i want that Russian's forces stay there till they catch Saakashvili or till US and EU start investigate and face that there is another side of war, and it's not fair to make world Agressor of Russia without investigation,other way how Russia can be sure that they woun't do it again

Maris, Tallin, Estonia

I want to ask all, why are you hating Russians? Have a look at Americans and Britishers, they are still in IRAQ, Afganistan. What are they doing there? Bringing a democracy? this is ridiculous, you are bringing democracy by weapon and killing. Change yourself and Russians will change. Thanks.

Don, Tatarstan, Russian Federations

Andrew, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

There is no war anymore, there's a ceasefire. Neither was brokered by the "West".

Boris, Moscow, Russia

Who didn't see this coming?

Farrukh, London,

I feel shame.
Why don't them order troops go home yet!
Why this useless and aggressive claims? and lies.
We did well in S.Ossetia, much worse in Georgia, now it’s going to be ugly.
My country is changing from defender into aggressor every hour staying in Gergia

Vlad Mishin, Moscow, Russia

People, let's calm down. Everything is under control. I getting tired of being surprised with more and more new hysterical ideas put forward by UK and US politicians almost every day. Who said that Russia is going to topple down Saakashvili?
To want is not the same as to act.

Constantine, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

The first thing is not to believe anything that either side tells you. See for your own eyes who is occupying who like a big dog (or bear) sits over a small dog that dare not move.
Understand who is vastly more powerful than the other. Look at the Atlas and see who is encroaching upon the other.

John, Jersey, UK

The 'International Community" of America and Britain have met their match!!!! It has been very easy for them to walk all over weak countries like Iraq and Azerbijan but when it comes to a well armed opponent like Russia they will not be so keen to get involved.

Raymond, Belfast,

Russia has threatened to attack any country in which a Russian is injured or killed by anyone.

Therefore NATO countries should discontinue renewing visas and residence permits for Russian citizens -- until the Georgia Invasion Crisis is resolved.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Some time ago I didn't understand and appreciate Putin's efforts to stop Nato from going East. Now I do. So called "West" really sees what it wants to see and hears what it wants to hear. Facts don't matter. The"west" will never consider Russia as a partner whaterver we do. It is a main lesson.

Constantine, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

'The Russian Army continued to occupy Georgia...Russian troops blocked access to Gori' - who said it? we already sent in Gori some vehicles with food despite on genocide in S.Osetia. The citizens of Gori want it more, becouse Saakashvilli can't help them. He leave them. Just ask the citizens

Sergei, Moscow, Russia

To Ian, Austin TX, USA
"You signed a cease fire agreement and you aren't honoring it,why?"

What was signed was a peace plan with no dates specified, a sort of declaration of intentions that is open to interpretations. Russia honors this plan in its own interpretation.

Alexey, St. Petersburg, Russia

If Medvedev wanted to take Tbilisi, he would have done so a week ago. Now they are destroying remaining military bases equipped by US. And nobody broke a cease-fire, our troops are not firing at Georgians. They are bringing food to civil Georgians who are left by their administration.

Anton, Moscow, Russia

To Peter, Vancouver BC., Canada.
Peter, wake up you are not attacked by Russians! Or Canada is in Caucasus?

Constantine, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Because USA commited a crime invading Irak, Russia is now completely justified to invade Georgia. Good reason!

Pedro, Madrid, Spain

Recent events have amply demonstrated that Russia remains mired in a mindset mored suited to the circumstances of fifty years ago. Does anyone now take seriously anything said or agreed by Medvedev?

m collins, Leeds,

Let us remember the origins of WWII. Hitler re-occupied the "Polish Corridor" - a strip of former German territory, between Prussia and East Prussia, that had been granted to Poland in the Treaty of Versailles at the end of WWI. We are not going to have a Third World War over Ossetia. Time to talk.

Edmund Burke, Kingston upon Thames, England

Anton, Moscow, the Georgians are perfectly capable of feeding themselves without Russian help, thank you.

C. Heathcote, Tonbridge,

to Joe, Mtl, Canada
Imagine a situation when a tank stops in front of your house and points its gun at your window. No problem - the tanker says - you are not a target. Target is Iraq. This is just the situation with US missile defense system in Poland.
An soon will be in Georgia. (I am sure)

Constantine, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK: don't forget we once tried to be white soft and fluffy. Need I remind you what the West has done to us?. We've just got the lesson. Who says power==aggression? USSR was much stronger than Finland but after WW2 we maintained even relations, they just didn't soil on us.

