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Russia's Power Play

Tensions surged between Russia and Georgia, one of its neighboring countries, last Tuesday. Russia recognized the claims of independence of two regions within Georgia. The rebel regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, have been at the center of a deadly battle for weeks.

But the conflict between Russia and Georgia has been brewing for years. South Ossetia has claimed its independence since 1993. Russia supported the territory's rebellious government. On August 7, Georgia launched a military attack on South Ossetia. In response, Russia invaded Georgia.

The United States and Western European nations fear that Russia is trying to gain control of the region. They demanded that Russia withdraw from Georgia. Although Russian president Dmitry Medvedev had agreed to a cease-fire deal, some Russian troops remain inside Georgia.

On Tuesday, President George W. Bush called Russia's recent actions "irresponsible." Medvedev refuses to back down. "We are not afraid of anything," he said.

Meanwhile, U.S. military ships brought food and supplies to the Georgian port of Batumi. And Vice President Dick Cheney plans to visit the country this week.

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