Our Allies: Georgian Soldiers In Iraq

Georgia is being a good ally. But... they have problems at home and by cooperating here and in Afghanistan they are getting a cadre of well-equipped and well trained troops. The Russians and various separatist groups take note.

That’s truth - Georgia is being a good ally. Their militaries (mostly special combat forces) were trained by US instructors. Moreover, it should be noted that numerous military officials (various types) are very welcome in that Eastern European country.

This is very important for at least two major reasons: controlling possible Iraq related problems in the circle and the preparation of strong military (air) base if conflict with Iran gets inevitably escalated.

Soon or later US troops will be leaving Iraq. It will be time for Iraqis to demonstrate whether they are still capable to handle the granted freedom, civil (elected) government and human rights. It would be foolish to think that there will be all problems settled between fighting clerical and ethnic sides. Their inability to get over the 7th century theological and sectarian disputes for the sake of their future generations is already witnessed by international societies. There is a good chance for spreading that political chaos in the region and beyond negatively affecting US political allies, geo-political and economic interests.

Therefore, certain US troops should be stationed in close vicinity but with friendly and cooperative environment – such as Georgia. In general, with US and NATO assistance Georgia has already modernized existing military bases and infrastructure according to NATO standards.

Re-deployment of limited US immediate response forces in Georgia would be a win-win solution for both sides. For the US it is a long-term solution to control Iran-Iraq situation on constant bases and expand air defense system capacity being developed in Eastern Europe. It also will be advantageous for US to monitor Russian wrongdoings from closer distance.

For Georgia it would be a definite plus to have its airspace controlled by US and NATO allies. This would chill down Russian ambitions to act as a nasty player against Georgia, US and NATO countries. The eradication of Russia from the Eastern European (Southern Caucasian) political map would make all types of separatists more modest, talkative and cooperative to settle disputes by the means of negotiation in West reintegrated sovereign Georgia.

God bless US soldiers serving their country abroad.

John's statement certainly can't be repeated too often.

*chalking off mandatory quotidian bone to the landlord*