An American woman has already withdrawn from the World Championship citing
the danger of its current 'protection' by Russia. The EU Chess head has
dismissed that as 'politics' [read recent Chessbase report] rather than the
fear of being bombed which the women actually cited. The women Maia
Chiburdanidze, Lela Javakhishvili, Sopio Gvetadze, Nino Khurtsidze, Maia
Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili all co-signed a letter of dismay. I have
some contacts who report here and there on this material - but it is
difficult, naturally, to isolate significance of chess, when there is danger
to all inhabitant. Try checking BBC who are on-scene, and make daily
reports.

Here is the latest AP report:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
11:23 a.m. August 15, 2008

MOSCOW - The Interfax news agency says the women's national chess team in
Georgia is refusing to play in the World Women's Chess Championship because
it will be held in Russia.

The team's refusal stems from the conflict between Georgia and Russia over
the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Interfax quoted Maya Lomineishvili, a member of the team, as saying it is
not boycotting the championship, but rather refusing to play in Russia.

The tournament is scheduled to begin in two weeks in Nalchik, Russia, about
100 kilometers (60 miles) from the South Ossetian border.

Boris Kutin, president of the European Chess Federation, says on the event's
Web site that he cannot see an alternative to holding the event as planned.

Source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/

Phil Innes


"George Orwell" wrote in message
...
GM Gaprindashvili is in trouble as a result of the Georgia conflict!!!!!
Somebody please find out!!!! Oh my dear god!!!!!!!!!!!

Il mittente di questo messaggio|The sender address of this
non corrisponde ad un utente |message is not related to a real
reale ma all'indirizzo fittizio|person but to a fake address of an
di un sistema anonimizzatore |anonymous system
Per maggiori informazioni |For more info
https://www.mixmaster.it

I see that UN relief workers have all been evacuated from Gori as too
dangerous - apparently after the UN people suffered 2 armed car-jackings
they pulled everyone out.

It is rather extraordinary therefore that the top EU Chess Official 'cannot
see any alternative' to continuing the event there.

I wonder if he can see Paris from where he is?

Phil Innes


"Chess One" wrote in message
. ..
An American woman has already withdrawn from the World Championship citing
the danger of its current 'protection' by Russia. The EU Chess head has
dismissed that as 'politics' [read recent Chessbase report] rather than
the fear of being bombed which the women actually cited. The women Maia
Chiburdanidze, Lela Javakhishvili, Sopio Gvetadze, Nino Khurtsidze, Maia
Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili all co-signed a letter of dismay. I
have some contacts who report here and there on this material - but it is
difficult, naturally, to isolate significance of chess, when there is
danger to all inhabitant. Try checking BBC who are on-scene, and make
daily reports.

Here is the latest AP report:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
11:23 a.m. August 15, 2008

MOSCOW - The Interfax news agency says the women's national chess team in
Georgia is refusing to play in the World Women's Chess Championship
because it will be held in Russia.

The team's refusal stems from the conflict between Georgia and Russia over
the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Interfax quoted Maya Lomineishvili, a member of the team, as saying it is
not boycotting the championship, but rather refusing to play in Russia.

The tournament is scheduled to begin in two weeks in Nalchik, Russia,
about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the South Ossetian border.

Boris Kutin, president of the European Chess Federation, says on the
event's Web site that he cannot see an alternative to holding the event as
planned.

Source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/

Phil Innes


"George Orwell" wrote in message
...
GM Gaprindashvili is in trouble as a result of the Georgia conflict!!!!!
Somebody please find out!!!! Oh my dear god!!!!!!!!!!!

Il mittente di questo messaggio|The sender address of this
non corrisponde ad un utente |message is not related to a real
reale ma all'indirizzo fittizio|person but to a fake address of an
di un sistema anonimizzatore |anonymous system
Per maggiori informazioni |For more info
https://www.mixmaster.it

Chess One wrote:
I see that UN relief workers have all been evacuated from Gori as too
dangerous - apparently after the UN people suffered 2 armed car-jackings
they pulled everyone out.

