The incompliance of Russia to the six-point plan has sent up a red flag. The six-point resolution was agreed upon by both Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Saakashvili on August 12. The principles state there be no recourse to use violence between the protagonist, the cessation of hostilities, the granting of access to humanitarian aid, the return of Georgian armed forces to their usual quarters, Russian armed forces return to positions held before hostilies began in South Ossetia along with peacekeepers to implement additional security measures until an international monitoring mechanism is in place and the opening of international discussions on the modalities of security and stability of South Ossetia and Abkhazia(2).
According to U.S. analyst Ariel Cohen, the West should send a strong message to Russia that “redrawing the borders of the former Soviet Union is a danger to world peace.” During a United Nations Security Council meeting on August 28, some suggested sanctions against Russia including exclusion from the G-8, withdraw of support for Russia as the 2014 Winter Olympics host and reconsideration of the World Trade Organization membership.
The Russia-Georgia conflict is an example of power struggle where citizens, innocent humans, are involved and harmed because of political strife. I agree with Obama’s immediate statement to reconcile through dialogue, not threats. Now I will step down from my soap box.
(1) Nichol, Jim. Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interest. CRS Report for Congress, 29 Aug. 2008. Congressional Research Service RL34618.
(2) Deutsche Presse Agentur. “Background: six-point peace plan for the Georgia-Russia conflict.” Relief Web. 15 Aug. 2008. 17 Sept. 2008.
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What are human rights? Human rights are basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. Everyone is given the right to life, liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law. There are several conflicts that occur between government and rebel groups on a daily basis.
In Sudan and Georgia, not many have access to human rights.
In Sudan, enslavement still exists and is encouraged by the Sudanese government. In the Darfur region, war is prevalent between Africa tribes and Arab groups over access to land. Last year, two armed African groups rebelled against the Khartoum regime. The government responded by giving military support to Arab militias. The Sudanese military planes are bombing villages after which Arab militaries rape and kill survivors. Sudan currently has 17,000 child soldiers fighting on the government side. Several hundred students were imprisoned as well after the members of the Justice and Equality Movement.
In Georgia, torture is a huge issue. However, there have been numerous reforms on the part of the government to decrease it. Human rights are supposed to be guaranteed in Georgia by the constitution. In 2005, the Georgian Orthodox church placed a considerable monopoly in Georgia. For this reason, minority groups found it hard to build places of worship.
Michael Rubin quotes The Wall Street Journal, saying, “The jihad is our way, and we will not abandon it and keep the banner high.”
A recent news briefing from CNN said that Georgian leaders blame Russia for the conflict that raged in South Ossetia in response to devastation in the city of Tskhinvali. Mikhail Gorbachev told CNN’s Larry King that Russia called extra troops into Georgia to stem violence.
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