Just when world leaders where attending grand opening of Olympic games in Beijing, Russian tanks moved into South Ossetia to counter Georgia’s surprise attack on the region. Russia has sent tanks, troops and warplanes in to the region. In the battle that is raging in large parts of Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, more than thousand civilians are reported to have been killed and the numbers are increasing. According to BBC report, Georgia has declared state of war for 15 days.
South Ossetia has been bone of contention ever since USSR fragmented into smaller countries. South Ossetia never really wanted to be part of Georgia. In 1991-92 it even fought a war for its independence from Georgia. But official sovereign recognition never came. Russia played role of mediator between the two and worked out a truce.
In 2006, South Ossetians did hold an unofficial referendum but legally it is still a part of Georgia while it enjoys Russian patronage. The militant separatists have constantly engaged with Georgia to breakaway from it and tension has continued. Couple of days ago, when the conflicts with separatist groups escalated, Georgia moved in army. Russia feels this is an attempt to regain authority on the region. Russia has responded by moving in troops and warplanes and air attacks.
This territorial war will have a global impact. Georgia is an ally of US in its ‘war on terror’. Bush will definitely support Georgia for its strategic importance. The western world obviously blames Russia for excesses, while Russia is blaming Tblisi government’s armed attempt to regain control over South Ossetia. EU, NATO and US all have urged to stop this territorial fight.
Meanwhile as diplomatic initiatives and UN’s interventions are failing to broker peace and ceasefire, the conflict has escalated with Russian jets attacking the town and Georgia calling back its troops from Iraq.
History shows territorial wars never bring long lasting peace. Inspite of ceasefire and peace negotiations we are seeing many such conflicts gaining a lifeline of their own in many parts of the world. It’ll be unfortunate if this becomes a constantly evolving war and show of might by both sides.This will only increase civilian deaths and constant fear of attack will stalk people in the region. Peace will be all the more elusive.
Source: TimesOnline
