13 August 2008, 13:38
After the war, Georgia will face problem in economy, and Russia is under threat of isolation
After the failed "blitzkrieg" against South Ossetia, Georgia will face new economic problems, President Mikhail Saakashvili - attacks of the opposition and criminal prosecution, and Russia - possible isolation by international organizations, Russian media write today.
To understand the depth of Georgia's defeat, let us look into figures. In 2007, the military budget of Georgia made 1.1 billion dollars under the aggregate GDP of 10.2 billion dollars. The pointed attacks of Russian aircrafts have practically completely destroyed the military infrastructure of the country: Georgia has no more military aerodromes, bases and other necessary objects, the "Vedomosti" newspaper writes.
Even before the war, South Ossetia in Georgia experienced the lowest living standards of the greater part of the population. High unemployment rate, drop of citizens' revenues because of Russia-introduced sanctions have strengthened the role of opposition in Georgia.
In 2007, ex-minister of defence Okruashvili became one of the leaders of the opposition; by then, he was already in disgrace. One of the main targets of his criticism was Saakashvili's inability to solve the problem of uncontrolled territories. Okruashvili even said that in spring of 2006 because of Saakashvili a chance to seize Tskhinvali was lost.
In November 2007, Tbilisi watched mass protest actions, and the authorities had to apply force. President Saakashvili was criticized by European politicians and dared to appoint early election in January 2008. He won it with 53.4 percent of votes (in 2004 - 96 percent), but the opposition accused him of broad-scaled violations. The situation again was pushing Saakashvili to a military operation, even despite the risk of conflict with Russia, the newspaper writes.
Apart from economic and political problems in Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili can confront plenty of suits in the context of mass losses of Russian citizens in South Ossetia. Claims will be filed and lodged to international instances, the NEWSru.com forecasts.
Russia may also initiate a criminal case against Saakashvili. Russian legislation assumes attraction of foreign citizens to criminal liability for crimes committed against the interests of the Russian Federation, as the "Interfax" was told at the State Office of Public Prosecutor of Russia.