The West media bias is shocking. I had to read many different papers in different languages to find out that in actual fact the GEORGIAN’s attacked FIRST! The president in Georgia is pro western powers & hungry for power.
The media coverage is one sided, just like with Iraq..

Smith, London, UK

Stalin was Georgian! So there you go...

Joris, Woerden, Holland

Russia bombing the Georgia? Our people are very afraid that the other countries are thinking that Russia is a killer... No. We help Ossetia all time! The Georgia army killed 400000 people! Russian army killed no one in Georgia!... Now we help Ossetian people... But the world news doesn't show that.

Sasha, Moscow, Russia

So much for Nuclear Non-proliferation... there's a lesson here for Japan... if the Chinese attack, the US will only send "humanitarian" aid and provide lip service. Well done India and Pakistan.

Craig, London, London

I believe that our media doesn't tell us everything. BUT I watch BBC and read The Times - a lot of information is missing for Western people as well. Like, no word is ever said on Tskhinvali or Georgians denying their own earlier statements. No media is independent anywhere - Russia, UK, US, EU...

Elena, Moscow, Russia

Bill in Orlando, you are absolutely right. Particularly, as long as we are dependent on Russian (& other dubious) sources of oil, all the posturing in the world will not make Russia feel under any threat from potential sanctions etc.

Margaret, Ely, England

Get rid of the Diplomats. Let sense prevail & recognise that Georgia & Ukraine should commence membership discussions immediately.

The Russian bear must be stopped NOW wthout prevarication.

Appeasement is more threatening than confrontation.

Read - "Munich Agreement" in Wikipedia...

Richard, Bucharest,

To Richard of St. Albans. Where do you get your info????

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

Has a single Russian thought why so many nations prefer the EU and USA alliances instead of having anything in common with Russia? Is that so because Russian is so civilized country which attracts others?

Bear, Dublin, Ireland

reading the vast majority of russian comments have been absolutely hillarious. they are telling us that our politicians are corrupt and brainwashing us through the media? how many tv stations in russia stay open after critising putin?

western people believing russia progaganda is just sad.

will, grimsby, uk

Trouble with recent events in Georgia is that after the cold war, the world has become British-American playground. Russia destroyed that monopoly, that's why western politicians and media now sound like spoiled wraths: finally someone took away their precious toy.

miconi, Belgrade , Serbia

Our country didn't start any single conflict within the last 20 years. But what about US? Yougoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq,
maybe even Iran in the future. Russia didn't start the conflict in South Ossetia. Georgian artillery killed 2,000 civillians and 18 Russian peacekeepers. We had to reply.

Vafin Emil, Kazan, Russia

Yes Rich from St Albians Russia is "better at fighting wars than the US" because they did such a bang up job in Afghanistan from 79-89. Never mind the comparisons of Russian involvement in Afghanistan to US involvement in Vietnam.Yeah you have a good grip on reality there pal!

Glenn, Brooklyn , US

People in Europe and here in the U.S. should speak with their pocket books. Young people should quite downloading music from russian music sites and drinking russian vodka. The big one is that our government needs to focus on alternative energy so that we are not slaves to russian oil.

Bill Vickers, Orlando, FL, USA

stop genocide io Osetia

maksymov, Kiev, Ukraine

Although I find many comments that I have read here "extreme", it is nice to see that multiple countries are interacting and having "discussion" (I use that term loosely). It is interesting how differently people see these events and the past.

Michael, Dallas, USA

Russia bombing the Georgia? Our people are very afraid that the other countries are thinking that Russia is a killer... No. We help Ossetia all time! The Georgia army killed 3000 people! Russian army killed no one in Georgia!... Now we help Ossetian people... But the world news doesn't show that...

Sasha, Moscow, Russia

Well, all what Saakashvilli doing from the moment then Russian peacekeepers was entered in South Osetia is to convince Georgians of the advance of Rus army to Tbilisi. This is the BIG show, becouse it's necessary to hold on his power. This is only one way for him. Therefore he blocked .ru and rus.TV

Sergei, Moscow, Russia

Ok the US is going to send in military planes and ships with "aid' for Georgia and has warned Russia not to interfere. This is ridiculous and it makes me wonder how many out there are prepared for military confrontation with Russia. The West can;t cope with Iraq and Afghanistan. A dangerous game

DCH, Nottingham , UK

It is quiet obvious Georgia provoked this retaliation, and to say that the force used by Russia was to much? Why drag out a conflict for weeks when you can end it swiftly there is less casualties then there could have been. Russia was simply in the right and Georgia should give up the regions

Robert, Coquitlam, Canada

We're still seeing the Georgian president on TV. He should be given less coverage as he committed war crimes before there even was a war. If there is any credibility in the war-crimes-tribunal at the Hague, he has to stand trial. If he has his way we'll all be conspirators in 'ethnic cleansing'.

Greg, London, United Kingdom

Thanks for all people who supported us! We hope that this war will not continue! I hope that our government will be not mistaken! We want to live in peace with all planet! Thank you friends!

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Georgian opened this war. It's a pity that world mass media using not confirmed data in their revues. Most of all you read is a pear data from Belgium pear agency. Just count, now more than 1500 dead. What will be happened if Russia don't stop Georgian? They will be all dead!!! This is genocide.....

Pavel, Odessa, Ukraine

Eugene, Moscow, i hope you know as well as I do that it would be a terrible mistake for Europe and Russia to go to war against each other. You may think that Russia is all-powerfrul, but the truth is, both sides would be shattered unrecognisably. You'd regret it. Never underestimate us Europeans.

Marco, Krakow, Poland

Russian and georgian people are friends. They were friends for very long time, they participatred in WW2 alongside. There souldn't be way for sick politics to brake this friendship.
I'm glad, that russians stopped genocide of ossetians

Denis, Kishinev, Moldova

Saakashvili may of overplayed his hand and made the mistaken assumption thet he would have NATO and US support but it does'nt give russia any right to interveen in a obvious land grab while making an example of georgia. Russia is in the wrong and has lost much international respect

Fraser, Christchurch, NewZealand

Isn't this a UK newspaper talking about Russian occupation of Northern Georgia?

Why then does America this America that always get flung into everything?

Speaking from the Midwest I can say most Americans do not even know this is happening nor do they care much.

Sweetcorn Harvest is here!!!

Chris, Lerna IL, USA

wow this is ridiculous America is about to become a nazi state if this media censorship does not stop. I find it funny that the Olympics are being held at the same time as this and America just sits idly by and worries more about the olympics than this.

Sloane , Jackson, United States

I am beginning to think that the average American is getting rather envious of Russian power. Lets face it, they are considerably better at winning wars than the U.S., who deployed 50000 troops just to take on the tiny island of Grenada - and nearly lost! Lets not mention Vietnam or Iraq...

Richard, St Albans, England

To chris, Phoenix, USA
Also, if the US were going to fight in Europe why did they built their main military base in Perl Harbour? Too far from Europe. But close to Japan. The US were going to fight with Japan. And they did. European war for the US was just about money. And the same is now.

