War in the Caucasus: Russia's September,11

In August 8th 2008, while Beijing Olympic Games was inaugurated, a military campaign was launched by Georgian troops in South Ossetia. This event should be named the Caucasian 9/11, because it changed the old order and established a new one in the Caucasus. It took place while the United States was involving in the financial crisis, presidential elections and military problems in Afghanistan and Iraq. NATO's eastward expansion, next to Russian eastern and southern borders, as well as establishment of a missile defense shield in Poland and Czech republic, just closed to Russian western borders, brought about a very fragile situation to Russian national security. Colored revolutions alongside with NATO expansion and missile defense shield, has made Russia very sensitive to this trend. Georgia’s attack to the South Ossetia gave the best pretext to Russia to react seriously to Georgia’s campaign. It is clear that Georgian president had made mistakes and failed to estimate his own possibilities. Western support was not done and the Georgia that was waiting to get help from outside, remained alone.