Georgia/Russian conflict discussion
I came across a Blog today which had commented a few days ago about the conflict. It was titled, "The American Portrait" and read Ryan's post about the conflict and then added my comment. Here it is and my comments:
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2008
The Puppet Master
If you're one of the few people who still thinks Dmitri Medvedev is calling the shots in Russia, you'd better think again. When Russia invaded Georgia, President Bush (and rightfully so) issued the United States' response to the move, calling it "unacceptable". Condi Rice has played her role as Secretary of State (almost like a prime minister) by doing most of the "behind the scenes" work during the negotiations.
When Russia gives its response to the United States, Vladimir Putin of all people is the one to give it. He criticized the United States for portraying Georgia as the victim and for airlifting Georginan troops from Iraq. Shouldn't Medvedev have given that response? A prime minister in a secondary leadership role giving the official public response to the leader of another nation? Sounds fishy to me.
Europe and the United States need to learn that Russia's steady ascent to increased aggression over the last decade is due solely to Putin, an old school KGB man. Putin in some regards is a full blown dictator without an official title. As the world is prepared to give Russia a good 'ole slap on the wrist, this just seems a little too 1939ish for me.
My Response and Comment:
Ryan, I think you are missing some history here. Since the Bush 41 Presidency, the U.S. has been embarking on a policy of cozying up to former Soviet Countries and wooing them to be a part of NATO. Russia has objected and we have kept pushing.
I don't know if you are old enough but do you remember when Russia did a similar thing in Cuba during the JFK Presidency and how we felt?
I am not a friend of Russia but I am not their enemy either. We have created this mess and it is playing out as predicted given our previous provocative actions. One of the things I am disappointed about is American's immaturity arrogance and lack of accountability when it comes to the consequences of U.S. actions around the world.
It’s never about one person like Putin. All countries share in the accountability for allowing these conditions to be created in the first place.
Just for the record, I am not Russian, nor Georgian, I am American by birth, Italian by decent and a citizen of the World in my spirit. I am a social liberal and fiscal conservative and I voted for Sen. Biden in the Primary.
Charles Amico
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2008
The Puppet Master
If you're one of the few people who still thinks Dmitri Medvedev is calling the shots in Russia, you'd better think again. When Russia invaded Georgia, President Bush (and rightfully so) issued the United States' response to the move, calling it "unacceptable". Condi Rice has played her role as Secretary of State (almost like a prime minister) by doing most of the "behind the scenes" work during the negotiations.
When Russia gives its response to the United States, Vladimir Putin of all people is the one to give it. He criticized the United States for portraying Georgia as the victim and for airlifting Georginan troops from Iraq. Shouldn't Medvedev have given that response? A prime minister in a secondary leadership role giving the official public response to the leader of another nation? Sounds fishy to me.
Europe and the United States need to learn that Russia's steady ascent to increased aggression over the last decade is due solely to Putin, an old school KGB man. Putin in some regards is a full blown dictator without an official title. As the world is prepared to give Russia a good 'ole slap on the wrist, this just seems a little too 1939ish for me.
My Response and Comment:
Ryan, I think you are missing some history here. Since the Bush 41 Presidency, the U.S. has been embarking on a policy of cozying up to former Soviet Countries and wooing them to be a part of NATO. Russia has objected and we have kept pushing.
I don't know if you are old enough but do you remember when Russia did a similar thing in Cuba during the JFK Presidency and how we felt?
I am not a friend of Russia but I am not their enemy either. We have created this mess and it is playing out as predicted given our previous provocative actions. One of the things I am disappointed about is American's immaturity arrogance and lack of accountability when it comes to the consequences of U.S. actions around the world.
It’s never about one person like Putin. All countries share in the accountability for allowing these conditions to be created in the first place.
Just for the record, I am not Russian, nor Georgian, I am American by birth, Italian by decent and a citizen of the World in my spirit. I am a social liberal and fiscal conservative and I voted for Sen. Biden in the Primary.
Charles Amico
Labels: conflict, Europe, Georgia, JFK, Putin, Russia, The American Portrait, Who's to blame?
posted by Charles Amico at 5:41 PM
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