By Behnam Elmi

October 17, 2006
Iran - Tehran Times - Home Page (English)    

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili. Three days after the U.N. Security
Council ordered Georgia to pull troops from contested territory in nearby
Abkhazia. Tbilisi shows no signs of budging, with many here describing the
U.N. vote as an act of betrayal bu the United States. (above).

—BBC NEWS VIDEO: An in-depth look at the crisis in Georgia over
its arrest of Russian soldiers charged with spying, and Georgia's
claim over nearby Abkhazia, Oct. 8, 00:51:58

One of for Russian soldiers accused of spying and subversion
by Georgia being escorted by Georgian police, Oct. 2. (below).





Map of Georgia and environs. Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia is in
the extreme northwest of the country. Goergia says that Russia
ran 80% of the original population out, leaving only seperatists.

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With the interests of the major powers converging, the U.N. Security Council has issued resolutions against North Korea and Georgia.

On October 13 the Security Council issued a resolution against Georgia, asking the Caucasus nation to withdraw its forces from the Kodori Gorge, located in the separatist province of Abkhazia , which is backed by Russia. The council also extended the mission of U.N. forces located there for another six months.

[Editor's Note: The U.S., E.U. and most international organizations recognize Abkhazia as part of Georgia. But the Abkhaz government and the majority of the current Abkhazian population consider Abkhazia a sovereign country. In fact, Abkhazia historically is a part of Georgia. Georgia says the Russians drove out 80% of the population, leaving only the seperatists that Moscow supports].

The United States and major international organizations regard the province as part of Georgia.

The resolution on Georgia which was drafted by Russia had been stalled for two weeks, due to resistance by the U.S and Britain. Suddenly, however, the council passed the resolution and unbelievably, the West turned its back on Georgia, one of the former Soviet republics that is regarded as part of the West's sphere of influence.

One day later, on October 14, the Security Council approved Resolution 1718, imposing sanctions on North Korea in response to its October 9 nuclear test. The Russians and Chinese had decided to back a resolution against their traditional ally, North Korea. That resolution had been drafted by the U.S. and Japan.

These developments show that the members of the Security Council make deals and concessions based on their own interests, as though it were some kind of asymmetrical political game.

Russian support for North Korea and American support for Georgia had been key elements of the policies that these great powers pursue in the international arena.

But U.S. support for the Georgia resolution contradicted its policy. The need for a resolution against Pyongyang for its nuclear test compelled Washington to soften its stance toward Russia's position on Georgia, resulting in deal between them to pass the two resolutions.

These events once again illustrate that the international community cannot count on the world's leading powers and that the Security Council has been turned into a tool for the major powers to further their own interests, especially since the end of the bipolar system the world used to follow.

VIDEO FROM IRAN: 'BAD COWBOY'

ANTI-U.S. PROPAGANDA CARTOON

Jaam-E-Jam3 TV, IRAN: Excerpts from a cartoon broadcast on Iranian television, preparing Iranians for war, May 15, 00:01:18, Via MEMRI

"Beyond the high mountains, beyond the boundless seas, in the new land sits an eagle with closed beak and spread wings. At the tips of its claws - arrow, blade, and sword Little contemptible cowboys behind this impressive image see themselves dressed like kings and caesars."

ANTI-U.S. PSY-OPS