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

Has anyone forgot that Georgia made the first move, and went in to South Ossetia, if they had not done this then Russia would not have made the move to defend some of there citizens. Russia has acted strongly but the president of Georgia is responsible for starting this.

tom , london, england

To Pavel from Bobruisk:
Bobruisk is not Russia, it's Belarus. Your FSB sponsors forgot to tell you about it.

Ivan, Minsk, Belarus

Why is it always the US which has to appear like its having to convince the weako Europeans to stand up for themselves? I am sick of it. Its time for America to dissolve NATO and let the Europeans look after themselves for once. It will do them good.

M Morris, London, UK

I can't believe you guys always judge other countries and give some wrong comment,,did you do very well ,,do you have the rights,please think about yourselves,,if the Russia did the wrong thing ,,did the usa do a right thing??no matter what purpose ,just care about the lives, the war is so cruel..

Tana, Shanghai,

I can't believe how Russians actually defend their leader's documented lies! The Russian President signed a document, committing his personal honor, to "immediately" withdrawl...a week later the troops are still blowing up Georgian property. Wake up while there is time! Your leaders are criminals

Andy Johnson, Washington, USA

When war has begun, thousand inhabitants escaped to save the lives. All of them ran to Russia, not to Georgia.

Maxim, Moscow, Russia

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK: could you speak to the point without these stamps. Do you have at least a single argument disproving the fact that Iraq invasion is the violation? Just try to understand me, I don't believe our guvs are so good. The problem is you believe yours are much better.

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

To Rezo from Tbilisi
Because there's no "ethnical cleansing of Georgians". Russians are actually feeding Georgians in Gori, left on themselves by Georgian officials and army. BBC does not show that either, don't worry. And please don't hate Russians in general, we love Georgia and Georgians.

Anton, Moscow, Russia

To Dave S.
Our goverment TRY no to lie any more, in contrast to US an georgian goverment.
Some people don't belive Russia at all, but they believed thet Russia used cluster-bombs, thet Russia bombed Tbilisi. And they belive without evidence. As we know now, all things they belived in was a lie.

Dmitriy, Moscow, Russia

pavel the georgians didnt start the conflict, russian backed seperatists had been attacking georgian troops for at least a week prior. the russian government claims there was a genocide in SO, but they dont allow western journalists in to check the claim. what possibly could motivate this?

will, grimsby, uk

Brian- putin is pretty much a dictator, the oligarchs hold no sway over him, if you remember the fate of mikhail khordokovsky. he was by far the richest man in russia and the kremlin basically clicked its fingers, said we dont like you and yukos became part of gazpprom and khordokovsky is jailed.

will, grimsby, uk

Why western media never mentioned about Militias attack on Georgian vileges??they were constently firing on us...........
the leftist media trying to "prevent" new cold war and that's make them be much softer toward Russia...
CNN and BBC refusing talk about ethnic clinsing of georgians!!

REZO, Tbilisi,

08.08.08 night, armored and teached by russia serbs army falls on kosovo bombing pristina (2000 sleeping civilians was killed during this night) and american bondsteel fort in kosovo (15 americans was killed). Can you imagine it? Now is your turn.

Pavel, Chelyabinsk, Russia

"Who attacked first? It's Georgia. It killed more then 1500 civilians (osetians) in one night (it's a fact)!!! "

Without evidence it's not a fact. Repeating a lie often enough might make the foolish and the gullible believe, but it is not a fact. It's called AGITPROP

Dave S., Dublin,

Tony Blair, he'll sort it all out for us.

john, Lincoln,

It's so sad for me as the Russian Citizen to read some comments posted by west europe and the usa residents. We are not that bad, and the country I live in and love with all my heart is not bad. The geopolitics is a very dirty game, but that's how unfortunately things are done in the modern world!

Sephen, Moscow, The Russian Federation

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK
Anthony, Alex is not the only representative of Russians. I know many people who doesn't support this war. Unfortunately, because of poor political and civic culture in Russia, they can't organise themselves to protest.

Olesya, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Do not mention USSR - t's the past. Analyse the present.
Who attacked first? It's Georgia. It killed more then 1500 civilians (osetians) in one night (it's a fact)!!!
Russian army entered SO just 20 hours later georgian onslaught.
Saakasvili decided to take control over osetians by killing them

Dmitriy, Moscow, Russia

Pedro, Madrid, Spain: clear sky on the whole Spain?

