The dramatic sequence of events in the Caucasus and the significant role of Russia [Archives:2008/1186/Opinion]
AbdulQdos AlKhasheb
From the very beginning of the conflict – caused by Georgia – in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia pursued a wise and tactful policy toward such conflict by contributing peace settlement in the region and by showing restraint and patience, despite provocation by the Georgians.
After Georgia announced its independence, it became a major obstacle to Abkhazia and South Ossetia in obtaining their rights to self-determination. It has opposed them and used all of its military force to subjugate them under its rule by killing, destroying and burning to ashes all of the villages and their peoples that it comes across, thereby committing appalling genocide.
However, to the surprise of the Georgian military, the peoples of these newborn states stood harshly against this aggressor's troops, fighting them with great sacrifice and unflinching will and determination, thereby causing the Georgians to fail in their ambitions.
In good faith, Russia followed its normal policy of peacekeeping and mediation, always striving for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and never attempting to escalate the crisis, although it was Russia's responsibility to prevent the aggressor Georgia from attacking these newborn states, but it adhered to its unbiased policy in an effort to alleviate the crisis.
Nevertheless, the unceasing aggression and killings the Georgians exercised – even bluntly attacking peacekeeping troops and killing many of them in the recent large-scale invasion of South Ossetia, thereby causing unparalleled destruction and horrible massacre of civilians – compelled Russia to send its troops to force the Georgians into a cease-fire and to withdraw its troops from its territory, thereby stopping further bloodshed and destruction.
Immediately thereafter, Russia provided all emergency provisions required by the reckless refugees and the devastated region. It also generously took on the burden of providing aid and assistance to the South Ossetia government for rehabilitation and reconstructing the devastated villages.
Russia's role also extended to besieging Georgian military forces, keeping them confined in their own territory and preventing them from launching any further aggression against either South Ossetia or Abkhazia.
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