Connect

Revolution in Georgia?

Today's massive protests in Georgia are getting major media coverage, but few are reporting that this seems to be the beginning of a revolution in the small European nation. (Tea Party protesters take note!) BBC reports today: Thousands of Georgians have gathered outside parliament saying they will not disperse until the president resigns. Protesters, numbering up to 60,000, blamed President Mikhail Saakashvili for defeat against Russia in August's war and said he had stifled democracy. BBC quotes Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili as saying, "There is no chance of a revolution in Georgia." However, a bulletin from Stratfor Global Intelligence says quite the opposite: This is not the first set of rallies against Saakashvili, who has had a rocky presidency since taking power in the pro-Western “Rose Revolution” of 2003. Anti-government protests have been held constantly over the past six years. But the upcoming rally is different: This is the first time all 17 opposition parties have consolidated enough to organize a mass movement in the country. Furthermore, many members of the government are joining the cause, and foreign powers — namely Russia — are known to be encouraging plans to oust Saakashvili.... If the movement does inspire such a large turnout, it would be equivalent to the number of protesters that hit the streets at the height of the Rose Revolution, which toppled the previous government and brought Saakashvili into power in the first place. Full Article at www.stratfor.com... RELATED: Georgia: Unrest and the Secessionist Regions - Strafor (with free subscription) Georgia's president under pressure to resign - The Associated Press Georgians ask Saakashvili to resign - United Press International Georgians Rally Outside Parliament, Demand President Mikhail - TransWorldNews Georgians call for President to quit 09/04 20:03 CET - euronews Georgia: Oppositon Gives Saakashvili Ultimatum to Resign - EurasiaNet Chicago News Bench RSS Feed CommieBama Hats and More