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

you don't know what means when lots of peaceful people are killed,lots of people are to be imigrated from their territory.I want the world to know that in 21th century our world has barbarian,and it's RUSSIA.we love our country,we never let russia to take it away.STOP RUSSIA!!!

tamar labadze, Tbilisi, Georgia

I deplore the heavy-handed invasion of Georgia by the Russians to help their allies, but cannot understand the surprise expressed by the West about Russia wanting to defend its borders and neighbouring allies The US would not wait 2 seconds before taking action to help any pro-American neighbour.

Paco, Pamplona, Spain

We must turn off the Russian energy pipelines ourselves and supply our energy needs without Russia. Bring the price of oil down to, say, $20 until they back off. Use the free market against them to show that their threats have no value. Hit them right where it will hurt the most, in their wallets.

Chris Coles, Medstead, Alton, United Kingdom

I read all the comments and Id like to let you all look at things from another angle. This is not only about oil and strategic geographical place. The whole thing has roots way deeper then one can imgain. For better understanding Id recomend you to look through history of Georigia and Russia.

George, Tbilisi,

I see little difference between the acts of Russia and the acts of the Nazis.

Alastair, Alicante, Spain

There's a simple solution to this. All the UK/EU/US needs to do is to announce strict visa controls for Russian visitors and bar entry to certain individuals.
Denied access to their mansions in LDN/St.Tropez/NYC, the oligharchs who really rule Russia would turn on Putin. He'd be gone in weeks!

Brian, London,

Russians only understand brutal languages How is it possible that the west forgets this permanent truth?. It is not Zarism, it is not Comunism, it is not Putin. It is Russia and the russians. They interpret dialog as a weakness of the dialogant. No more words, ¡Action!

Pedro, Madrid, Spain

Russia has suffered from an inferiority complex since tsarist days so this huff and puff sabre ratling is nothing new and as usual is directed at far weaker nations.

Simon Marshland, Bath, UK

Alexey Ulko: If Russia was what you see in it, Tiflis would be a pile of smoking rubble now. Who would have stopped them: NATO? The Uzbekistan defense force? I don't think so.

Georgia asked for it. I am way more sympathetic for the Russian reaction than for the those provoking this mess..

Sven G., Germany, Europe

Russians and Georgians lived in peace for hundreds of years! Both Russian and Georgian people DON'T WANT this war. Over one million georgians live in Russia.I have a lot of friends in Georgia. We want to live in peace as we did all this time as good neighbors.Why does WEST make us kill each other?

Andrew, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Its interesting that Russians got upset about Harry Potter because Dobby the House Elf looked like Putin. Now they have proved there is no comparison - Dobby was pathetic and snivelling, Putin is pathetic and foaming at the mouth.

Russian sabre rattling shows the need for NATO more than ever.

Peter, London,

VrotMnenogi: good nick, it'd be better if you did it in practice than repeated all these well-known (and uninspected) things.

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

Living in democratic countries we are initial sources of power: we elect governments and can control their policy.
Our main objective is to prevent such species as "homo sapiens" from extinction caused by the World War III that has already begun, I suppose.
STOP ARGUING! Try to save yourselves.

Eugene, Moscow, Russia

Georgia is beaten, the world knows it, Russia knows it, and Russia has acheieved what it "apparently" set out to achieve. So why is Russia burning crops and continuously destroying infrastructure? Georgia is simply being made an example of, a sign to other neighbours. and we are powerless, sad hey?

Tom, Sheffield, England

All the Russian comments on this page are pathetic and smell of a huge inferiority complex. They all want their country to be feared - and think this means being 'Great'. It is feared - as people would fear a drunken bully armed with a knife, not a hero or anyone to respect.

Alexey Ulko, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

you are discussing the subject that you did not know, Georgian Peaople/nation was killed By the Russians. the reaction that was published by the media was late for the Georgian Mothers. Russians are not going to leave Georgia, they are not going to let Georgian people to live in peacefull country.

George, Tbilisi, Georgia

Is there a conflict of interests in the Kremlin?? Who is really in charge of the Russian Army?? Or has the chain of command broken down!! Are we seeing rogue generals commanding the Russian army in Georgia?

joe, Liverpool, UK

See this video and try to think! When you people will finally think yourselves examin thing in depth instead of shouting and blaming each other. http://www.wikio.com/video/380921 Common already, are you blind? Are you missing Word Wars?

