I think that it was a very good decision for Russia and Europe that the russians kept their heads somewhat cool, and did not go for the full strategic military advantage that could been had when entering Georgia - but rather is playing up to the media onslaught by firstly of Georgia, but also the US and others, for "winning hearts and minds" - which it seemingly was all about anyways to gain political capital and geopolitical leverage.
Almost everyone now seem to be involved in some kind of diplomatic damage control - a comforting sign at least. The Russians take the high road and claim protection of the minorities as their concern, Georgia claims attack on liberty and democracy, the US also tries the humanitarian route while hinting of russian imperialism and Europe talks stability. Even Israel seems stopping the celebration of IDF-supported "successful attacks" in Georgia.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1011720.html
Our friends in Georgia
By Anshel Pfeffer
Talking to official Israeli representatives in Georgia can be confusing. One moment they're bragging about their close ties with senior members of the local government "He's our man, he's been working with us for years," they say of a government minister and the next they're emphasizing that Israel does not support either side, and is trying to keep its head above the murky waters of the Caucasian swamp.
It can be said almost with certainty that Israel bet on the wrong horse here, and is trying to limit its damage which may turn out to be particularly serious as swiftly as possible.
Israel wanted to play a central role in Georgia. Ostensibly, this was a perfect opportunity. A pro-Western government that controls a central oil transport junction, with senior officials who are Jewish and were even educated in Israel, and an army thirsty for Israeli weapons and knowledge. On top of all that, our American ally was also a senior partner in the Georgian project. Advertisement
Many diplomatic and business opportunities opened there, and battalions of former generals, diligent entrepreneurs and middlemen quickly swooped down on them. Now, as the Russian media, guided by the Putin government, is emphasizing Israel's contribution to "the Georgian aggression," the Israeli Foreign Ministry is suddenly quick to mention that it always has warned against the wholesale weapons export permits issued by the Defense Ministry.
...
To date, Putin and his ostensible successor Dmitry Medvedev were considered sympathetic to the Jews; they maintain warm ties with the leaders of the Moscow Jewish community, and with Russian-Jewish oligarchs Roman Abramovich, Lev Leviev and their associates. But make no mistake: It's a marriage of convenience. Putin has played the Israeli-Jewish card in the past; about four years ago, during one of the crises with Ukraine, Putin spoke of the influence of "Zionist advisers." If the situation in Georgia worsens, anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli notes will begin slipping into Russian propaganda. Overly blatant Israeli involvement and a strong Jewish presence in the Georgian government would probably lead to that.
Official Israel has understood the message, although belatedly, and it is beginning to lower its profile. For now the 12,000 Jews living in Georgia have chosen to tie their fate with that country, and there seems to be no panicked flight. If this changes, the Israeli government has contingency plans to rescue them. These plans are dependent on Putin's goodwill.
Israel has a long, unfortunate history of supporting failing, problematic regimes, from Idi Amin in Uganda to Augusto Pinochet in Chile, including the generals in Argentina and the Phalanges in Lebanon. The establishment repeatedly has been enticed to believe Israel can be a regional power, and has paid a painful price every time. Now, we may be able to thank Putin for quickly showing Israel the limits of its power and influence, and letting it escape with minimal damages.
Lol, is there any wonder some people/the world get upset with Israel sometimes? The IDF bragging of how they helped in killing russians does not exactly help.
Almost everyone now seem to be involved in some kind of diplomatic damage control - a comforting sign at least. The Russians take the high road and claim protection of the minorities as their concern, Georgia claims attack on liberty and democracy, the US also tries the humanitarian route while hinting of russian imperialism and Europe talks stability. Even Israel seems stopping the celebration of IDF-supported "successful attacks" in Georgia.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1011720.html
Our friends in Georgia
By Anshel Pfeffer
Talking to official Israeli representatives in Georgia can be confusing. One moment they're bragging about their close ties with senior members of the local government "He's our man, he's been working with us for years," they say of a government minister and the next they're emphasizing that Israel does not support either side, and is trying to keep its head above the murky waters of the Caucasian swamp.
It can be said almost with certainty that Israel bet on the wrong horse here, and is trying to limit its damage which may turn out to be particularly serious as swiftly as possible.
Israel wanted to play a central role in Georgia. Ostensibly, this was a perfect opportunity. A pro-Western government that controls a central oil transport junction, with senior officials who are Jewish and were even educated in Israel, and an army thirsty for Israeli weapons and knowledge. On top of all that, our American ally was also a senior partner in the Georgian project. Advertisement
Many diplomatic and business opportunities opened there, and battalions of former generals, diligent entrepreneurs and middlemen quickly swooped down on them. Now, as the Russian media, guided by the Putin government, is emphasizing Israel's contribution to "the Georgian aggression," the Israeli Foreign Ministry is suddenly quick to mention that it always has warned against the wholesale weapons export permits issued by the Defense Ministry.
...
To date, Putin and his ostensible successor Dmitry Medvedev were considered sympathetic to the Jews; they maintain warm ties with the leaders of the Moscow Jewish community, and with Russian-Jewish oligarchs Roman Abramovich, Lev Leviev and their associates. But make no mistake: It's a marriage of convenience. Putin has played the Israeli-Jewish card in the past; about four years ago, during one of the crises with Ukraine, Putin spoke of the influence of "Zionist advisers." If the situation in Georgia worsens, anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli notes will begin slipping into Russian propaganda. Overly blatant Israeli involvement and a strong Jewish presence in the Georgian government would probably lead to that.
Official Israel has understood the message, although belatedly, and it is beginning to lower its profile. For now the 12,000 Jews living in Georgia have chosen to tie their fate with that country, and there seems to be no panicked flight. If this changes, the Israeli government has contingency plans to rescue them. These plans are dependent on Putin's goodwill.
Israel has a long, unfortunate history of supporting failing, problematic regimes, from Idi Amin in Uganda to Augusto Pinochet in Chile, including the generals in Argentina and the Phalanges in Lebanon. The establishment repeatedly has been enticed to believe Israel can be a regional power, and has paid a painful price every time. Now, we may be able to thank Putin for quickly showing Israel the limits of its power and influence, and letting it escape with minimal damages.
Lol, is there any wonder some people/the world get upset with Israel sometimes? The IDF bragging of how they helped in killing russians does not exactly help.
