Georgia rally shows unrest after conflict
Protests begin

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 8, 2008

TBILISI, Georgia — Thousands of flag-waving protesters brought Tbilisi traffic to a standstill Friday in the first major protest against President Mikhail Saakashvili since Georgia’s war with Russia.

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Widespread skepticism is undermining Saakashvili’s claims about the war, emboldening former allies angry about the botched conflict and alienated by what they call his authoritarian style.

But a fractured opposition, fear of renewed hostilities with Russia and lingering support suggest the gathering political storm is unlikely to topple the pro-Western president soon.

Anger over the war has compounded dissatisfaction among Saakashvili’s opponents, but appears to have gained little traction among the general population. A September poll indicated significant support for Saakashvili.


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Related Topics: Politics, World Politics, Protests and Demonstrations, Russian Politics, Georgian Politics, European Politics


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