Elena, Novosibirsk,

Elena, we know that Georgia attacked it's breakaway republic Ossetia. What riles us Brits is the unnecessary action of Russia/Ossetians invading Georgia allowing Ossetians to plunder the country with permission of Russia.

callum, Liverpool, UK

John,
obviously you have not been affected by terrorists,being stuck down under.
Bush perceives that democracy is the answer to terrorism. He may be wrong but after all you live in a democratic country.The times also is produces in a democratic country, so you have freedom of espression.

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

Abdul, London

I cannot beleive your comparing the israeli palestinan conflict with this. It has nothing to do with Religion, secondly and most importantly Palestinans do not want peace. Georgians do.

Chris, Leeds, UK

I've tried to comment on the Russia Today, but, Russia being the land of spam I decided not to give my email address.
Who knows may be as punishment they will flood my email system. I read the comments, 99% are pro-russian, I bet that the other non pro comments are not published

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

It seems like US, UK politicians dispute over their own ideas, inventing new Russian threats every day. I guess they are paid too much money - they feel bound to invent something new.
As to Poland and baltic States,pardon, I can't take their leaders seriously- to much hysteria and no facts.

Constantine, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

Amazing we've got so many international lawyers...from Russia...the land of Mafia, of massive corruptions, where there is no law... according to thier own president.

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

To Anton, Urjupinsk, Russia

Your country deliberately handed out passports to Ossetians so you would have an excuse to attack Georgians "to protect your citizens".

Nobody is stupid to beleive Russia's antics anymore.

(Dear friend).

Tornike, London, UK

The West can and should respond, revising its relationship with Russia in deferrence to whom, NATO has not developed plans to defend the former Soviet satellites that are its new members. It should do so.
Cut NATO-Russia contacts.
Help Georgians rebuild their country.
Get Ukraine into NATO soon.

Karl Uka, Phoenix, AZ, USA

If the Russians calculated in advance that if they attacked Georgia, cowardly Europe would split as soon as its oil supply was threatened and cause NATO to disintegrate, then what they have done is pure, diabolical genius. (I find it a little hard to believe, but Putin is not to be underestimated!)

Merinas van der Lubbe, Newberg, USA (Oregon)

What about bondsteel fort - the largest american base in europe (kosovo), ABM system in czheh and poland. And next will marionette georgia and ukraine. You are talking about russian putinism ambitions trying to hide the real american global domination plans. Unfortunately it's a real not just plans.

Pavel, Bobruysk, Russia

SOVIET EMPIRE/USSR/RUSIA FEDERATION is same country, if Russian's will not learn that KOMUNISM was most bloody empire in world history they soon will attack another country and their citizent will feel proud of it!

Komunism killed about 20-30 mln people!

We are proofs of genocide in ossetia??

Pawel , Wieliczka, POLAND

The russians have adapted the latin : divided et imperat or divide and conquer.
First Germany wit the the Schroeder-Putin Pipeline and now I heard on Russia Today that a Finnish ex minister has become a consultant for the Northern Russian pipeline.

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

This conflict looks very similar to the Israel and Palestinian situation. However, Israel is allowed to what it wants (Illegal Occupation, Killing and Expansion etc) and the EU and USA either keeps quiet or backs its aggression..Double Standard.

Abdul Motin, London, UK

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia to Olesya St Petersburg
... and this is why Olesya that the West does not believe a word that the Russians say. As Alex says, only force will make the Russians undersdtand to back off. So, after all Bush, Poland , Lihuania, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, Ukraine are right

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

John, Sydney: it's impossible to discuss something with WASP... vacuous eyes and foam around mouths... we're good guys, they're bad guys... black and white no other nuances... who is not with us he is our enemy... drop the bomb terminate 'em all. Meanwhile they mention Hitler in each two phrases

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

Lucky for the West that Georgia is not a member of NATO. Otherwise they could have been dragged into a war because of the whims of a power hungry leader who persues his own desires without taking into account any of the consiquences. Before NATO expands any further they have to have safe guards

stanley , Haifa ,

History repeated 16 September 1924!!

Louis, Liverpool, UK

By the way, can anyone explain what was the reason for NATO to equip georgian army? Poor georgians decided they are very strong with americans' canons and support. As it turned out, they are very strong in running, but not in fighting. Unfortunatelly, the war was already started..

tekke, Babrujsk, Planet Earth

I think, that your dispute in anything will not result!
We, Russian, love the country and we shall not allow any rubbish to destroy its citizens. Both any America and England will not prevent us!

