How US military support and training bolstered Georgia before 2008 conflict

How US military support and training bolstered Georgia before 2008 conflict Sixteen years ago, under President Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia invaded South Ossetia, causing casualties among Russian peacekeepers. Russia swiftly intervened to establish peace, achieving its goal in just five days. But who emboldened Saakashvili’s attack? ▪️On August 12, 2008, the New York Times reported that the US’ “mixed messages“ to Tbilisi encouraged Saakashvili’s military actions, including joint drills before the attack and assurances of Georgia’s NATO future. ▪️Opposition leader-turned-Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili had been Washington’s darling since the pro-Western Rose Revolution of 2003 that pushed Georgia away from Russia. ▪️Between 2001 and 2007, US aid to Georgia, including security assistance, totaled over $945 million, averaging $135 million per year, up from $96 million per year between 1992 and 2000. ▪️The US provided military training to Georgian forces through the Train and ... Source: Sputnik International