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Georgian Conflict Highlights Eastern Anxieties

Ex-Soviet states unite in opposition to Russia

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2008 2:02 PM CDT

(Newser) – As Russian forces continue to roll through Georgia, both Eastern and Western nations are reconsidering their relations in the face of an emboldened and insolent Moscow. The Christian Science Monitor examines this new geopolitical reality from the perspective of ex-Soviet states determined to prevent a renaissance of Russia's hegemony over its neighbors.

The most immediate consequence of the Georgian invasion has been a quick resolution to US-Poland negotiations over long-disputed missile shield emplacements. "The events in the Caucasus show clearly that such security guarantees are indispensable," said the Polish PM. Now other Eastern European states are considering new policies to fend off Moscow, such as limiting the Russian navy’s use of their ports.

Polish and US negotiators exchange documents they just signed on an initial agreement on conditions for placing a U.S. missile defense base in Poland, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Aug.14, 2008.
Polish and US negotiators exchange documents they just signed on an initial agreement on conditions for placing a U.S. missile defense base in Poland, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Aug.14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)
A Russian soldier observes from a tank at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Gori, Georgia. Tensions within Eastern Europe remain sharp as Russia continues its military hold on Georgia.
A Russian soldier observes from a tank at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Gori, Georgia. Tensions within Eastern Europe remain sharp as Russia continues its military hold on Georgia.   (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
A Russian soldiers are seen on the outskirts of Gori, Georgia, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. Tensions within Eastern Europe remain sharp as Russia continues its military hold on Georgia.
A Russian soldiers are seen on the outskirts of Gori, Georgia, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. Tensions within Eastern Europe remain sharp as Russia continues its military hold on Georgia.   (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Russia's deputy chief of General Staff Col.-Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn said Friday, Aug. 15, 2008 that Poland's agreement to accept a U.S. missile defense battery exposes the country to attack.
Russia's deputy chief of General Staff Col.-Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn said Friday, Aug. 15, 2008 that Poland's agreement to accept a U.S. missile defense battery exposes the country to attack.   (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze, File)
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