When Russia launched a military offensive into South Ossetia (part of Georgia), it was met with world displeasure. Many nations disapproved of Russia's tactics, but held full support for Georgia. Throughout the media and public speeches made by world leaders, we were left with the idea that Georgia was the victim and Russia the aggressor - willing to invade another nation simply to prove its might and expand its wealth. Though the previous statement does hold a fair bit of truth (Russia does indeed feel the need to prove its strength and show that it is an important component of world politics), the situation in Georgia is not so simple. First off, it is necessary to note that South Ossetia is comprised up of mainly ethnic Russians (more than two thirds). South Ossetia had previously declared independence from Georgia, and before the conflict arose, Georgian troops clashed with South Ossetian separatists. In an interesting political ploy Moscow had previously offered Russian passports to South Ossetians, of which more than half the population accepted. Though Russia did invade South Ossetia (and in turn, Georgia), Georgia made the first move by bombing South Ossetia itself, with the intention of regaining full control the area. To many South Ossetians, Russia's invasion is seen as a liberation of South Ossetia from their rulers.

The United States was quick to scold Russia for its "Cold War" type aggression and released a number of press releases that were almost impossible to be taken seriously considering the hypocrisy involved. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took a stand by saying "This is not 1968...where Russia can threaten its neighbors, occupy a capital, overthrow a government, and get away with it. Things have changed." (video here) Perhaps someone could be so kind as to remind Ms. Rice to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Senator Mccain, possibly the future president of the United States, even went public to say that "In the 21st century, nations don't invade other nations." (video here). He too is unaware that his own nation is currently at war for the sole reason that Iraq supposedly had weapons of mass destruction. And so we come to a point when we wonder which war is more justified? The American invasion of Iraq?or the Russian invasion of South Ossetia? One things definitely for sure, the United States is in no position to denounce Russia for the invasion of Georgia, since the American government has lost all credibility when it comes to the topic of invasion.