It is rather extraordinary therefore that the top EU Chess Official 'cannot
see any alternative' to continuing the event there.

I wonder if he can see Paris from where he is?

Phil Innes


"Chess One" wrote in message
. ..
An American woman has already withdrawn from the World Championship citing
the danger of its current 'protection' by Russia. The EU Chess head has
dismissed that as 'politics' [read recent Chessbase report] rather than
the fear of being bombed which the women actually cited. The women Maia
Chiburdanidze, Lela Javakhishvili, Sopio Gvetadze, Nino Khurtsidze, Maia
Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili all co-signed a letter of dismay. I
have some contacts who report here and there on this material - but it is
difficult, naturally, to isolate significance of chess, when there is
danger to all inhabitant. Try checking BBC who are on-scene, and make
daily reports.

Here is the latest AP report:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
11:23 a.m. August 15, 2008

MOSCOW - The Interfax news agency says the women's national chess team in
Georgia is refusing to play in the World Women's Chess Championship
because it will be held in Russia.

The team's refusal stems from the conflict between Georgia and Russia over
the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Interfax quoted Maya Lomineishvili, a member of the team, as saying it is
not boycotting the championship, but rather refusing to play in Russia.

The tournament is scheduled to begin in two weeks in Nalchik, Russia,
about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the South Ossetian border.

Boris Kutin, president of the European Chess Federation, says on the
event's Web site that he cannot see an alternative to holding the event as
planned.

Source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/

Phil Innes


"George Orwell" wrote in message
...
GM Gaprindashvili is in trouble as a result of the Georgia conflict!!!!!
Somebody please find out!!!! Oh my dear god!!!!!!!!!!!

Il mittente di questo messaggio|The sender address of this
non corrisponde ad un utente |message is not related to a real
reale ma all'indirizzo fittizio|person but to a fake address of an
di un sistema anonimizzatore |anonymous system
Per maggiori informazioni |For more info
https://www.mixmaster.it

I certainly agree that chess players should not be expected to play
where there is a likelihood of bullets flying or bombs falling. If it
were my call, I would look seriously at canceling the event.

There is a delicate line to be observed here though. Do we as chess
players take sides on the politics of war? I have tried to learn a bit
more about the conflict. It looks fairly complex to me. There are
multiple sides with varying agendas. I am not going to go into that here.

However, here is a more biased and confrontational approach to
international politics by gamers. Is this appropriate?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...ce-889287.html
--

"Do that which is right..."

Rev. J.D. Walker

J.D. Walker wrote:
Chess One wrote:
I see that UN relief workers have all been evacuated from Gori as too
dangerous - apparently after the UN people suffered 2 armed
car-jackings they pulled everyone out.

It is rather extraordinary therefore that the top EU Chess Official
'cannot see any alternative' to continuing the event there.

I wonder if he can see Paris from where he is?

Phil Innes


"Chess One" wrote in message
. ..
An American woman has already withdrawn from the World Championship
citing the danger of its current 'protection' by Russia. The EU Chess
head has dismissed that as 'politics' [read recent Chessbase report]
rather than the fear of being bombed which the women actually cited.
The women Maia Chiburdanidze, Lela Javakhishvili, Sopio Gvetadze,
Nino Khurtsidze, Maia Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili all
co-signed a letter of dismay. I have some contacts who report here
and there on this material - but it is difficult, naturally, to
isolate significance of chess, when there is danger to all
inhabitant. Try checking BBC who are on-scene, and make daily reports.

Here is the latest AP report:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
11:23 a.m. August 15, 2008

MOSCOW - The Interfax news agency says the women's national chess
team in Georgia is refusing to play in the World Women's Chess
Championship because it will be held in Russia.

The team's refusal stems from the conflict between Georgia and Russia
over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Interfax quoted Maya Lomineishvili, a member of the team, as saying
it is not boycotting the championship, but rather refusing to play in
Russia.