Jurate, Riga,

From the previous comments I've clearly noticed that all of the pro-Georgia supporters had no knowledge of the pre-history of this conflict. The truth is that this is the third genocide of south ossetians by georgians in the last 90 years killing in total almost 50% of south ossetian population.

John, Dublin,

To Drew from NYS. Maybe it is surprise to you but Georgia started bombardment of Tchinvali by heavy artillery on the night from Thursday to Friday. But only Russians TV channels showed this. Plus French news channel mentioned. It was a silence on CNN & BBC. Unbelievable !

Oleg, London,

On the 08/08/08 withoud any reason georgian army shelled Thinvali and neighbouring villiages with rockets and flattened with tanks, killing more than 2000 south ossetian civilians, mainly pensioners and children. In 2 small villiages georgians killed all population and destroyed all houses.

John, Dublin,

To all you Czecks, Poles, Latvians and others, you can't compare the USSR and Russia when making your statements. Those are different countries governed by different ideology and having different goals. The USSR was a communist state, modern Russia is not. It's like comparing Nazi and modern Germany

Max, London, UK

Anybody but politicians from the US, UK and other member of NATO can criticise Russian's invading Georgia. A foul precedence has been set when NATO invaded or militarily intervened "small" " Independent" "sovereignty" countries like Serbia, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, and changed regimes there.

Xun, Texas,

The Western media is only starting to report objectively on this war. Georgia began this war by attacking Russian troops in Ossetia. Georgia bombed civilian areas of Ossetia, killing thousands. Who convinced the Georgian president to rouse the the Russian bear? And to what end?

Angela, Toronto, Canada

Alex from Moscow says "Georgians were bombing their own city, killing their own citizens just to make their own country united together."

When you talk nonsense like this, we can all tell that you are swallowing absurd government propaganda.

Drew, NYC, NY

Georgian president Saakashvilli launched a war ... He killed 2000 innocent Ossetian civilians ... Russia had to stop him and his criminal army

Petr, Kazan, Russia

People, how can they soberly to estimate a situation Ossetia if all of them are afraid of USA!

Marina, Moscow, Russian Federation

***Herr Stalin, forcibly absorbed Georgia into the Soviet Union***
Frank, Lynnwood, US
lol.. Georgia voluntarily asked Russia to protect them from the enemies befor Stalin became sovereign.. and actually he was a geogian (Djugashvilly) "Stalin" is only a pseudonim..

Aleksey, Moscow,

People who say "Russia attacked Estonia, Hungary, Finland, Czech" probably have hay insted of brains. USSR does not already exist for more then 17 years! Russia and USSR are differnt countries. Please learn the history before showing your ignorance.

Sergey, St. Petersburg, Russia

marvellous comments from poland and ukrain &estonia...still having complexes? Russia doesn't want Georgia, your countries neither. Don't be SO afraid of us! Just think of kids, who've seen deaths of their relatives, pregnant women being smashed by georgian tanks. "Democracy" isn't worth it

Olga, St. Petersburg, Russia

Saakashvilli kill 1500 human in Tshinvali 08/08/2008
Russian aggressors?!!!

Ya, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Poor poor Georgia!
So democratic and progressive.
Do you know that their military budget increased 30 times (!!!!) since 2004. Just check it out, for what it was done. Now we see.

Olgert, Moscow, Russia

it is all right for Israel with a little bit of American help to go about bombing other countries and it is not right for Russians to do the same when they are actually attacked by a madman who is also a lawyer. I do not trust lawyers.

Please, we can do without these two different sets of values

Asad, Kolkata, India

Wise old georgian lady says: "“We have lived with the Russians for 100 years so why do we need this war now? I don’t want to be with America; I think we should live peacefully with the Russians.”
May be we should all listen to her? With our total ignorance of Caucasus people's history&relations?

Greg, Miami, USA

I don't like "Putin's style" too but "Bush's style" is more danger! We don"t want another territories! We so big that we have a lot of problems by our territory! We have a lot of resources and territories! we have a lot of job! and we haven't any
ideology! unfortunately!
we just want to live!

Maria, Kazan, russian Federation

The bias in most Western media is astounding to me. You will not hear a single word about the mass murders of Ossetians by the German military. Not a single word about the fact that Georgia started the whole thing. Not a single word confronting Georgian officials about their blatant lies. Pathetic.

Konstantin, Waco, USA

People all over the world! I am talking to you.
Please don`t listen to western politicians and TV. They don`t want to change their mind. They still live within the categories of "cold war". They are flushing your brains in order to keep their power and money.
The money should not rule the world.

Alexey, St.-Petersburg, Russia

Sofia, Canada

You do realize that bombing Japan was done to end the war, right? Japan attacked the US. Why should US have to invade and lose 100K americans if we had means to stop the war that we did? Nice revisionist historian u are. Blame the US for even that. It was a war-we ended it.

chris, Phoenix, USA

perhaps those in the US should not be so quick to judge Russia for it's military incursion as I seem to recall the UN condemning the US invasion of Iraq when that all started. when Iraqi cities were being bombed during "The shock and Awe" I'm sure many civilians died there also.

Cory, Thunder Bay, Canada

Obviously, Saakashvili made a big mistake: Russians prepared a trap for him and he gladly fell into it. Now I guess he entirely trapped within. Hope our government knows what to do as a next move - I'm not really sure that they have clear understanding what should be done tommorow...

Ormur, Moscow, RF

Russia had "a democratic option" - to act "by the book" i.e. informing UN, telling "please stop fire", sending observers...these things work. In theory.

In practice, several days are enough to annihilate a small nationality. Sorry, no time for this - time only to act and save lifes! Got it???

Dmitry, St. Petersburg, Russia

I have some friends around Georgia and some buddies within Russia's military, and looks like western media is not entirely right in depicting current events in Ossetia and Georgia. Whereas Russian media is obviously way ahead of its western rivals, in terms of info and people on the ground.

Shawn, Moscow, Russia

Natia, Georgian troops fired the first shots, bombarded a city and then tried to subjucate the resident civillians. The fact that the Russians predictated this foolhardy move by Saakashvili is no defense. He's simply reckless and has endagered his own people with his posturing and now, crawling.

Neil, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Back to the Cold War with Russia. They have finally shown their true colors as this was an act instigated by Putin to have a showdown with the EU, NATO and the US. What other country would immediately give citizenship to people who live in another country and then send in Peace Keepers.

Gene, Gebüg, Germany

saakashvili is lucky the current occupant of the Kremlin is called Medvedev and not Stalin, as uncle joe would not have been as mericful and cautious like medvedev.

priyesh, durban, south africa

Natia,Kosovo and Metohija are serbian territory and NATO has no right to interfere.Oh,NATO did interfere...

Berkut, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia

No country is without fault, except Australia.

len scapp, oxford,

What do our Prime Minister and Foreign secretary have to say about it? Are they still on holiday?

