I don’t know how many Malaysians were paying attention to the happenings in the Caucus but this Malaysian was. Russia flexed their military muscles in a big way and waited to see what response the world would provide. Their incursions into Southern Ossetia insults the sovereignty of the Georgian government but the latter was helpless to do anything. Stunningly coordinated was also the “liberation” of Abkhazia, another enclave just like South Ossetia with a overwhelming number of Russians who are being “oppressed” because of their ethnic background. I’m sure that Abkhazia’s proximity to the black sea is purely coincidental and that Russia was merely lending a helping hand.
News of Russia’s extra-curricular activities made the news all over Europe and various organizations and countries were quick to condemn Russia for their use of military strength over diplomatic approaches but none were brave or bold enough to castigate Russia. Weeks have passed and the regions of Ossetia and Abkhazia are firmly in Russian control. There is talk of imposing sanctions but Russia’s might is something to contend with and no one really wants to cast the first stone. Europe (both West and East) prefer to take a quieter approach and let the US begin a polemical war and argue why their invasion of Iraq differs significantly from Russia’s military actions.
One thing is for sure, Russia is not a country given to impetuous decisions. The tenebrous pall around the Kremlin conceals an ambition for greater things and a return to their glory days. I personally believe that this act of intrusion is merely the first step in their master plan to acquire more land and with it economic resources under the banner of “liberation”. While the world uttered strongly worded proclamations against Russia, none dare isolate the erstwhile sleeping giant and make an enemy of it.
But all this has given Russia a glimpse into the future. More pussyfooting by the UN and NATO and the EU will result in Russia making more forays into countries dotting it’s boundaries. What has become increasingly clear is that size does matter! Putin ( I say Putin because the puppet master is the one in charge, no?) is not one to be content and rest on his laurels. He will certainly push until he obtains material gains which will safeguard Russia and protect it’s interest Already Russia are working on a trans-Siberian pipeline to Beijing. They are independent and will continue to be so. Expecting Western style democracy and peace-loving measures to be institute is like cutting an appendage off and hoping it will miraculously grow back. Russia has always been a difficult country and with it’s heterogenized population, Western style reforms and political principals are a hard act to follow. As Russia has demonstrate in the past – Russia will do things the Russian way. The world bedamned!
Basically, size matters and having the right materiel is of paramount importance. Russia will continue to vigorously protect it’s own interests even if it’s at the expense of other nations. It remains to be seen, what kinds of aggressive acts by Russia will finally result in economic sanctions, worldwide approbation and possibly military action.
Bizarrely, some friends and I were having a theoretical discussion on what would happen if China decided to invade Malaysia. What if China had some sort of ancient parchment which states that Malaysia is actually a vassal of China? What if the document had a lease life of 999 years? What would happen? My love of hyperbole leads me to conclude that China might just get away with it.