The tournament is scheduled to begin in two weeks in Nalchik, Russia,
about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the South Ossetian border.

Boris Kutin, president of the European Chess Federation, says on the
event's Web site that he cannot see an alternative to holding the
event as planned.

Source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/

Phil Innes


"George Orwell" wrote in message
...
GM Gaprindashvili is in trouble as a result of the Georgia
conflict!!!!!
Somebody please find out!!!! Oh my dear god!!!!!!!!!!!

Il mittente di questo messaggio|The sender address of this
non corrisponde ad un utente |message is not related to a real
reale ma all'indirizzo fittizio|person but to a fake address of an
di un sistema anonimizzatore |anonymous system
Per maggiori informazioni |For more info
https://www.mixmaster.it

I certainly agree that chess players should not be expected to play
where there is a likelihood of bullets flying or bombs falling. If it
were my call, I would look seriously at canceling the event.

There is a delicate line to be observed here though. Do we as chess
players take sides on the politics of war? I have tried to learn a bit
more about the conflict. It looks fairly complex to me. There are
multiple sides with varying agendas. I am not going to go into that here.

However, here is a more biased and confrontational approach to
international politics by gamers. Is this appropriate?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...ce-889287.html


From the US State Dept. travel advisory, it seems that it's a rather
lawless, very dangerous place. Ir a US player were kidnapped for
ransom, could/would the USCF pay to get her back? :-) Rhetorical
question.

"J.D. Walker" wrote in message
. ..

I certainly agree that chess players should not be expected to play where
there is a likelihood of bullets flying or bombs falling. If it were my
call, I would look seriously at canceling the event.

BBC world news said today that even Ukraine is apprehensive about
developments. Russian are /withdrawing/ but to no schedule, and the
withdrawal is of ground troops.

There is a delicate line to be observed here though. Do we as chess
players take sides on the politics of war?

Only if we want to. But I note the group of women were not addressing
politics at all, but bombs. They didn't seem to care whose bombs they were.

Bombs and bombers being somewhat apolitical objects to the bombee.

Phil Innes


I have tried to learn a bit more about the conflict. It looks fairly
complex to me. There are multiple sides with varying agendas. I am not
going to go into that here.

However, here is a more biased and confrontational approach to
international politics by gamers. Is this appropriate?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...ce-889287.html
--

"Do that which is right..."

Rev. J.D. Walker

Chess One wrote:
"J.D. Walker" wrote in message
. ..

I certainly agree that chess players should not be expected to play where
there is a likelihood of bullets flying or bombs falling. If it were my
call, I would look seriously at canceling the event.

BBC world news said today that even Ukraine is apprehensive about
developments. Russian are /withdrawing/ but to no schedule, and the
withdrawal is of ground troops.

Unfortunately the situation is too volatile to be ameliorated solely by
actions of the Russians. There are more players involved.

From the US alternative press I see this statement: "Georgia’s
President Mikheil Saakashvili bombed the South Ossetian capital of
Tskhinvali in an effort to destroy the autonomous government and occupy
the city with tanks."

http://www.counterpunch.org/leupp08182008.html

Georgia's military is trained and supplied by the West. If our lame
duck president decides on one last military adventure before leaving
office, we may end up talking about NATO bombing runs, and worse.

Still, all of this is more support for the advisability of canceling the
chess event.

There is a delicate line to be observed here though. Do we as chess
players take sides on the politics of war?

Only if we want to. But I note the group of women were not addressing
politics at all, but bombs. They didn't seem to care whose bombs they were.

Bombs and bombers being somewhat apolitical objects to the bombee.

Phil Innes


I have tried to learn a bit more about the conflict. It looks fairly
complex to me. There are multiple sides with varying agendas. I am not
going to go into that here.

However, here is a more biased and confrontational approach to
international politics by gamers. Is this appropriate?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...ce-889287.html
--

"Do that which is right..."

