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PARANOICALLY SPEAKING

Conspiracy Theorists (and other sloppy thinkers) might note the group affiliation of some of those contributing to the funding of This is aside from the contribution of nom-doms like Boris Berezovsky's to the Ukranian Orange Revolution.

No doubt it's good for the free-market, although freeing the market didn't do much for Russia back in the 1990s.

i guess the generals will be watching russian tactics and capability? What is clear in inter state war air supremacy and anti tank capability are crucial.

the main effect is psychological -an example to any other states who are thinking of turning away from mother russia and pumpingh up russian prestige.

A country that can do what it wants and does is a superpower?

however a long russian occupation may result in another insurgency like chechnya?

There was a report of an attempted bombing of the oil pipeline. I have seen nothing since and wonder if that was black propaganda. If not the US response is going to be very interesting indeed should they succeed.

I assume that the Russians having shown their dominance and anger, at the alleged "genocide", will retreat to the "new" borders. I may prejudge of course.

The Georgians are kidding when they ask why the west does not respond militarily. This is not Hungary of Czechoslovakia. It looks as though they fired on civilians who really do want union with Russia.

They also seemed to home in on the Russians "targeting" the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. True?

On Zim I am delighted that a deal appears to be on the cards. I am surprised that Mugabe is playing along but Tsvangirai seems to be on top of his moves.

Putin's excuse to invade Georgia is to support its citizens in the disputed areas. Where have I heard that before?
Oh yes, Hitler used it to invade Poland et al whilst the west previously turned a blind eye with appeasement.

Nothing changes in history. Russia will invade Georgia and place its own puppet Government. That is where it will end.

Then, who is next whilst we all stand by.

Your programme on the Russian aggression against Georgia gave a "free ride" to the "representative" of Vladimir Putin.
His comments were objectionable to the truth of the situation, and contrary to what I have observed in various news reports.
Why are the media in general bending over backwards to accommodate a country which so obviously and blatantly has designs on the free countries which emerged from the dead system of communism?
Why does not some newsperson ask one of these russian "dignitaries" a straight question, like: "Are you determined to break up and assimilate Georgia and ignore its freedom to exist as a democratically elected government and free country.
No doubt the answers you might get would be disingenuous, but you will not know until the question is asked, and answered, which subsequent actions by the new budding ussr, will authenticate as to veracity.
Also, with the USA having supposedly "interest" in the Black Sea area, you could ask a US official to comment on the marked absence of ANY American ships or aircraft, when their nearest airfield is as close as Turkey???
Is poor Georgia being hung out to dry?
Has the West forgotten the tactics used by previous dictators when they "went to the assistance" of "Suppressed minorities"?
In my humble opinion, Georgia is only the beginning if the USA do not put a military threat in the way now, for Russia does not seem amenable to "negotiation, as, according to President Bush, Russia has already reneged on an agreement, and shows every intention of making Georgia cease to exist.
What does the EU do next??
If Russia is going to try its luck with another country, will the EU be able to do anything but TALK???
EU input to date is derisory.
The action of Russia raises many questions.
To date there seems to be no answers!

I have just watched Star Trek Voyager, after Newsnight. It was the Borg!!

In answer to firemensaction, Putin and the Russian collective may as well say:-
"Resistance in futile, you will be assimilated, you will comply".
As a thought Putin does bear some resemblance to a Borg,- total, if you stick a red light to his head.

A year ago News Night did a story about Chinese people crossing the China Russian border into Siberia and setting up business and homes.

Are the Russians really saying that China could Annex parts of Siberia ?

After all this is what their reasoning for South Ossetia and Abkhazia ?

One other comment -

Has anyone actually verified the Russian claims of 2000 civilian deaths in South Ossetia during the 8 and 9th of Aug ?

NGO's or the UN peace monitors or reliable TV reporters , anyone other than Russian funded organizations ?


It just seems to precise , because that number was very quickly used and has not grown or shrunk in the days after ?

No tribute to Bll Cotton or was Emily's hair in her eyes and I missed it !

What right has Georgia's President - Mikhail Saakashvili - to speak with the flag of the European Union flying conspicuously in the background at interviews and press conferences?

Is Georgia part of the EU?

Has anyone else noticed this?

NOT THE EUSSR

wanabee07 (#10) Yes - the Russian media did , but then he would... wouldn't he?

fakery in the olympics? why is no one surprised. which explains the empty seats.

Congratulations to Andrew North for asking Saakashvili point blank whether his misjudgement and miscalculations lead to this tragedy?

Dmitry Peskov's response to Emily's question on what Russia ultimately want was quite revealing.

In short, the coverage met the expectations and even surpassed some.

Great program Emily, and genuinely engrossing, but can we please please get Newsnight Scotland sorted out.

They came in at 10 minutes to 11 mid interview - started their program, realised their mistake, handed back to UK.

They restarted at 11pm, crashing in in the middle of your interview.

There really must be a better way of doing this.