took about 20% of all Georgian land, taking many resources and opportunities from Georgia. Yes, Georgia started the war by shelling South Ossetian targets but in good cause, for the cause of their country, their sovereignty. They had every right to reclaim their lost land, even if it meant fighting a world superpower. People will fight for many things, revenge, madness, honor and freedom, but most of all, country.