TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bush Dispatches Troops To Georgia On Aid Mission

ADVERTISEMENT

The New York Times

Published: August 14, 2008

WASHINGTON - President Bush sent American troops to Georgia on Wednesday to oversee a "vigorous and ongoing" humanitarian mission, in a direct challenge to Russia's display of military dominance over the region.

His action came after Russian soldiers moved into two strategic Georgian cities in what he and Georgian officials called a violation of the cease-fire Russia signed.

Bush demanded that Russia abide by the cease-fire and withdraw its forces or risk its place in "the diplomatic, political, economic and security structures of the 21st century."

It was his strongest warning of potential retaliation against Russia over the conflict.

The decision to send the American military, even on a humanitarian mission, deepened the United States' commitment to Georgia and America's allies in the former Soviet sphere, just as Russia has been determined to reassert its control in the area.

On a day when the White House evoked emotional memories of the Cold War, a senior Pentagon official said the relief effort was intended "to show to Russia that we can come to the aid of a European ally, and that we can do it at will, whenever and wherever we want."

At a minimum, U.S. forces in Georgia will test Russia's pledge to allow relief supplies into the country and could deter further Russian attacks, though at the risk of a potential military confrontation.

"We expect Russia to ensure that all lines of communication and transport, including seaports, airports, roads and airspace, remain open for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and for civilian transit," Bush said.

"We expect Russia to meet its commitment to cease all military activities in Georgia, and we expect all Russian forces that entered Georgia in recent days to withdraw from that country."

In Georgia, President Mikheil Saakashvili, who has sharply criticized what he called a failure of the West to support his country, declared the relief operation a "turning point" in the conflict, which began on Thursday when Georgian forces tried to establish control in the breakaway region of South Ossetia, only to be routed by the Russians.

"We were unhappy with the initial actions of the American officials ... but this one was very strong," he said.

Saakashvili interpreted the aid operation as a decision to defend Georgia's ports and airports, though Bush administration and Pentagon officials quickly made it clear that would not be the case.

A senior administration official said, "We won't be protecting the airport or seaport, but we'll certainly protect our assets if we need to."

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT