Biden To Georgia At Saakshvili's Request

President Bush warned Russia on Saturday against trying to pry loose two separatist regions in Georgia and said Moscow must end military operations in the West-leaning democracy that once was part of the Soviet empire.

Bush told reporters at his Texas ranch that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's signing of a cease-fire plan with Georgia was "a hopeful step." But Russia's vision of Georgia without the provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was a nonstarter, the president said.

...

At the request of Saakshvili, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden, D-Del., scheduled a trip to Georgia this weekend for meetings with government officials as well as citizens forced to flee their homes.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[mnkors]

The GOP's beloved son Carl Rove had a meeting with Saacashvilli days before S. Ossetia was attacked
Saakashvilli was played for a fool. Welcome to the neocon world, Georgian fellow. Never mind that thousands have had their lives broken…
There is no accident that US had sent hundreds of marines to Georgia to take part in military exercises just few weeks before the Georgian assault on a peaceful city of Tskhinvalli. And of course, Israeli military advisors and weaponry were at hand before Saacashvilli ordered the bombardment.

[diogeron]

I hope Joe Biden gets back in time to accept the nomination for Obama's VP.

[bluesnot]

Saaka wasn't played for a fool. He was probably paid handsomely with U.S. taxpayer dollars.

[vegasobserver]

Joe Biden went down to Georgia
He was lookin' for some lines to steal....

[TrueThis]

Was that suppose to be funny?

[Freesia2]

Probably. Trying to be the "Devil". But just think of him as a "chicken in the bread pan pickin' out dough."



Obama/Biden '08

[NotMcCain]

I think it's very foolhardy for Democrats (like Biden) to be weighing in so heavily on Georgia's side.

Georgia. Attacked. First.

The whole world knows it. Our continued posture that they are some kind of innocent aggrieved victim just makes us look even MORE discredited than we already were.

The spectre of every U.S. politician trying to show just how tough they are vis-a-vis Russia (who, this time around, actually has more "right" on their side) is pretty pathetic.

[abby4ever]

Most of the European leaders are behaving the same way, though. Which is a change: usually itr's just us with the big stick. George did attack first, but Russia's response was over the top.

[Kache]

In what way was Russia's response over the top?

Georgia bombarded hospitals and civilian neighbohoods at night - on purpose - killing over 1500 and then cut off all water, gas, and electricity to Tskhinvali to force 35,000 people to flee for their lives. Russian have targeted Georgia's military and military bases to forcec Georgian troops to retreat - highest estimates of Russian caused casualties are under 200.

Russian peace keepers were in Ossesai under an Article 51 mandate as a "trip wire" to keep Georgia from repeating the atrocities they had indulged in in the 90's. The "trip wire" worked.

[cjk002]

Georgia didn't attack Russia, it tried to regain control of it's own breakaway territories. That in no way justifies Russia's disproportionate response.

[Kache]

Both provinces have voted to remain autonomous. Russian troops were in South Ossesia under a UN Article 51 mandate as peace keepers, a deal brokered by Strobe Talbot (Dep Sec of State - Clinton) 14 years ago. Ossesians are not Georgians, they speak a Pashto language and are a different ethnic group. South Ossesian population is 150K out of more than 700K Ossesians who live in 4 republics.

South Ossesia is a part of Georgtia because the Georgian military killed 100,000 Ossesians in 1994 when they voted for independence. These are not "breakaway territories", they are occupied territories.

[PAposter]

I agree that Russia used excessive force, however, if you can't run with the Big Dogs, stay on the porch. Georgia fired first, that fact is not disputable!

[Kache]

True! True!

I can't imagine how a US politician could take Russia's side in this, but Georgia was clearly the aggressor bent on ethic cleansing.

[sherbug]

Oh you mean like the U.S. attacking Iraq.

[Kache]

Jesus! Can anybody read??

Most of the commenters on this thread think GWB is behind Biden going to Georgia. No, the Bush administration has so screwed the pooch on this one that Georgia President Saakshvili has asked Biden to step in.

[Destin]

I pointed that out in my post, DUH, but I still think the White House probably suggested that Saakashvili invite Biden, since Biden is not only speaking at the coming convention, but also is on a very short list of VP contenders. I think it's an effort to get Dems involved, so that if they make gaffes, generally screw up, then it can be used against them the rest of the way to the election. It's probably more dangerous politically for Biden to visit Georgia right now, than it would be physically if Russia was carpet-bombing the airport while he landed. ;)

[Kache]

You could be right. But with any luck Joe will "be dodging sniper fire" as he lands and become an instant hero. Hey it woked for the former First Lady didn't it?

