Former Russian and Georgian residents and close friends at K-State say war in their home countries does not affect their personal relationship.
    The conflict occurring between Georgia and Russia seems far away and affects few people in the United States, and for two K-State students who are natives of the these countries, it seems that is still true.
    Angelina Dabagyan, a sophomore in political science, and Tamar Kvaratskhelia, a senior in family studies, are the best of friends.
    Both said they have talked about the effects of the war on their relationship, but each insists it has not caused any tension between them.

THE WAR IN GEORGIA
    Around the beginning of August, the region between the Caspian and Black seas erupted with violence.
    The conflict started when the armies from the nation of Georgia invaded South Ossetia in an attempt to reclaim land. Following Georgia’s actions, Russia claimed Georgia was committing genocide against the residents of South Ossetia.
    Steven Long, associate professor in the political science department, said the death toll in South Ossetia is in the hundreds — not the thousands — so Russia’s label of “genocide” is inaccurate.
    Long said the cause was most likely because of “domestic political incentives” on Russia’s part and that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev might be trying to send a message to the rest of the world.
    “Medvedev has a civilian background and may need to show he is tough enough to lead the country,” Long said.
    Vladimir Putin is no longer president of Russia, but is still closely involved with the running of the country, Long said.
    “He has incentives to show that Russia is still a major player even though he isn’t in control anymore,” Long said.
    Though the two nations are fighting, the relationship between the countries has been amicable in recent history. The conflict is a bit of a surprise as the two presidents were planning to meet in the Georgian capitol sometime soon.
    “Having tensions is one thing, but escalating to full-scale war is quite another step,” Long said.
    While this is not a declared war, Long explained that this conflict could best be described as a war.
    “De facto, it is a war,” Long said. “When you have armed troops crossing a border and taking control of territory and harming civilians, it is quite clearly an international war.”

LOCAL CONNECTION
    Because the United States doesn’t have any significant interests in South Ossetia, Americans most likely will not feel the effects of war.
    The real damage, Long said, will occur if Russia continues its foreign policy tactics and continues to invade neighboring countries.
    Long also said the conflict can end if other world powers are willing to stand up to Russia.
    “I think the only possible resolution that will leave Georgia with its territory intact will be for NATO to provide a very strong front on this,” Long said. “Not necessarily military action.”
    Though the conflict continues to rage on the other side of the globe, Kvaratskhelia and Dabagyan said they remain friends while their countries fight.
    “It’s all government, it’s all politics,” said Kvaratskhelia, a Georgian native.
    Dabagyan, a native of Russia, recently returned from visiting her home and said the effects of the conflict have reached her hometown.
    “The South Ossetian immigrants that were displaced are in my hometown,” Dabagyan said.
    Whether or not the conflict escalates further, the women will remain friends.
    “The situation doesn’t affect us at all,” Dabagyan said. “We think it’s politics, not people. Nobody wants to have war.”