N Reed, Truro, UK

Georgia is seeking our help and we stand back idly and watch the invasion of a sovereign state by another. It's true that the US probably shouldn't have invaded Afghanistan or Irak (to name but a few) but it doesn't mean its ok for others to repeat these misteakes; it doesn't make it anyless right

CDH, Oxford, UK

I am surprised. Russia has sunk two fighting ships of Georgia, and " The Times " about it is silent.
But nobody is measured to win Georgia. What for Russia the Northern Ireland?

Alek., Saratov, Russia

It looks like no one won't stop russia in their bloody march . un,nato ,usa, eu now stuck in empty talks with russians. Russians always had excuse nd own true story . Basically they are bloody nation and have blood of many nations on their hand looking back at their history.

gennadiy rudoy, vinnica, Ukraine

I for one am not at all surprised all the ignorant nationalistic comments from the Russians below... after all this is a people who consider Stalin to be their greatest leader.

Sam, Tonbridge, Kent

Come on! Russia and the US are doing exactly the same things. Only differently. They are just as evil as the other. To be honest I don't think anything good is going to come out of this. The Cold War never dies.... Only now we got Terrorism now also (even that is a word without meaning).

Will, Madrid, Spain

to DS, from Palo Alto, USA:
It's very easy. Saakashvili desired to pick up georgian flag in ruined Tskhinvai after the blietzkrieg just before the moment the Olympics started.

Artem, Khabarovsk, Russia

Dear Philip from Oxford, what do you want to say by this phrase: NEEDS to be punished? how old are you? and who are you to say that? You live in a rich country and you never knew what does it mean "hunger". And you are lucky! Please think about your thinks! Russia had a lot of disasters in past!

Maria, Kazan, russian Federation

For those, who compare Putin & Stalin: real name of Stalin is Dzhugashvlilli, he was Georgian. Saakashvilli artliiery 8th august 2008 killed over 2000 civilians, many of them was citizen of Russia. Putin answered hard, ok, but you really think he's anwser is wrong?

Sergey, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Hello Russians.
Are there anyone with independent and different opinion from official mass media propaganda ? Or you have only submissive ideas given by your great preacher - teacher - leader ? Are there any free souls and minds ?

piotr, warsaw, poland

Russia is in clear breach of the UN charter and international law by invading the sovereign territory of its neighbour. Medvedev and Putin should reflect on this fact before accusing Georgia of "war crimes".

Peter, London,

Russia answers Saakashvili with adequate measures its aggression concerning Ossetia. You know, what the majority of citizens of Ossetia have the Russian citizenship? How you think, what in a similar situation - when start to kill peace inhabitants, should do the state? The answer one - to protect.

Igor, Moscow, Russia

I want to thank ppl from Europe (esp. those few from the UK coz mostly there are negative comments from there) and the US ( I was surprised to know that ppl still can see with their eyes open despite the propaganda) who post rational comments here.

Thank you. We need you support.

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

An ex-KGB thug and an oil oligarch invading a much smaller neighbour - and people wonder why we need NATO!

Peter, London,

Propagation in the West works exclusively with the purpose of disinformation. Understand three main things. 1. Saakashvili has begun operations. 2. It is destroyed about 2000 peace inhabitants of Ossetia. 3. Russia strikes back Saakashvili.

Igor, Moscow, Russia

To George in the US, Russia economy is outstripping the American one, and fast gaining. Why is America really worried about Georgia? 2 simple areas. 1. Oil, 2 Strategic Bases.
Without both the US cannot continue it onslaught in the middle east, as the Arabs want them out of thier lands.

Darren, London, UK

Philip, are you fool? 2 000 russian people died in Ossetia at one night by !!! Are you blind? 2 citizens of USA were killed and 1 peporter stay alive in a hospital. They can not leaving the city, why? because georgian solders always attaks.... shame on you

valentin, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

I can not understand why the UN community with their leaders do not do anything to stop Russian troops in Georgia.
Georgia is independent country and the Russian's intrusion is a breaking the international law.
Where are leaders the biggest countries of Europe?
Do they fear to incur Russion's anger

Andrzej, Krakow, Poland

You live now in information blockade. Hear and see that your heads wish to show to you. A shame not Russia, the shame of Georgia and the NATO from the USA which it help to destroy the people to steal up to Russia

Sergey, Russia,

Natalia,dear, we didnt even plan to go on Georgian territory. But since hey didnt cease fire now Russian troops are destroying army bases. Got any problem with that?
And yes, Andrey is right. Russia has the right to be there under the UN agreement of 1992. Not just be but ACT.

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

The Georgian President lying on the ground in terror is a lesson to all Politicians. War and the military option should not be taken lightly but with due consideration. See what he has unleashed now..the whole region is in turmoil. Maybe some of our leaders should do what he did..visit the frontline

Phil, London, UK

I am surprised. Russia has sunk two fighting ships of Georgia, and " The Times " about it is silent. But nobody is measured to win Georgia. What for Russia the Northern Ireland?Russia has a lot of ground and few people on it. What for to us to grasp still something? We have oil, gas, metals - Mendeleyev's table!

Alek., Saratov, Russia

Russian double standards in Ossetia after Chechnya? Sure, why not! Just like American double standards in Iraq, Bosnia, Serbia. End of one-sided fair-play. You wanted double standards, humialiating Russia for 17 years, you now got them. US must not be the only nation authorized to intervene at large

Sergey, Moscow, Russia

Poland 1/9/39...Seems that Russia is using tried and tested methods of invasion. Pity about the model though.

Gerhard Schmidt, Berlin, Germany

so Saakshivili's response to this is to increase bombing of South Osettia! doesn't he realise that if he doesn't leaves the people of S. Osettia in peace, the Russians won't leave him in peace? If Saakshivili stops killing, Russia will leave Georgia proper.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

Whole thing started when on Aug 8 Georgia shelled 70,000 population Osetian city with heavy artillery. Destroying 70% of buildings, killing 2000 civillians.
I find it hard to believe that this operation was not pre-approved by US government.

Andrew, Ann Arbor,

It is necessary, in difficult Cases, to have a self and very correct Opinion. To take it, please, don't have a Fear and come here, in Russia. And/or, better, directly to S.O. Being see everything by self Eyes You can solve yourself, who is Liar and Provocator and then tell it to everybody worldwide!

Alex, Moscow, Russia

I wish I could do magic.I would transform all Russians praising WAR (disregarding the reasons) on this forum into Georgians,Osethians and again Russians, but on the other site of the border.Its so easy to shout "Ura!" while sitting in a comfortable chair.Democracy-is a matter of personal experience.

Alex, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

It's ironic how Saakashvili became for Russia what Iranian president is for USA and Europe. Two crazy guys who make stupid provocative statements from time to time, both supported by other big country.Georgia is supported by the West and Iran is supported by Russia. Saakashvili plays media better

Alice, Newark, USA

Russia has a lot of ground and few people on it. What for to us to grasp still something? We have oil, gas, metals - Mendeleyev's table! You know, what such steppe? Flat plain covered by a juicy grass. And any settlement up to horizon. You know, what such a taiga? A wood for many days of a way where there live only animals.