[MYQUEEN7]

You hit the nail on the head! While the title of the article at first glance is misleading, you do need to read at least the beginning of the article to discern which Prez made the request. Reading and understanding the news is going to be essential this election cycle. Let's challenge ourselves to get it right from the start.

What I think is more telling in this situation is that McCain (with the Georgian lobbyist Schuneman on his campaign team) dispatched Leiberman (McCain shadow) off to Georgia, but the Georgian Prez made a special request for Biden (Obama supporter).

[Kache]

Exactly. Saakshvili needs an adult to help him back away from the abyss. I have a feeling Joe initiated this with a phone call "Son, would you like some help getting out of this mess?"

[PAposter]

I agree, Bush sent Condi Rice, if he wanted Joe to go he would have sent him sooner. He has absolutely nothing to so with this meeting.

[Tropiholic]

i've always liked biden, hope he gets chosen for veep

[rinpochet]

I contributed to Biden at the same time I was giving to Obama so Biden as VP would make it perfect for me!

[Destin]

"Joe Biden, D-Del., scheduled a trip to Georgia this weekend for meetings with government officials as well as citizens forced to flee their homes."

Hmmm, why meet with only one side in this 3-way conflict? Or is the purpose of doing that, is because the US has a conflict of interest (Georgia) in the region? I would think that if Biden wanted the whole story, and the TRUTH, he should spend as much time meeting with the government of the Republic of South Ossetia and it's citizens who were also forced to flee their homes.

I can't believe Biden would allow himself to be used as a pawn like this. No doubt, it was probably the White House's doing to get "Awe and Saakashvili" to invite a potential VP or cabinet member over there, make them look bad, hope for some gaffes and then use it as electioneering in November. You just watch.

[jennbeez]

Why not McCain? Afraid he won't be able to make use of the opportunity to shine? Joe Biden will!

If Biden succeeds in brokering a deal, he will look even better on Obama's ticket. He's always been my first choice.

[Destin]

I agree with your hopes and sentiments, lol. I just hope Biden can pull it off and come away looking good, not only for himself, but for the Dems which will link it all back to Obama. If, however, Biden makes gaffes, screws up or does anything that can be used against the Dems, the right-wing radio shock jocks and White House combined, won't stop talking about it til the elections are over.

[LAR1969]

Yes! I was thinking the same thing just now. I'd love to see Biden on the ticket.

[LizM]

I can't believe that you would think that Biden is letting himself be used as a pawn. Anyone who know anything about Biden would find that comment laughable. And, if the White House was looking for gaffes, they're looking in the wrong direction!

[Destin]

Well, I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Guess I'll just have to wait and see. But if it turns out he wasn't used as a pawn, then I'll stand corrected. I'm just curious tho, why Saakashvili, of all the US politicians to invite, would invite Biden?? There's got to be some specific reason he wanted Biden and no one else. Maybe you can enlighten me.

[Kache]

"as well as citizens forced to flee their homes"

That should be in reference to the 35,000 who fled Tskhinvali (South Ossetian capital) for Russia after Georgian troops had essentially annihilated the city.

[northcan]

Why wasn't the expert John Sydney McCain III asked to go in Condi's place or Joe's??? I am surprised this so called expert of POW camps, has not demanded to go and do a stump while he's there.

[Wilburrr]

What? Saakshvili requests Biden and not resident Russian expert and Secretary of State Condi Rice? Why would that be.... anyone???

[RobertaInCT]

She was there but, he did not get the response he was looking for................

[filo]

SATAN????

[TrueThis]

He wanted someone with smarts and common senses. He realized now that McBush is full of hot air.

[Kache]

Because Saakshvili has found himself "up the creek without a paddle" and Joe has a canoe. Saakshvili asking for Biden's help means he's abandoned the US administration and is seeking help from anyone who can possibly hold his hand as he backs away from the cliff's edge in the dark of night.

[LizM]

I like that! I hope you don't mind if I use that and embellish it a bit..."fil­l-in-the-b­lanks up a creek without a paddle and Biden has a boat with a high-powered engine!" You could go virtually anywhere with that phrase. Thanks!

[SShaw490]

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm getting a bit annoyed with Saakashvili trying to work American politicians. Note to Georgia - America is not going to go to war with Russia over you idiots violating a signed agreement and attacking South Ossetia and getting the hell beat out of you. Russia shouldn't have driven so far into Georgia and I'm sure Russia is doing a lot of very bad things because that's how Russia plays. But, like Will Smith said, "Don't start nothin', won't be nothin'".

[Barky]

"Work American politicians". ????

