The Caucasus war

Russia shows who is boss after bombs on Georgia

For the people, the latest war in the Caucasus is a conflict of nationalities. The rest of the world see it as two-fisted geopolitics. The Kremlin's violation of international law with its attack on Georgia is a display of its newly won strength. The US in particular are pushing for Georgia's entry in the international defence alliance. The conflict of nationalities escalates. Cogging geopolitical interests suddenly brought Russia in on the plan, and could bring in the USA too. That worsens what is an already potentially explosive situation... full story


By FLORIAN WILLERSHAUSEN
Story from CAFE BABEL

Russia and the West

The Cold Peace
The European Union is struggling to find a common position on Russia - as is the rest of the West. But so far, diplomatic bluster has been the name of the game. What should the world do about Russia's new-found bravado?


By RALF BESTE, UWE KLUSSMANN & GABOR STEINGART
from SPIEGEL Online


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Tyranny of the red lines
Equally important, Moscow's tactical victory in Georgia has left it isolated. The Russian government looked round the world for applause and support and found none. Other countries expect steadiness and prudence from a great power and, when these are lacking, tend to conclude that it is neither truly great nor truly powerful


By The Guardian
Published: September 5, 2008