Andron, Yaroslavl, Russia

"Brian"

Montevideo is in Uruguay, not Argentina, comrade. Or has have the Argentinian peacekeepers moved in?

Boris, London, UK

"if Russians living in U.S or Britain were attacked, would Russia attack the U.S or Britain."

No.

No reaction from Moscow at all on the killing of Alexander Litvenko.

Boris, London, UK

"Tell me the old old story.............." - as the old song goes !!!!!!!!

ian payne, walsall,

Thanx to Times for such a place to discuss.

The facts are:
1) Saakashvilli started the war on 7 Aug with entering the tanks into S.Ossetia and bombing its capital with 30000 inhabitants. The declared reason of the war begin was the brake of cease-fire agreement by the ossetian side.

Vrot Mnenogi, Babrujsk, Planet Earth

This whole thing is clearly the evil Bush's fault. If Georgia hadn't been coerced into wanting to join NATO, the poor Russians wouldn't have had to express their feelings of insecurity by invading, butchering the locals and occupying a large piece of the country. It's time to send in the Dalibama!

Rutger, Timbuktu,

Olesya, St.Petersburg, Russia: yeah, you're right, unfortunately many russians are still elves believing humans right, morality, democracy, freedom of speech, and other good tales. Fortunately our guvs are not you and they know the only way to be heard is to tell from the position of strength.

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

Why in our respective western nations are we paying so much taxes to buy all these super weapons then when we are attacked we just throw up our hands and surrender, The smell of fear and Cowardice is palpable.The Russians know they are dealing with Yellow dogs who are a disgrace to our past heroes .

Peter, Vancouver BC., Canada

"A weak nation has no diplomacy". I think this just sums everything up. When one of the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council wedge a war against any other nations, then it becomes "peace-keeping".........

JJ, edinburgh,

Russia now has a Fascist regime which is very dangerous. How can self-flagellating Westerners compare the US with Russian Fascism? God have mercy on a world without American power, in which Russian and Chinese despotism ruled: no more free opinions on the internet, dear fifth columnists.

Robert, London,

Ian, Austin TX, USA

Dont you really understand why Russian troops are still in Georgian cities Gori and Poti? So I can recommend you to use any -pedia and find out that these cities are the place where Georgian army bases, harbour and military airdromes are situated. I mean, were.

tekke, Babrujsk, Planet Earth

Ian , and what justification does america have to stay in iraq and kosovo? did any of those countries (serbia / iraq) attack American citizens? are they countires bordering America?
and Peter, who are these civilised countires? the UK? killing people all over the world in afganistan and iraq?

John, Sydney,

At this point it does not matter who was right and who was wrong. What matters now is they agreed to something in writing signed it and has not honored it. I think what the USA is doing is brilliant! Give someone enough rope and they will eventually hang themselves!

Christie, Austin, USA

Why Russian should withdraw if US and GB want to impose sanction against Russia anyway?

Alex, NY, USA

No one paid attention to Hitler's Mein Kampf in the 30s, or Putin's Millennium Manifesto in '99.

cvt, Windermere,

Peter, don't forget to add to the "club" US and UK who in "civilised manner" bombed Iraq in 21st century

Pc, Moscow,

Once a repressive communist state always a repressive communist state...the new USSR is born.

Question: Who of the old USSR has Nukes? Answer: Only the Russians. Georgia was counting on the US to defend them. Say it aint so.

Kevin , Denver, USA

I think it is clear to any follower of West-East politics vector...that West has been expanding by means of NATO bases far too close to Russia. Saakshvilly is a tool who started a bloody campaign. Georgian mothers & suns will be served much better by a peaceful leader...possibly Nino.

jeffersonian, San Francisco, US

Ian, what do american troops STILL do in Iraq?

Pc, Moscow,

Here is one sure way to get Russia less compliant with the West's demands: keep promising to Georgia that it would become a NATO member. There is no doubt that Russia will continue to destabilize its near-abroad, while the threat of NATO encirclement exists.

Oleg, Houston,

You poor British, you don't even know the real consequence of events!! You don't have access to independent media sources. You follow the american way and its mentally ill leader. Before judging study the matter in depth! Where is your independent thinking??? Georgia attacked Ossetia , not Russia!!!

