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United States Involvement in Georgia ConflictThe U.S Government had Heavy Impact on the Recent Georgia War
As hostilities between Russia and Georgia escalated, the American military backed the Georgian troops they had been equipping and training for years, but for what reason?
Conspiracy theorists will undoubtedly soon be labelling the latest Russian incursion into South Ossetia, Georgia as a new Republican scheme to boost support for Senator John McCain in the U.S. General Election. As wild as some of these may be the involvement of the U.S. in the conflict is decidedly suspicious. Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, publicly condemned the actions of Russia in a response to criticisms that American Foreign Policy had failed to recognize the threat of hostilities in the area of South Ossetia. “Russia's reputation as a potential partner in international institutions, diplomatic, political, security, economic, is frankly, in tatters.” She went on to say “Russia will pay a price. We will look seriously with our allies and bilaterally at the consequences of this Russian action” It seems from these comments that the United States will now attempt to take a harsher line towards diplomacy with Russia. Once again, war threatens and this time from one of USA’s oldest foes, and of course in times such as those what is needed is someone with experience. Someone who has dealt with war personally. Someone, like Senator John McCain. The rising hostility with Russia will bring about the return of US Government’s best friend, fear. A nation in fear opts for the safest option and at this point it seems a Vietnam War veteran lies more favorably in the eyes of the voters then an inexperienced black man who spent his childhood in Indonesia and Hawaii. However, let us critically examine the recent conflicts in South Ossetia. Many have forgotten quickly that the region is primarily Russian-backed with approximately 29% (1989 Census) supporting Georgia. In fact, the conflict over this land has been ongoing for the past 16 years, and late on August 7th 2008 Georgia invaded South Ossetia attempting to reclaim the area from separatists, killing and wounding many civilians. It is the military reaction this provoked of Russia, however, which the media has labeled as dangerous. We must also consider the socioeconomic implications of another Cold War on both Russia and the US. Russia has overcome the financial crisis of 1998 registering a GDP growth of 8.1% in 2007. The US economy however is currently in its first recession in 6 years, registering GDP growth of just 2.4%, down from 3.2% in 2006. War is expensive, very expensive and the US Government can simply not afford another after Afghanistan and Iraq, especially when the economy of your enemy is stronger then yours. So, if we have an area of Georgia which is predominantly Russian-backed and wants independence (99% of South Ossetia voted for independence according to the November 2006 referendum), and a US economy that cannot afford a war; what is the US doing? Could it be that in fact we are seeing an under-the-table bid for the election by the Republican Party? Whatever the case, the impact this will have on the US general election cannot be underestimated.
The copyright of the article United States Involvement in Georgia Conflict in International Politics is owned by Liam Taylor. Permission to republish United States Involvement in Georgia Conflict in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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