Alek., Saratov, Russia

'The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.'

Russia has learnt its lessons well from the west.

Matt..., London,

Some one has justified democracy with the leaving office of Blair/Bush.
What i want to say is if people agree with this point,and enjoy this, then the oil tycoon from the west WILL ALWAYS happy to someone to "step down" every 8 years to show all people the "BEAUTY" of democracy from time to time.

Pokok, KL, Malaysia

In full agreement with Bill Swenson and Krishna R. Kumar...and if the US or UK were to launch a military offensive on Russia, i, though i don't like or trust the Russian government any more than i do the US or UK governments,would support Russia.and if Poland got involved,i would protest against it.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

Clash of dictators: Georgia is anything, but democracy. Saakashvili doesn't have the best record for human rights (check out his wikipedia.org profile). Also his opposition leaders have a tendency of getting arrested, or dying. Putin is a dictator. They should share a bench at Hague tribunal.

John, Boston, US

All Russians since the childhood know such expression - " Who to us with a sword will come, that from this sword and will be lost "....!!!

Igor, Moscow, Russia

Unfortunately, cold war is nothing new! as we can see now! why? it is a dirty politic games! We don't know who tell the truth! we are dolls in their hands! We ( we and you) haven't information about it! We haven't freedom! we must be good! we must be conscientious! We are brothers and sisters!

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Supporting monks in Tibet ?
Were angry with Serbia not allowing independence to Kosovo ? Kept silence when US/British bombs destroyed Belgrad ?
Agreed with US troops in Irak and now near Iran ?
you still has enough conscience to condemn Russia and refuse people of S.Ossetia in their choice ?

Almatinetz, Almaty, Kazakhstan

U.S. never learns ! USSR missiles in Cuba were a trade-off for U.S. missiles in Turkey. Placing missiles in Poland and Czechoslovakia is a step too far; with the possibility of more missiles threatening USSR from Georgia. How would US like it if USSR missiles
were along the Mexican border ?

Mike, Christchurch, U.K.

"Russia's armed forces are nothing compared with the military might of the US, UK or France" Sandeep, quite apart from the nuclear issue, if the US&UK attacked Russia they would come out with half their population dead. A war with Russia would destroy the US&UK.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

I mean, did the Georgian president really believe that NATO woud have mobilised its troops against RUSSIA, had its reckless attempt to invade Ossetia failed? I don't ike the Russians. I have never trusted them and I never wil, but I must admit that Georgia acted in a very foolish manner.

Horace, Florence, Tuscany, Italy, NATO

It's scary to see how russians brainwashed civil population in russia. UN, NATO, EU where are they? Russia has own true mission in Foreign State. what are u talking about? they don't like georgians...ukrainians. U don't know russians, please stop to defend them. Look at russian propaganda in Crimea.

gennadiy , vinnica, ukraine

A war with Russia would destroy the US&UK. Let's hope there's a limit to the stupidity of Bush and Brown. or rather let's hope at least there's at least some common sense among their advisers.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

Saakashvili is not what such a nice country as Georgia deserves. And what would I do if I were the Russian president?
On the other hand, no politician at all must be trusted.
"The great nations have always acted like gangsters, and the small nations like prostitutes." (Stanley Kubrick)
Alas!

Alexander, NN, Russia

TO philip, oxford, England UK
SHAME on UK! UK attacked Afganistan! Yours soldiers are waging war in another country! You are agressor! You attaked Serbia! You killed so many civilian people in Serbia. Have you forgotten attacks to Serbea? UK and USA are really enemy of the world!

alex, sydney, australia

This could have all been avoided had Georgia not decided to become a puppet for the U.S. This is but another covert attempt by the west using one of thier puppet break away states to cause conflict in that region. When Mr Saakashvili is told to start attacking civilians he does what he is told.

Mike, Tampa, Florida,

If only Saakashvili and other's in power in Georgia had the common sense and understanding displayed by the 70 year old lady, Eteri, that Georgians lived with Russians in peace and harmony for 100s of years and can still do so, this tragic situation would not hve developed.

Dr Alok Bhattacharyya, London, UK

For all the criticisms of the allies in the war in Iraq at least there was an effort to use the UN before the war started. In addition Saddam Hussein was a dictator who used chemical weapons against his own citizens. Georgia in contrast is a thriving democracy.

Jason, Guidlford, UK

I find it incredible that Saakashvili didn't see this coming. All of the most powerful countries now act as they please, and to bait the Russians was foolish in the extreme.

As for Brits and Americans criticising, have you already forgotten Afghanistan and Iraq?! We gave up our critical right!

Mike, Bristol, UK,

To those who says we've broken Geordian border: our peacemakers have been in S. Osetia by the mandate of UNO since the beginning of '90-th and you know osetian people are glad of it. Really, your mass-media don't show you the real situation. Geordians attacked, we protect. That's the truth..

tapok, Moscow, Russia

It seems like media war. So many false facts about that conflict in world press. It has one reason - somebody is interested in obfuscation... If you are not blind you will see - Georgia (mister Saakashvili) started that provicative act after "the blessing by their protector Amerika". It's a shame..

Eva, Moscow, Russian Federation

A lot of comparisons between Kosovo/Serbia and Georgia/SO here!
Kosovo was a case of a province denied of basic rights and abused by a system headed by a war criminal, Slobodan Milosevic. When things gor really bad Nato intervened not allow his forces to slaughter innocent people.

Adrian, Kidderminster, England

Disgraceful Georgian Army! Before they flee from the Russian onslaught, first they should help the civilians to leave the area.

Ravanan, Colombo,

Saakashvili appeared on TV making a speech and standing by the EU flag because he wants WW3. He thinks that his "democracy" country opposes Russian non-democracy. I'm from country where we have dictator and I was in Russia and what I see in Georgia... Russia has more freedom of speech than Georgia

Andrei, Brest, Belarus

Why has no one mentioned Russia's disgusting hypocrisy? ITs ok for them to suppress Chechnya, but its wrong for Georgia to stop a group breaking away when Russia supports the break away group. Russia needs to be called to account! Hypocrites!

Steven, London,

The people, who live there, don't want to go to Georgia, becouse they know one thing - Russian soldat will never shoot at the unprotected and unarmed people!!!!!

Tatyana, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

The Georgian troops breaking all international agreements started aggression against Osetian population and Russian peaceful forces

Georgia continues genocide in South Osetia

Thousands of people were killed by bombs and crushing houses.

I'd seen it. It's very, very terribly

Tigran, Zhinvali, South Osetia

chris from Phoenix,

People of Chechnya HAVE voted to be with Russia already. It was just a few years ago so I believe you'll find all the info in Google.

Mike, Portland, USA

The western media is portraying Russia as the aggressor when it is in fact Georgia (backed by US/NATO) who sneak attacked the province of South Ossetia home to to 70% Russian citizens. Why? Because of an oil deal struck between Iran and Russia. They want world war 3 to impose and world solution!

