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Off Limits Travel: Fighting Breaks Out Between Russia and Georgia Over South Ossetia

The fifteen individual nations that emerged when the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991 have provided a tantalizing opportunity for travelers ever since, with an abundance of cultural treasures to discover that had formerly been off-limits to most foreigners. Georgia, for one, is a particularly intriguing destination due to its eclectic cultural makeup, with both Eastern European and Southwest Asian influences informing its music, dance, architecture, and world-renowned cuisine.

Unfortunately, it looks like much of Georgia will be off-limits to travelers for the foreseeable future. Violent clashes between Georgian and Russian troops over the breakaway region of South Ossetia erupted on Friday and intensified over the weekend, causing waves of civilians to abandon their homes to seek shelter elsewhere until the fighting subsides.

Details are just now emerging on the extent of the fighting. Russian forces are reportedly now in control of the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali, while the city of Gori, which technically lies outside the disputed province, has been bombarded by Russian planes in an intense air campaign. Furthermore, the Russian government announced it is moving a portion of its Black Sea fleet to the port of Ochamchira.

Most of these locations are off the normal tourist path, except for Gori. The city is well known across the former Soviet Union as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and it's one of the few places on the continent where one will find a well-preserved statue of the brutal leader (pictured) as well as a museum dedicated to his life. Other, less controversial attractions include the Gori Fortress, thought to date back more than 1,000 years. Here's hoping peace returns to the region soon so people can get back to traveling and exchanging ideas and good will.

Related Stories:
· Complete Coverage of the South Ossetian Conflict [The New York Times]
· Georgia Overview and Travel Warning [Lonely Planet]
· Things to Do in Gori [Virtual Tourist]
· Dangerous Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: World 66]