Elena, Novosibirsk,

First of all, we're in no position to tell the Russians what to do in this situation, our actions in the past years took care of that. All this hatred of Russia is ridiculous and isn't based on anything. Yeah we have bad history, but it has nothing to do with this case.

Peter Nornstrom, Ottawa, Canada

Russia is going to commit suicide. I am very sorry but I can't help it.

evgeny, moscow, russia

A response to James , Orange , USA
Have the us border patrols you mentioned ever been attacked and killed on a daily basis by close range salvo launching? I think not! Scale wise it is preposterous to draw such a grotesque parallel. And where were you with your comments, when the US invaded Irak?

Paul, 100 mile house, Canada

Ian, Austin TX, USA
Ian, a lot of Russians doesn't support what's going on now. People really thought it was a peacekeeping mission and everybody is confused now. A lot of people in Russia stand for immediate troops withdrawal and keeping ceasefire agreement.

Olesya, St.Petersburg, Russia

I didnt realize the US was still in Iraq to prevent attacks on Russian citizens,that's fascinating.Aren't the Russian citizens you speak of in Ossetia?So why are you in Georgia proper?I do think it's pretty cool to be having this dialog with you Russians,despite the circumstances.There is hope still

Ian, Austin TX, USA

The cynicism and hypocrisy from the UK/USA is truly remarkable. This is a sign of rapid socioeconomic decline in our society. Clearly Russia has acted rationaly and correctly in this situation. Why is USA and UK still in Iraq?

Dan, Philadelphia, USA

Now the Russians are keeping out western journalists from South Osetia; why, because there was no gonocide and they have a problem making it look like there was.

Nick P., Camberley Surrey, UK

Russia must be stopped!

raph, London, UK

Suprise, suprise, Russia is lying.
Hungary '56, Czechoslavakia '68, Afghanistan '79, Georgia '08.

I guess with Russia's demographic crisis this is their only hope of increasing their population to a sustainable level.

Rab, Alexandria VA, USA

Anton: The US is in Iraq because Saddam remained a threat to the region. In the Caucasus, the only regional threat is YOU.

Alex: Russia has no right to any veto on who does or doesn't join NATO - and the FRG was a founding member, not even the last before the end of the USSR.

Alex Swanson, Milton Keynes, UK

Nick, Toronto, Canada: what is "cleaning up the mess"? It's very simple. It's about several answers

1) who did begin the war
2) who did block cease-fire in UN immediatelly after it started
3) who did arm and teach Geargian troops
4) who did block non-use of force agreement in UN a month ago

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

An option: NATO can fast-track membership for Georgia and the Ukraine. If Russia continues nastiness, a no-fly zone can be enforced by US F-22s, backed up, if necessary by US B-1s. The bad guys cannot defend against such a force and they might just sober up. Then, we can all get along, until......

LARRY BRAYTON, KNIK , ALASKA, USA

Today Georgia, tomorrow the Ukraine.

The West must do something.

Even Russian apologists admit Russia staying in Georgia is the same kind of inexcusable war crime as the USA staying in Iraq.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Paul said, "Both Iraq and the Serbs had UN warnings and there was significant murder, rape and genocide."

Not even the Americans alleged rape or genocide in Iraq. The fabricated story had to do with WMDs and Saddam being behind 9-11.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

@Paul Charles,
So if it was not shown on "Fox" - it has never happened, is it?

Aleks, London, UK

Russia is tossing international law in the garbage and following the practises of the USA and Israel.

If the USA were to bring its major war criminals to justice (even 2 years behind bars for Bush and Cheney) it would symbolically end American hypocracy and allow America to criticize Russia.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Our border patrol are attacked and killed on a daily basis on our southern border on US soil! But we don't go on to invade Mexico. All Russia posters here are probably paid Putin cronies that are told what to say.

James , Orange , USA

I'm a russian and I don't believe that our forces will stay in Georgia. I think it's just a matter of time - if the president orders it happens. Modern Russia is completely different country comparing with USSR. USA unfortunately is still in cold war era...

Denis, San Francisco, USA

I respected Times, they don't scare to show different points of view. And I don't like politicians, who think about power, oil, money, but not people.
Is it fact: Georgia begins to attack, kills many citizens?
Really is Tskhinvali destroyed? Gori, Poti? American loves oil too much, not freedom.

Evgeny, Taipei, Taiwan

John -- and in so doing leaving Germany responsible for its own security? Is that what you want?