John, Leeds, England

>Boycott Russian products, let them go demonstrate their power >on another planet, let freedom ring
>david, London, UK
Oh, sure, stop heating your house and do not cook food. So you will boycott russian natural gas. It will be especially fun during the winter.

Ivan, Moscow, Russia

You can't compare this fiasco with Iraq. Blair has been removed and NuLabour will follow. When Bush is gone his Republican party will be out as well.

Who will replace the fascist Putin? Not Medvedev that's for sure.

This is the difference between democracy and totalitarianism.

Joe Steel, Balu,

TO Steve, Sarasota, USA......dont worry about Nukes so much ,mate....dont your democratic U.S.A. used them befor on innocent people???? in Japan maybe????

richard, Helsinki, finland

"Does this mean we can go ahead and invade Mexico? It would sure solve a lot of our problems."

Uh, dude, we did invade Mexico. In fact, about a fifth of US territory was stolen from Mexico, so technically we're still occupying Mexico.

imp, redmond, wa, usa

This conflict has dangerous precedents for both sides.
Manchuria and Abyssinia before WWII, Serbia and Austria-Hungary pre-WWI and, for Russia, the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 (and to a lesser degree the Russo-Japanese war of 1910).

Ben, York,

Russia DIDN'T ATTACK FIRST. Remember it please.
Russian soldiers protect its' citizen's against Georgian troops.
People, who try to protect georgia. What do you think about women and children, who died under the georgian tanks? funny, isn't it.....oh, maybe it is proRussian propahanda too????

Marina, Moscow, Russia

To Kristijonas from Lithuania:
No worries mate, we aren't intending to invade your country - we're satisfied enough with having beaten you in basketball. But Georgians are damn good in football thus cann't be foregiven

Vlad, London,

Natalia of moscow,

Maybe if Ossetia voted to be independent, maybe you let Chechnya have a vote too? Oh, it doesn't apply for Chechnya? Russian mob twist circumstances to accomplish one thing-dominion over their neighbors, as they are afraid to compete with democracies except thru force.

chris, Phoenix , USA

The eyes of the world are looking on while the USA and the West are unable or incapable to cope with the situation in Georgia, Putin and Russia has exposed George Bush and the West as weak ,rather than the strong countries that they portray themselves to be, Putin is now seen as a world leader.

billybob, Brigg, U k

>>How many of the pro-Russian postings are from real people rather than the SVR?
))
Agree.. I also think that all comments here either from CIA (Mi-x)
or from KGB.. Simple people have no rights to express their opinion..

Alex, Moscow,

I hate to say it. WITHOUT A DOUBT, ITS ALL ABOUT THE OIL!
There are no two ways about it. The difference is methodology.

If the West had gotten good relations with Georgia, life there would have went on as normal. Possibly a rise in living standards, MAYBE.

With the russians, they are

felonius, dallas, TEXAS

With the russians, they just get hammered. The net result either way is who gets the oil?

I see russia taking all land around the black sea and building a "panama canal" device to link the black sea to the rest of the ocean.

Thats what i would do anyway.

felonius, dallas, TEXAS

Dear Daniel from BOAZ,AL,US!
Think again about your question and you'll come to conclusion hat it's not smart :) Just imajine: If Alaska is independent country and in war (god bless Alaska not to do it :)) with Canada. You hae nuclear weaponry. Would you use it to defeat targets 50 miles from you?

chirkov, spb, russia

Sakashvilli can run..see the videos..he should have been participating in the olympics instead of strating wars..

Kara Swart, London, UK

Oddly enough but west world support and approve of the USA, while it dominates, interferes in other country’s affairs, unleashes war, kills innocent people…and after all RUSSIA is the most dangerous aggressor…ridiculous!

Ulyana, Moscow, Russia

They are fleeing so fast, because they are aware of the crimes they did in Ossetia against ossetinian women, childs, old men. It's Caucasus, Russians can stop advance, but Ossetins will revenge till the end to those, who destroyed their houses and murdered their childs, wives, sisters, mothers.

Nikolay Melnikov, Moscow, Russia

I disagreed with Georgia trying to solve the South Ossetia problem by force, but the reality is the Russia was for months terrorising the sovergnity of of Georgia e.g shooting down drones over Georgian airspace. Russia is wrong and has demonstrated that it is still the crux of the evil empire.

David, London, UK

Russia isn't going to conquer Georgia. That's just a punishment for stupid georgian government which started the war on the first day of the Olympic Games.

Pavel, Moscow,

This has all been a long time coming, first off we have the bombing of Serbia, to help some of those we are now fighting in Iraq, then Kosovo, then we are pushing Nato up to Russia's doorstep what do we expect it seems with friends like us Russia doesn't need any enemies

RichardK, League City, TX, USA

The war is over.
No invasion of Georgia, but reinstalling piece and snubbing the bully. I wonder if the West will now declare that it's the diplomatic pressure that made Russians stop:))))))

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

Did Georgia surrender all of their nuclear weapons when the USSR dissolved? If pushed far enough and pounded without respite, the use of a tactical nuclear munition would seem feasible as a last ditch effort to prevent Russian invasion of Tblisi.

Daniel L. Glenn, Boaz, AL, USA

Leonard, London , UK


you does consider that it is better to allow Georgian prizidentu fully to destroy ossetic people??

Andrey, Russia, S.Peterburg

Boycott Russian products, let them go demonstrate their power on another planet, let freedom ring

david, London, UK

"What I don't understand ... is that when USSR was broken up why didn't South Ossetia and Abkhazia become part of Russia rather then part of Georgia?"

Because Russia kept a foothold in various enclaves with pro Russian warlords. Ajara and Nagorno Garabach also in this region.

Joe Steel, Baku,

Ha ha ha ! Are you sleeping? What does it mean Ethnic conflict?It is only big politic game!!! I live in Tatarstan - the republic of Russia.Here live a lot of different nationalities and they confess two religions: Islam and Christianity! And we live in peace! We love together! And we make families!

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Why does anyone who says he wants to join the NATO and cries that he likes is the West after that automatically becomes not liable for anything he does? Like, if you have said that you want to be in the NATO, then = you are the good guy whatever you do.

Sergey, Moscow,

Why don't they say that Russian forces DID NOT attack cuvilian objects? Peacekeeping forces had destroyed:
1) Two Georgian military airfields
2) Geogian military naval base
3) Ammunition depot (say "hello" to Georgians, who placed the military depot in the city center)

Ilya, Omsk, Russian Federation

Urgently! In Kutaisi the group of insurgents from the Ukrainian and Baltic mercenaries is generated. They have been noticed in the form of the Russian Army and armed by the Russian weapon! With them there are some persons with photo-and video equipment! Probably to prepare grandiose provocation!

