buddy larsen

Democratic government? It is a good thing!

One more comment about the article. I see a wrong interpretation of the upcoming battle for the Kodori Pass. The Upper Kodori Gorge is a strategically important bridgehead, now controlled by Georgians. They got control over the area this winter by taking it from the local Swans (one of the Georgian ethnic group) allied to Abkhazians. Abkhazians have not been happy since than, because by advancing from this bridgehead Georgians could make a havoc in the rear of the Abkhazian troops, which are facing Georgian along the Enguri River, and could cut Abkhazia in two parts, threatening their main city Sukhumi. This is why Abkhazians are taking advantage now to regain the Pass. It is important for Abkhazian to secure their positions, but it is absolutely useless for Russians had they wanted to cut the Georgian sea ports off, like the article is stating. Just look at the map. 4000 Russians are already in Ochamchire now. This area is an open plain, good for tank advance. If Russians want to cut the Georgian sea ports, they can easily roll in their tanks to the South. Why should they go in the opposite direction, up to the snowy mountains?
You, guys are so hawkish, but so dilettantish as well. It is just a fun to read what some of you post here.