Understanding the Conflict between Georgia and Russia

We all know that Russia has attacked Georgia viciously and without provocation, right? We know that it has something to do with the Caucasus region, right? And we know where the Caucasus region is, right?

Our own motives in Iraq notwithstanding, why would any country unilaterally and without provocation attack another? War and politics are rarely as black and white as the movies where the evil attacks without cause and the innocent is vindicated in the end. War and politics are by nature grey areas. In this case there is a long history of ethnic disputes.

An excellent editorial in the NYT is a must read for a basic, but solid understanding of the conflict.

John McCain has spoken out sharply against Russia's recent actions. His understanding of the conflict, has no doubt come directly from his Foreign Policy Advisor, Randy Scheunemann who has lobbied for and whose firm still lobbies in Washington for Georgia and whose questionable tactics trace directly to Jack Abramoff.

John McCain's hasty and over the top condemnation of Russia and his statement that "today we are all Georgians" shows a clear misunderstanding of the ethnic issues and the need for diplomacy as even our current clueless absolutist administration has showed some restraint by condemning Russia's actions, yet calling for calm in the region.

If John McCain's choice of advisors and full reliance on them is any indication as to how he will staff his cabinet and direct his foreign relations policies we should be afraid, very afraid.

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