They always do...or try to do especially when they find idiots running the country. Chalabi did it to the US in spades re: Iraq. Saakashvili thought he was already a member of NATO. There is no way he gets that designation. Most of Europe gets most of their energy needs from the Russians...and so we have a case of boy George without allies again. Prediction: regime change coming to Georgia. Like the Russian colonel said "If Americans can go to Baghdad...we can go to Tbilisi". That says it all.....cause Tbilisi is in their backyard.

[Freesia2]

With the shape our politics is in right now, Russia, Georgia, anyone, can play us like a fiddle. Especially when you have people like McCain helping rosin the bow.

There's always seems to be some sort of trouble, somewhere in the world. I don't know what it feels like to not have that threat. But I don't think I've ever felt quite so vulnerable as an American. And oddly, it's not necessarily from another country or far away faction. It's my own government. They make my country feel like foreign territory.

[jhink465]

Russia just gave them a little shock and awe. Something they learned plays well in the west.

[sanywhere]

"that is how russia plays"

um, hypocritical. i don't really think you want to get into a bad vs. good right now when our nation is doing what it has been. and "you idiots" points to you having no respect for people. focus on their governments, not the population. remember, you don't like it when people blame the u.s. people for the iraq war. it was our government.... and no, i did NOT vote them in.

[Teyshar]

Incorrect. Georgia did not violate an agreement. First and foremost this fight started when ethnic Ossetians first ran out half their population aka Ethnic Georgians. In order to avert a conflict the CIS (commonwealth of Independent States) shortly after the fall of the USSR brokered a peacekeeping deal where Ossetians, Georgians and CIS forces would make sure this no longer happened while peace was brokered. When Edouard Schevrenadze (aka former Soviet BIG wig) was deposed for fixing elections the new Georgian government wanted to remove Russian influence (4 old Soviet Bases in Georgia). This was used to blame Georgia for supporting Chechen and Islamic fundamentalists commiting terrorist acts against Russia. So Russia decided to play into the dispute internal to Georgia.

Georgia after many years of talking decided enough and moved into there own territory to establish control. Russia then used defending Russians (People who obtained citizenship by Passport drives in the breakaway regions not originally Russians) as a reason to counter Georgia. The failure to understand more than the constant cry of Georgia started the entire affair is not entirely correct. If the Ossetians/Russians want to disagree with the rule of law of their country they should do so by political means. If they think life is better as a Russian then move to Russia. Declaring themselves Russian and kicking out Georgians they can now just up and seceed to Russia that is an nsurgency. If Russia supports Ossetia with troops then that is War.

[PAposter]

Wrong Georgia violated an agreement, it was discussed on Meet the Press this morning. They agreed not to use military force against Russia, and proceeded to defy that agreement and subsequently get their country destroyed by the Military Super Power named Russia.

[Kache]

Get your facts straight. Russia abandoned those bases. In fact, US and NATO advisers took control of one of those bases just two weeks ago in preparation for the night time assault on Ossesia that virtually destroyed the Ossetian capital.

This was a blantant attempt at ethnic cleansing. Saakashvili should be hauled to The Hauge to stand trial along side Milosevic.

[speakingtruth2power]

Another headline that is easily misinterpreted. I wondered why Resident boosh

would undercut the grey haired express, already planning to go there together.

[Elderlady]

I think they should all go. All the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should just up and traipse off to Georgia. What else do they have to do with their time? Congress is in recess. And, why the heck are we paying a President, and a Secretary of State, anyway? Who needs them?

[Turningfool]

We pay the Prez to vacation on his ranch and at Camp David. The Sect'y of State is paid to shop. Which is a good thing, since the less they do the less harm.

[lapdogs]

In other words, Bush and Cheney need "A Real Grown-Up" to go to Georgia for their Administration?

Speaks volumes for the Childish Bush Administration - who still doesn't know what Century it is - and the fact that Bush did the same thing of invading a country that Russia did!!!

[jennbeez]

Except Russia has a heck of a lot more justification to "invade" Georgia than Bush had for Iraq.

[OldKnute]

I think Biden is perfect! He is trusted on ALL sides.


Georgia?? A surprise???

Oh COME ON!

This is the Reagan years thrown back in our faces.

The Reagan Doctrine,,,

Spend the Russians into oblivion. Find some alcoholic bungler Yeltsin,, then back him in office and send in Opium and Heroin from Afghanistan. Drag Russian Military into un-winnable wars of Proxy,, Support the Russian Mafia and Oligarchs rape of Russia,,,, and conquer Russia with Drugs and Military Spending,,, FORCE Russia into Bankruptcy.