Vitalis, Tyumen, RF

Paul, London
"breakaway regions" as they called now, NEVER before USSR were part of Georgia.Theese regions declareted independence from Georgia just after USSR broke, and Georgia tried to bring them back by force, but failed, and only Russia peacekeepers stopped them from killing each other till now

Maria, Moscow, Russia

We, Russians, did not fight against people, as Georgians do. We fight against fascist regime of Saakashvili, insane murderer who slaughter more than TWO THOUSANDS unarmed citizens of Russian Federation.
Genocide is not our weapon, but Georgia's.

Ilya, Omsk, Russian Federation

Bob from Camberwell - you do not know what you are talking about.. the Ossetians are not Russian and not Georgian.It was in fact Stallin who forcefully annexed Ossetia as part of Georgian Sovet Republic.See the last paragraph. Saakashvili is a war criminal and has to be punished!Russia's right

leopold, London, UK

Good guys live in good contry. Bad guys is in bad country. Bad guys come and blow up the tweens in sep,11 (3000 died). Good gays fight and bomb bad countrys....Now "good" gays blow up Tzhenvaly (2000 died) and "bad guys" came to pay back. Might be this tolk is more undestendebale for US... Wake up

Stanislav, Warshawa, Poland

7th of Aug'08, 23.00 Georgia open rapid fire on Tzhenval. City have being destroyed. Only 500 Russian peacekeepers at the border. Russia send the supporting troops only 8th Aug'08 at evening. Most population of South Osetia are citizens of Russian Federation. Must the country protect it's citizens??

Aziza, Dubai, U.A.E

Tell, that has made NATO when war on the Balkans - the beginnings of bombardment of Belgrad has begun, and then and at all conducted the armies as in their opinion Serbia wished to leave force under the control Slanting. So why Russia cannot make now too most concerning the Georgia which has destroy

Evgeniy, Tver, Russia

America and Britain are not in a position to wag their finger at Russia on grounds of her "violating the UN Charter" by invading an independent, sovereign state. The Ango-American invasion of Iraq took place without a Security Council mandate and without any offence, by Iraq, against either country.

Edmund Burke, Kingston upon Thames, England

Seems many people do not care who unleshed this war. Ok, lets say so. But think about concequences, People!!! If America gets involeved in this nobody can stop this. Do you want third world war? Russians have nothing agains Georgians, so do georgians, i belive. Just stop fire and TALK

Elena, Moscow, Russia

Can anyone please explain why the Georgian President sits under and EU flag. Secondly just what has the USA and Cheyney's right wing psccopaths been doing in Georgia?

Paul, Brussels,

Boys (and politicians) will always be BOYS.Unfortunately. Too bad only a precious few of them outgrow their boyhood and become MEN. Always playing with toys. Like arms. We are under God: Ossetians, Georgians, Russians... We're all temporal, so by no means OWNERS of this beautiful place - the Earth.

Oleg, St Petersburg, Russia

US military is overtaxed. Americans are tired of sending their soldiers off to fight other ppl's wars. NATO is over taxed with Afghanistan and member countries not living up to their obligations. 30-50% of the gas/oil used in the UK, Germany, France is supplied by Russia. No one will stop them.

David, Toronto, Canada

This is all we need now isn't it! A world power like Russia stretching it's legs in it's nabours backyard.

I hope it's not a "deal" between US and Russia so that they can take Georgia while the US can take Iran, as many are speculating.

We need peace in these troubled times! Love one another!

Andrew , Durham, England

This is getting ridiculous. Georgia started attacking S.Ossetia first. They also killed UN-approved peacekeepers, which are set out so that, in case of military invasion, the peacekeepers are there to protect and fight back the invasive force. How can Georgian take the moral high ground in this?

Chris, Cambridge,

Every nation has the right to protect its members against agression, especially if they live outside its borders. Or has it?

Remember Turkey in Cyprus... and stop your hysterical and hypocritical cries against Russia. Nobody, but nobody, fights for "democracy", but, put simply, for their interests.

Theophanis Theophanous, Limassol, Cyprus

The catastrophy of Georgia is the result of the irresponsible behaviour of the USA. In their naiv arrogance the Americans believe that they are entitled to gain influence in all the states that are members of the former SU. They don't respect the interests of Russia

Rolf-Peter , Gammertingen, Germany

Paul, London:
The reason is that those two regions have always been part of Georgia dating back to before the Russian Revolution, but as in Tibet (ethnic Chinese) and Palestine (Israeli), these areas have been settled by ethnic Russians who have always had a hatred of anything Georgian.

Bob, Camberwell, London, U.K.

Every one in the world, care Russian disinformation and propaganda. Georgians, we are thinking you. But I know that not help you.

mirjam, Jyväskylä, Finland

1. Putin is not the president of Russia anymore.
2. Saddam Hussein were deathly punished for a lot of human lives.Saakashvili killed thousands women and children and is being protected and supported by the US, why? Because Georgia is politically favorable country for the US and NATO.

Andrey, Red Lodge, US

To Alex, Brussel, what you just wrote is completely untrue. Killing Jews happened in past war Poland a few times, but in the biggest happening died 37 Jews, it's hard to clasify it as genocide. And what more these stories are known thanks to polish historicians and government. We know our guilts.

Kazimierz, Gdansk, Poland

´Hello everybody! I'm Oliver from Germany. So, my story the next. I have business in Russian, and one of my parter is company from Samara. So, direcror this company lives in North Ossetia. His mother lives in South Ossetia, and he have said me last year that Georgia will attack both republics.

Oliver, Berlin, Germany

Stalin was Georgian. Georgians protected themselves and consequently have started up rocket fire on are Russian to armies and all Tskhinvali has casually been destroyed. Ossetia are so silly that run to aggressors and ask from them protection. It seems to Georgians that Russian attack them. (transl)

Roman, Vladikavkaz, RF

What I don't understand, and I am no Russian history expert, is that when USSR was broken up why didn't South Ossetia and Abkhazia become part of Russia rather then part of Georgia?

Paul, London, England

The Russian propaganda machine is in full flow. Comments sections of every Western newspaper are flooded with messages from Russian supporters from every country describing the corruption and the hypocrisy in the West and extolling the virtues of the great Russian democracy. Old reflexes die hard.

Leunamme, Le Mans, France

Saakashvili claims that separatists have proked him into attacking his break-away province. Russia intervenes on behalf of separatists who can now claim independence based on the civilian deaths they have suffered under an indiscriminant bombardment.

So much for Kosovo being a 'Unique' precedent.

peter, sydney, australia

Russia has been waiting for this moment, finally a chance to flex its muscles and take moral/legal high road.
President Saakashvili gambled and lost Georgia's shirt, he should have known that america could not help him,.
The lesson is, If you poke the bear dont be surprised when you get mauled.

ibrahim, london, england

The warmongers in Israel, Britain and America who backed their Georgia puppet Government has to pay for this Genocide against Ossetia. Russia has acted with restraint and attacked only Military targets whilst the west attacked innocent civilians with barbarity. Another war crime by the west.

