Aug 11, 2008 10:54 pm US/Central
In The Know: Those Who Forget History...
(WCCO)
The Russians are pulling out the big guns, tanks, bombs and Vladimir Putin to punish The Republic of Georgia. It is all very complicated, and no easy answers appear on the horizon. Don Shelby provides a little background.
Remember the word "breakaway." It is important in this story.
Georgia was a "breakaway" Republic of the Soviet Union. Now it leans very much toward the United States. The U.S. wants it in NATO, the group set up to protect Western Europe from Russian attacks.
And, then an ethnic Russian enclave in South Ossetia wanted to "breakaway" from Georgia, and Georgia sent in troops. Big brother heard the call. His name is Vladimir Putin, and the Russians took up the fight like it was going to war against Martians.
Not since Afghanistan or the Prague Spring has Russia responded like this. It has turned down every plea from the U.N. and the U.S. to back off.
Russia is saying, "What are you going to do about it? We supply the oil and natural gas most of Europe is using, and if you lift a finger, we'll hurt your friends."
I grew up hiding from Russian attacks under school desks. I'm clearing out some room under mine, just in case, as soon as this newscast is over.
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