Revolution is in the air

Georgia demonstators

If you've been following South American news (Al Giordano has good info) and African reports, you will be aware that there have been a lot of people's movements of late that are changing the policies of and sometimes the face of governments in a number of countries.

It's happening in the East as well.

The country of Georgia on the Black Sea was once the favored vacation spot for wealthy Russians, known as the "fruit basket" of the Soviet Union as it provided the bulk of fruit crops. Eduard Shevardnadze was twice elected president of the country since the breakup of the Union. Reports are that the last election, at least, was not entirely on the up and up, and it would seem that Mr. Shevardnadze has been falling down on the job, as the country is currently in the toilet economically, unemployment is high, there is an electrical supply crisis, and corruption in government is - well, it's about like it is here.

Protestors, who took to the streets in 2001 to no avail, have now stormed the government offices, and Shevardnadze took to his heels right in the middle of his inaugural speech. Well, stormed may not be quite the right word, as there was no violence. The group is one of demonstrators, not rebels. I can't get a clear picture of the event - why Shevardnadze felt it necessary to turn tail and run, I'm not sure. (Sounds like a Chicken-Bush move, doesn't it?)

Opposition leader Mikhail Saakashvili, a U.S. educated lawyer, calls it a "velvet revolution", as it has not involved arms. The other prominent figure in the opposition whom they say is less emotional about the movement than Saakashvili, is a member of Parliament, and a woman, Nino Burdzhanadze.

It seems as though Ms. Burdzhanadze will assume Shevardnadze's position for the moment, although it's not clear what will happen next. Russia's foreign minister has been in talks with the opposition in an attempt to iron out some sort of suitable arrangement.

And just as I type this, it turns out that Shevardnadze has resigned.

The U.S. will be involved, you can bet your grandma. Georgia is a transport route for crude from Caspian Sea drilling sites. And Shevardnadze has been pro-west in his policies (which may be part of the explanation as to why the country is in the dumps).

Stay tuned.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.