Arthur Guy, Gloucester, England

I do not know what Contolisa Rice whispered in President Saakashvili's ear last week but he has made a terrible mistake!
The Russians came in quite heavy handed so others will start take notice of them again!
Also Saakashvili appeared on TV making a speech and standing by the EU flag! Why?

Michael Vassou, London, UK

It's not a new Cold War. Russia's armed forces are nothing compared with the military might of the US, UK or France. Russia is simply trying to look tough by attacking a small country with a tiny army. Putin used South Ossetia as an excuse for punishing Georgia for its aspirations to join NATO.

Sandeep Singh, Leicester, United Kingdom

Good slap on the face of those propping tin-pot dictators around world to trouble neighbors and region!

Yesterday, it was reported that Georgian forces from Iraq would give a bloody fight! Today they are fleeing! Were they fighting women and children in Iraq?

US and allies can't do anything!

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

What have we all lost our minds and memories in a week. Russia didn't start this situation. If we put the same focus on Bush, Blair and Brown. They would be publicly accused of war crimes and threatened with trips to the Hague.

Bill Swenson, San Diego, US

Natia, SO is really a georgian territory and Russia doesn’t pretend on it.
Let’s assume that you have the right to kill civilian people of your own country. But do you have the right to kill international peacekeepers, who have the right to be there under the approval of UN, since 1992 ???

Andrey, Moscow,

We have a new cold war, not created by the west , but by the paranoia of Russia, she is becoming the enemy of the world. But Russia has a good cowardly pedigree of attacking small countries and this time NEEDS to be punished. Shame on Russia!!

philip, oxford, England UK

Kosovo didn't want to live with Serbia. Ossetian people don't want to live with Georgia too. Why Georgia are killing Ossetian? It's genoside....Europe - you are blind and has a double standarts...

alex, sydney, australia

The American backed and educated political stooges in Georgia are getting what they deserve. They mercilessly suppressed any opposition, e.g. police actions, beatings, trumped up charges, murders/assassinations, etc. President Saakashvili started bombing the hell out of South Ossetia first, because they refused to be under the control of Georgia. If the people of South Ossetia voted not to be part of Georgia 16 years ago, respect that!! Saakashvili and other politicians will be held accountable for all the suffering and numerous needless deaths.

Billy Bob, Georgia, USA

It's the sign for US "hawks" like McCain, Rice, Bolton, Bush, etc. They should keep away from Russia's borders and read again Fulbright's "Arrogance of Power".
Poland, they forgot THEIR genocide against Polish Jews in 1945-49.Now Estonian praises Nazi and SS.Small countries have short memory

Alex, Brussels, Belgium

The U.S. and Europe need to stop Russia in its tracks. This is a clear attempt by Russia to re-establish its glory days as The Evil Empire. We should immediatly grant the Ukraine membership in NATO if Russia does not withdraw from Georgia. This is not over.

John, Orlando, Florida, USA

Saakashvili is an idiot. He knew that trying to retake Ossetia would bring a strong Russian response. If the people of S Ossetia want to be reunified with their kin north of the boder, then simply allow it. If Kosovo can be stripped from Serbia then S Ossetia can be stripped from Georgia.

Neil, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

The current crisis is a result of the Georgian President's miscalculations. The response may have been disproportionate, but many nations have responded disproportionately to threats or attacks. Recent examples include the Israeli onslaught on Lebanon in retaliaton for attacks not even ordered by the Lebanese Govt. The US supported Israel throughout. Ultimately, Saakashvilli will rue his stupidity and must carry most of the blame!

James, London,

Russia's Putin has regressed from being Western style democracy. With a new oil refinery in Houston, TX, & other international business commitments proping up any otherwise lackluster Russian economy these block heads better withdraw now or loose the largest refinery in world in TX.
George Alabama

George Singleton, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

south ossetia is a georgian territory and it and russia has no right to interfere. and after all they have done in chechnya they hardly can be considered the force to restore peace. it is russia who has started the war in its attempt to prevent georgia from joining NATO

Natia, Tbilisi, georgia

People in USA and Europe, are you shure you have freedom of speech in you mass-media? It looks like not. You do not have real facts about the conflict in Georgia. Your journalists tell lies or hiding truth to you like we have in Soviet period. You are under brainwashing!

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

The Russians may be brutal, but their actions are logical. I don't understand the Georgian government. Why would they attack the capital of South Ossetia and kill scores of civilians? It seems like a provocation that the Russians could not ignore. The consequences should have been predictable.

DS, Palo Alto, USA

People, why Russia wants this war? We begin build our economic. We have a lot of our problems! We don't want the problem with Georgia and all world! Why you don't understand it? We want to have a friendship! we wont peace! We so wait it! We have a lot of wars in past! We like all cultures!

Maria, kazan, Russian Federation

nice picture is above! regular performance of nationalist Saakashvili for the West! Enjoooyyy! how many guards, cameras and journalists around and no any ossetians or Russian peacemakers! Do U think it's Ok Saakashvili impress U every day by spectaculars?

tata, Moscow, Russia

That the so-called SUPER-powers are so interested in their ability to "influence" smaller countries, is just really pathetic. I've got the biggest army and the longest oil pipe line. How primitive and barbaric.

Joe, Constance, Germany

We want peace! We tired from wars! We only begin build our economic! our life! our society! We want a friendship with all world!

Maria, kazan, russian Federation

To Id,Wuhu, China
You should put more attention to polish history then,we have every reason on earth to hate Russia,same as any other former 'communist block' nation,or even more. They killed no less Poles than Germans did.
Just Germans admit it and denazify, Russia continous their imperial policy.

Wojtek, Cracow, Poland

Russia is right, great job. The world has got the best evidence of that – Bush does not like Russian actions.

Alexey, Moscow,

Our planet and life are the best values!

Maria, Kazan, russian Federation

This should not be about oil, politics. This is about innocent civilians dying at the hands of another country. Has humanity completely been deleted from our jaded society? If we don't want to be "big brother" anymore then remove all troops, we can't pick and choose who we want to help.

Cadie, Fresno, United States

The irony. War-mongering, oil-grabbing, torturer, George Bush,chiding the Chinese about human rights and the Russians about invading sovereign countries. Double irony, Georgian troops interrupting their own illegal occupation of Iraq to high tail it back home. We never learn, do we?

TK, Houston, USA

Having just been working there, i can state that in the region of 4 out of 10 were solidly PRO- Russia and the way things were before the 'Rose revolution'. Maybe the Russians will not continue to Tbilisi but let the people wake up to what their leader has done to them and lynch him.

Ron Cross, Singapore, Singapore

The "Big Picture" here is that while there may disputes over who started it, the US has always helped the underdog and rebuilt the people that got their as kicked. Russia is helping Iran by removing the Georgian airfield support needed to keep Iran from bullying the world with Nukes! THINK.

Steve, Sarasota, USA!

President Saakashvili is an adventurer or you may call him a criminal.There was no need to attack S. Osetia and the Russian peacekeeping force stationed there. What reaction would you expect from Russia? How would your country react if your soldiers were shot at by a foreign army?

