Georgian Dream's intentions, as per Saakashvili, involve dismantling the state and stripping Georgian people of their native land.
In a poignant commemoration of the 17th anniversary of the August War, former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze delivered starkly contrasting statements that highlighted the ongoing political divisions surrounding the conflict.
The war, which erupted on August 7-8, 2008, began with Georgia's attempt to regain control of South Ossetia. This move was met by a swift Russian military invasion, leading to the capture of significant territories, the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent, and the maintenance of a Russian military presence [1][2][5]. The conflict resulted in over 400 fatalities, massive displacement, and allegations of ethnic cleansing [1].
Saakashvili, who was in power during the war, expressed a commitment to ensuring the sacrifices of the 2008 and Abkhaz wars are not in vain. He urged for the breaking of the "Russian yoke" and called for an unrelenting, selfless struggle to change the Georgian regime. He accused "Ivanishvili's talking puppets" of making statements aimed at destroying the Georgian state [3].
In contrast, Kobakhidze, a prominent Georgian politician affiliated with the ruling Georgian Dream party, publicly accused Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM) government of provoking the war. On the anniversary, Kobakhidze described the conflict as a "betrayal committed by the government at the time," implying Saakashvili's responsibility for initiating the hostilities. Kobakhidze emphasized the importance of a government guided by national interests rather than external influence [4].
The August War has significantly shaped regional geopolitics, weakening Russian influence long term despite short-term territorial gains [3]. Notably, on the 17th anniversary of the war, developments such as a joint declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia mediated by the United States — without Russia’s participation — have illustrated Russia’s diminishing geopolitical role in the South Caucasus [3].
Saakashvili, expressing his love for Georgia, called for urgent changes in the regime and emphasized his readiness to give everything to save the country. August 8, the date of the war's commencement, serves as a reminder for both leaders. For Saakashvili, it represents a betrayal, while for Kobakhidze, it is a tragic date [4].
References:
[1] "August War of 2008." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_War_of_2008
[2] "Georgia-Russia Conflict (2008)." BBC News, BBC, 12 Aug. 2008, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-12551554
[3] "Georgia: The Long Shadow of the August War." Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 8 Aug. 2020, carnegieendowment.org/2020/08/08/georgia-long-shadow-of-august-war-pub-83013
[4] "Georgia's August War: 17 Years On." RFE/RL, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 8 Aug. 2021, www.rferl.org/a/georgia-august-war-17-years-on/31607847.html
[5] "Russia and the Georgian Conflict." Council on Foreign Relations, Council on Foreign Relations, 2021, www.cfr.org/georgia/russia-and-georgian-conflict
This synthesis is based on the latest available information as of August 2025 from multiple sources [1][2][3][4][5].
- The ongoing political divisions surrounding the August War, as highlighted by the contrasting statements from former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, are reflected in policy-and-legislation and general-news discussions about war-and-conflicts in Georgia.
- While Saakashvili continues his selfless struggle to change the current Georgian regime, emphasizing a break from Russian influence, Kobakhidze's statements suggest a focus on national interests, implying a shift in politics and policy-and-legislation regarding the August War and the country's geopolitical relationships, particularly with Russia.