The Putin Doctrine,,,

Do exactly the same,,,

Find an alcoholic BOOB,, back his Presidency, plans to take over the world for Democracy,, Play into his boldness and stretch out the United States military with worldwide “Ginned” up conflicts, Plant Documents,, Niger Yellow Cake,,, Get the President to over commit his forces, Multi Front wars,,, drain the opponents economy, depleted their Military capability by over extension,, Time in Theater,,,, exhaustions.

Consolidate financial holdings,, OIL money,, boost manufacturing, logistics, train up and build your Military in secret.

Keep the BOMB,, but put them away,,, Focus on,,, Surgical,,, Fast Response Military training (Special Opps) and BUILD YOUR Armor. Respect your Generals and listen to them,, and WAIT,,, WAIT.. WAIT,, till the timing is right.

Reagan all over again.

Putin learned well.

Check Mate,, Putin.

Go Joe Biden,,, GO!

America TRUSTS YOU!

All the best

Knute Neo-LIB

[Kache]

More truth to that than we like to admit OldKnute!

We've got some really good checkers players setting at Putin's chess table. He doesn't stand a chance. McC doesn't even play checkers, he's a 5 card draw man. He'll do REAL good at the chesss table to! If I was Putin I'd be scared of these guys. NOT!

[OldKnute]

Oh Paaalease!

Putin would invite a rash response from America now. Especially a Ground War.

Umm???

The,,,, Russian Winter,,,, is right around the corner!!!!!

This is why I am PRAYING Joe Biden can do his work,, WELL,, hear both sides,, Get with Vladimir and Dmitry,,, talk it out with Mikheil and see what can be done.

AGAIN,, we let our PRIDE,, and EGOs lead,,, and AGAIN,, underestamate4 out adversaries. Long ago,, like when Russia was looking to the West for help in learning of Democracy we FAILED them,,, Not Putin,, we failed the Russian People.

Now I am counting on ONE thing,,, the Intellect of Vladimir Putin to realize he has won,, and to seek a new relationship with the West. A relationship negotiated in strength and honored by all. A NEW beginning.

Joe Biden can be the KEY,, to further improvements between our peoples,,,, Russia and America,,, With Joes help and trust of the American people that Joe Biden will bring,,, Putin can bypass the Rove/Chene­y/Adington­/Bush Jr. ,,,, SPIN machine.

Putin can talk directly to America.

Joe Biden,, will see to it.

Drag out the Nukes,,,, like McCain wants???

I don’t think so,,, Russian troops are imbedded withy civilian towns. You want the death of MILLIONS of Russian and Georgians on our hands????

I don’t,, I want Russians to LIVE,,,, right along with Americans.

I want Joe Biden to do his work,,, WELL,, and tell America the TRUTH.

Thank you

All the best

Knute Neo-LIB

[johjac]

Super post!

[dana94591]

I am sadden because according to Richard Holbrook there is some ethnic cleansing going on. This is terrible! I am encouraged that the Georgian President has asked Joe Biden to come and help. Holbrook is there also. This has got to be stopped. Also what does this do to our relations with Putin/Medvedev and Russia. Up for grabs? Can we tolerate another Cold War???

[SShaw490]

There was ethnic cleansing going on on August 7 and 8, too, in South Ossetia. Or is it worse when it goes on in Georgia because they have a type of government we like better?

[Ides]

Holbrooke is just repeating what he's hearing from Georgia, so he's full of crap. On the other hand, he's accidentally right that South Ossetians and Georgians are engaged in ethnic cleansing and grudge murder against each other on the ground (and anything that moves in the case of Georgia against reporters).

Basically, Russia's refereeing a civil war. Kind of like us in Iraq.

[Kache]

Holbrook would have been HRC's Sec of State. That's the main reason why I quit supporting her. Holbrook thinks this is the Balkans, it's not.

[Kache]

The ethnic cleansing was carried out by the Georgian forces when they attacked with bombardment targeting civilian targets like hospitals, essentially destroying the capital of Tskhinvali. 1500 civilian deaths, water and electricity cut. In a province of 150,000, 35,000 Ossetian fled for their lives into Russia. Then, Rusia responded.

[Conejo]

Biden would be a great VP choice. He is a tough cookie and could help Obama a lot. He could be Obama's "attack dog."

[TrumanHugh]

Damn right! He would eviscerate Romney (or any other GOP running mate) in a debate and would step up with foreign policy expertise second to none. I also don't shift in my seat whenever I watch him in interviews or panel discussions; I know he can hold his own, he stays on message and fights hard for what he believes in.