Lyndon, Dunedin, New Zealand

Remember the first Gulf war? What was the rational for the US staying in Iraq for weeks after
the war was over? What was the rational for imposing the "no-fly" zones?

Andrey, Houston,

According to information from South Osethians, conflict has a significant number of murders, rapes and genocide performed by georgian troops during their invasion to South Osethia. Georgian army also consisted of foreign troops. Many of them used drugs. See US news report with Amanda Kokoeva....

Alex Meshkov, Beijing, China

Paul Charles, Charleston, US: bla-bla-bla... did you have UN sanction to invade Iraq? You didn't. Your intervention is the violation of international law. That's what it is and the same for Kosovo. In the both cases you used fake pretexts. Read Del Ponte memoirs. Do you know who she was?

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

Russia is not protecting russian citizens in Georgia, they are agressively trying to prevent the west from diversifying sources of oil . With the Georgian pipeline damaged or controlled by Russia, western Europe is more dependent on Russia.
This war is not about people it is about oil revenues

Ruth, Cary, NC, US

Jono - Good idea; hurry down to your nearest recruiting office and volunteer [ although between the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and today there have been several more grievious breaches of International Law carried out by England and the USA ]. May I recommend the Welsh Guards. A perfect match.

Robert, Boca Grande, USA

There is a significant difference here between Iraq, Kosovo and Georgia. Both Iraq and the Serbs had UN warnings and there was significant murder, rape and genocide. No such thing happened in Georgia. Russia is calling the West's bluff. Will the west actually do anything about it? We'll see.

Paul Charles, Charleston, US

The Russians have called the West's bluff. What will happen? One would guess little military threat and some economic threat. The Russians are betting that the divisions in the various western countries and their internal divisions will cause this whole thing to go away.

Paul Charles, Charleston, US

My guess is that the Russians are going to sit around until the Georgian president is run off. Once that happens they will have a say in who the new one is. Not outwardly but with back room deals that keeps Russia a player. They will probably get some power over the oil that goes to the west.

Paul Charles, Charleston, US

Let's face it, Russia holds all the cards in this game.
They supply a large fraction of Europe's gas and oil, they have a bigger army, and will behave in their sphere of influence as they wish. Bush wagging his finger is quite futile, since there is nothing the west can do at this time.

Gunther Steinberg, Portola Valley CA, USA

Josh from San Diego,the NATO "encroachment" has been at the request of the host nations.They are afraid of Russia and asked for our help because the Soviets occupied their countries for decades.That you place no responsibility for the current situation on Russia's history is...naive at best.

Ian, Austin TX, USA

was it like this 70 years ago? where people giving the nazis excuses for invading the rhineland, sudetenland etc?

will, grimsby, uk

So its ok for israel to take land in the middle east and get away with it. It looks like if you have the backing of the USA that it is ok to grab a piece of real estate but if the USA does not agree then its not ok.

john Foley, Pattaya, Thailand

Let the Russian invade their neighbors. It will drive the pusillanimous Europeans back into our arms. But this time we will abandon them as they abandoned us in 2003. The only European country that we will save will be Britain, in return for its loyalty to us in Iraq.

John, Washington, DC,

Dears all:

I live in Argentina, very far away from there, and I guess that I can see the "forest" instead of the single tree. To me, West has lost any moral right to claim anything, especially the States who have robbed, assaulted and flattered any nation they wanted to steal some oil from.

Brian, Montevideo,

I'm amazed by the arrogance and hypocrisy of Americans. With the blood of over one million Iraqis on their hands they think they are morally superior?

Ian, Sydney,

Nice one Richard of virgina, What has a dispute half way around the world got to do with the US. You forget in your analysis that Russia is a nuclear superpower. Have a look for The Dzar Bomba. Attack them in their back yard and they have more than 50% of your force.

Timothy Vukomanovic, Dalian, China

anton, how are you protecting russian citizens by being in ciites like gori, spenaki, zugdidi and poti that arent in SO and some cases arent even close to it. how is bombing georgian coast guard vessels protecting russian citizens.
must be thrilling to live in sebastapol too!

will, grimsby, uk

All the blame for the current situation does not lay with Russia. The U.S. run NATO has continually encroached into Russia's historic sphere of influence. More recently our act of placing "defensive" missiles in Poland. Lets think back to how the U.S. felt when Russia used a similar ploy in 1962.