Paolo, Rome, Italy

I cannot blame the russians for their response to the hideous and genocidal attack by georgia,a government supported by my own country.I offer my sympathies on behalf of all americans to the 2000 people slaughtered in South Osetia.It is time for the EU and NATO to turn their backs on the US now..

jeff, farmville,va, USA

I wont try to convince anyone but if there're ppl who want more information - you may listen to Serge Ivanov ( Deputy Prime Minister) answering a CNN reporter's questions - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoXuHl6V1Kg .
No one is ging to invade Georgia or any other former Soviet republic.Trust me.

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

President Saakashvili is an adventurer or you may call him a criminal. There was no need to attack S. Osetia and the Russian peacekeeping force stationed there. What reaction would you expect from Russia? How would your country react if your soldiers were shot at by a foreign army?

Paolo, Rome, Italy

US has no armor to contest the Russian movement. Period. The blame game must acknowledge facts well known on the ground. What solutions do you suggest to the Georgia - Russia conflict, short of Russian mercy? Possibly Russian domination will be the solution. Another move on the chess board.

Edmund, New Jersey, USA

We cannot tolerate Saakshvili's regime who had kill more than 1,000 civilians only by bombardments of Ckhinval in two nights.

Jan Kowalski, Riga,

thanks from russia to the journalist who wrote this article and special thanks for this photo shot of the georgian president. it is nice to see the man who ordered a genocide of a tiny nation to be so scared. the most rutless mass murderers often turn out to be the biggest cowards.

rp, russia,

And so the pigeons come home to roost. Grim vindication for all of us who said that violations of international law by the USA would lead to untold mischief in the world.

The USA cannot claim any moral high ground having invaded other sovereign nations.

The price of hypocrisy is high!

Carl Street, San Francisco California , USA

About "opressed" Chechnya. There are currently 2 companies of "Vostok" Batallion operating in conflict zone. This is a special forces unit that consists of former guerillas who had sided with RF after 1st Chechen war. And yeah - Grozny is a prospering and peaceful city nowadays. Been there recently

Leo, Vladivostok, Russia

President Saakashvili is an adventurer or you may call him a criminal. He started the war. He had no need to attack S.Osetia and the Russian peacekeeping force stationed there. What reaction would you expect from Russia? How would your country react if your soldiers were attacked by a foreign army?

Paolo, Rome, Italy

History is repeating itself again. 1968 - Russia attacked Czechoslovakia and stayed there more than 20 years. 2008 - Russia attacks Georgia.... who will be next???

Marian, Trencin, Slovakia

I don`t know why nobody do nothing? Help us! Please! Russia is a good country with good people who want to live with all world! Why than USA come in Serbia we said "yes"? why than Russia came in South Ossetia we say "no"? Why? Is it democracy? Why your journalists say that Russia want to brake Ge

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Come on, the USA should be the last one to blame Russia, just look at how much blood in your hands, WAR CRIMINAL!!!

Tanaka, Sopporo, Japan

We want to control whole georgian territory, because they can launch their missiles from the motheland. And don't forget about 1500 peple who were ultra-violent killed by georgian armoured troops. Israel did the same actions in Palestine. Our government just wanna find Sookashvili and judge him.

Anton, Tomsk, Russia

***Igor from Moscow forgets that Russia's old benvolent dictator, Herr Stalin, forcibly absorbed Georgia into the Soviet Union and subserviated it for 70 some odd years.***
Frank, Lynnwood, US

hahahaha Frank. your comment is funny given that Stalin AKA Dugashvili was a georgian!!

di, london, uk

"The US hasn't won a war against an equal opponent since 1812."

Doug, the whole point is to be a greater force than your enemy.

Duke R. Keith, El Paso, TX, USA

I am really not a fan of any type of wars and military actions.

However,
I would wish many of you just not to draw this world in black and white with "total good" and "total evil".

1. Saakashvili is not a hero and not even a democrat.
2. Tshinvali is in ruins and bodies
3. US has interest

Andrei, Novosibirsk, Russia

I am entirely supportive of my government's actions. Why should we any longer tolerate a regime near our borders which is hostile to us and which is headed by a psychatricaly ill president? Mr Saakashvli must return to his masters in the US immediately and only this may reinstate piece in Georgia!

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

It is interesting to see that Poland hate Rossia more than Germany which killed thousands of poland people during ww2

ld, wuhu, China

To Andrew, St.Ives, Cambs
"Chechnia has the right to become independent from Russia."

But Chechnia does't want to become independent any more...

Valery, Krasnoyarsk (Siberia), Russia

"Payback time for Iraq, Afghanistan and all the 70 odd countries that were victims of US invasion or gross inference "

Even accepting this, are the Georgian people (the only one really suffering) to blame? Can one care about "victims of US invasion or gross inference" and be so indifferent to them

Summers, Menlo Park, CA, USA

How about we see it for what it is- those of us who are in the know; it is the beginning of world war; it is part of the end-game brought about by total evil and a blind desire for a new world order that will rule whoever survives the global 'armageddon'. Everything else is just 'small' talk.

Skelly, Washington, DC, USA

Guys, if south ossetia and abkhazia are the parts of Georgia why weren't they controled by georgia before this august? Why are there no georgian people living there, why don't they speak georgian language and why president saakashvili couldn't lure those lands back? 15 years

Oreon, Moscow, Russia

Oh how black you are, cry's the pot!

henry adams, Manchester, UK

Georgia started the war by shelling and invading S. Ossetia, if Kosovo can be independant which the US/UK/EU have allowed, why not S. Ossetia? Russia has the right and the responsibility to protect it's people in S. Ossetia and render Georgia the US puppet a lame duck in the least or a protectorate

Don, Terrace, Canada

Pure staging! Haven't you all seen that Saakashvili was not attacked in Gori! They staged it as very poor actors! Haven't you noticed that people standing near were neither running nor hiding! If they had been attacked, the camera man wouldn't shoot Saakashvili so clearly! It's obvious!

Annie, Ekaterinburg, Russia

It seems Bush does consider Russia to be a strong threat to "US-provided world peace".Saakashvili will drown in blood of the people he murdered in Ossetia,though his conscience n shame must have been good sold to DC.I'd strongly recommend to do more research for those fooled by westen biased media.

Ekaterina, Khabarovsk, Russia

Bush said Georgia's territorial integrity must be respected.
Bush said Serbia's territorial integrity must not be respected.
Where is the logic?
Greg, Miami, USA
Good question isn't it?

Peter, Aradan, Russian Federation

Shock and Awe baby... Shock and Awe...

UK/US/Israel and those that laughed at the 11 million people who stood shoulder to shoulder against the war in Iraq, have no leg to stand on, in condeming Russia.

Jack Harris, Detroit, USA

"Georgia said..." , "Georgia said..." Where is the famous British pluralism? You like to see alert in Russia so you even do not want to hear other opinion.