Josh, San Diego, CA, USA

Ask yourselves the right questions, it's not only Western countries that can invade weak countries (Irak, Afghanistan, Palestine..). Russia is teaching a lesson here, noone can menace Russia even EU or US. Georgia leaders just sinked their country by doing that. Kosovo was freed why not Oss or Abkh.

Joe, Mtl, Canada

If these reports are true, then this is the most grievous challenge to international law we have faced for 70 years and the gravest threat to international peace since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, whether the former principle is defended or not. We need troops there NOW. Defend it.

Jono, Carmarthen, Wales

The perfect EU response to Russian aggression would be to cut Russia's energy exports substantially through draconian taxes on oil and gas consumption,which could be offset fully by cuts in other taxes. The Russians couldn't even complain about that.

pat, Dublin, Ireland

To peter and Ian

Why Americans stay in Iraq then, to deliver democracy? Russians also like to stay in Georgia
They will respect the integrity of Georgia as much USA and Europe repspect the integrity of Yugoslavia , by bombing embassies, hospitals etc.
They are learning from us I guess

peter, london, UK

Understand one thing. Russia has not risked so many things for two tiny portions of Georgia, or the protection of Russian citizens in those areas. The game board covers a lot more than Georgia and the next move will expand to other "near abroad" neighbors in eastern Europe.

G. Zaccardi, Port Orange, U.S.A.

It should now be clear, even to the Government of Germany, that Russia now feels it is strong enough to reconstitute Greater Russia. Russia's leaders have quite publically declared such intentions for some time; to popular acclaim at home, but seemingly not noticed in the West.
Beware near abroad.

Tonu, St. Petersburg,

Alexander,

Russia will leave when they are told, not when they feel like it. If Russia does not leave then they will be removed by force. Russia has less than half the military strength of the U.S. and less than 1/6 of the wealth of the U.S. - combine that with the rest of NATO and the EU ...

Richard, Virgina Beach, Virginia, U.S.

The situation, unfortunately, is apalling. It is true that the President will have to answer the questions, but thats normal when disasters like this hit. This could not be avoided. Whoever was in charge, and however hard we had tried. Its Russia resurgent. Hitting us (the world) all. Can't you see?

Tamuna, London, UK

Im curious to hear our Russian friends logic for their army remaining in Georgia now..

Ian, Austin TX, USA


Dear friend,
It's exactly the same reason why the US troops are still in Iraq. We want to prevent future attacks on Russian citizens.

Anton, Urjupinsk, Russia

"if Russians living in U.S or Britain were attacked, would Russia attack the U.S or Britain? i dont think so."

excellent point!

this is obviously an attempted land grab by russia

tyler, seattle, united states

if Russians living in U.S or Britain were attacked, would Russia attack the U.S or Britain.

gary, London, U.K

Let's put it another way. What the US and the UK would do to a country which was stupid enough to attack their peacekeepers and kill their citizens?

Anton, Urjupinsk, Russia

Alexander, what do you mean by 'cleaning up the mess' and 'through with it'??? I think Russia has already done enough cleaning up! I think it migth be time to let the West and Georgia actually begin rebuilding all that you have destroyed!!

Nick, Toronto, Canada

Ian, Austin TX, USA: each time I hear you westerns demand for our honor I cannot suppress hysterical laugh. Are you those gentlemen who promised United Germany is last NATO member? You've been said by Medvedev: "answer for 3 our questions then we'll continue discussion".

Alex, Vladivostok, Russia

if Russians living in U.S or Britain were attacked, would Russia attack the U.S or Britain. i dont think so. its time Russia pulls out of the whole of Georgia by respecting the ceasefire agreement they signed.

gary, London, U.K

World community got to understand that Russia will leave the state of Georgia only when it's through with it - not when somebody tells it to. The place is a mess, it needs some time to clean it.

Alexander, Vladivostok, Russia

Ian, the Russians are not our friends.

Bryan, Houston, USA

Russia needs to understand it has two options - behave in a civilised manner becoming of a nation state in the 21st century, or join the club of North Korea, Somali, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and other failed states. It is a shame Medvedev and Putin want to chose the latter.

Peter, London.,

Im curious to hear our Russian friends logic for their army remaining in Georgia now.It is not "western propaganda",it is fact,there are too many eye witnesses with cameras.Still defending Ossetia?You signed a cease fire agreement and you aren't honoring it,why?Your actions speak for themselves.

Ian, Austin TX, USA