Rev. J.D. Walker

"J.D. Walker" wrote in message
. ..
Chess One wrote:
"J.D. Walker" wrote in message
. ..

I certainly agree that chess players should not be expected to play
where there is a likelihood of bullets flying or bombs falling. If it
were my call, I would look seriously at canceling the event.

BBC world news said today that even Ukraine is apprehensive about
developments. Russian are /withdrawing/ but to no schedule, and the
withdrawal is of ground troops.

Unfortunately the situation is too volatile to be ameliorated solely by
actions of the Russians. There are more players involved.

From the US alternative press I see this statement: "Georgia’s President
Mikheil Saakashvili bombed the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali in an
effort to destroy the autonomous government and occupy the city with
tanks."

http://www.counterpunch.org/leupp08182008.html

Georgia's military is trained and supplied by the West. If our lame duck
president decides on one last military adventure before leaving office, we
may end up talking about NATO bombing runs, and worse.

Still, all of this is more support for the advisability of canceling the
chess event.

Yes - I think this can be the only sensible option considering the most
evident denial of the Rulers - it does not seem to be any measured
assessment of the risk, but instead an exhortation to flock together, no
matter what. Meanwhile we get to read more of the Leader's comments [I offer
today's speech below]. The only note I make is that he continues to say
sport & politics, rather than mention bombs as such. Personally I feel the
women are completely /apolitical/ since they do not care whose bombs fall on
them. While they may conclude with the Leader's parting sentiment that we
are "one family", I further presume they will not voluntarily flock to join
a family of over-enthusiastic idiots. Phil Innes

---

Dear chess friends,

During last several days I have received a number of letters, including an
open letter from six Georgian chess players in respect of a possible change
of a venue and dates of the World Women's Chess Championship. As you know,
the championship is scheduled to take place from 28 August to 18 September
in Nalchik, capital of Kabardino Balkaria.



I have already expressed my opinion several days ago. I reiterate: we
should not mix sports and politics, and should not involve FIDE into various
disputes and arguments. Once again I express most sincere condolences to
all victims of humanitarian catastrophy.



As a response of the Georgian Chess Federation I would like to note that
there are not any grounds for such a change. The Organisers have undertaken
all necessary steps and carried out a good preparation and are ready to
host all the guests. It is not their fault that blood was shed. We can't
help taking into consideration interests of other participants, who
purchased the tickets and are practically on the way to the venue of the
tournament. But, first and foremost, interests of lots of admirers of
talent of chess players should not suffer, as they are looking forward to
the start of the Championship.



I fully realise all complexity of this situation, I call on all
participants, trainers, officials, guests and journalists - all without any
exception - to come to Nalchik and show in fact, and not in words - that we
are one family.



Gens Una Sumus



Kirsan Ilyumzhinov

President



There is a delicate line to be observed here though. Do we as chess
players take sides on the politics of war?

Only if we want to. But I note the group of women were not addressing
politics at all, but bombs. They didn't seem to care whose bombs they
were.

Bombs and bombers being somewhat apolitical objects to the bombee.

Phil Innes


I have tried to learn a bit more about the conflict. It looks fairly
complex to me. There are multiple sides with varying agendas. I am not
going to go into that here.

However, here is a more biased and confrontational approach to
international politics by gamers. Is this appropriate?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...ce-889287.html
--

"Do that which is right..."

Rev. J.D. Walker

On Aug 20, 3:31*pm, "Chess One" wrote:


Yes - I think this can be the only sensible option considering the most
evident denial of the Rulers - it does not seem to be any measured
assessment of the risk, but instead an exhortation to flock together, no
matter what. Meanwhile we get to read more of the Leader's comments [I offer
today's speech below]. The only note I make is that he continues to say
sport & politics, rather than mention bombs as such. Personally I feel the
women are completely /apolitical/ since they do not care whose bombs fall on
them. While they may conclude with the Leader's parting sentiment that we
are "one family", I further presume they will not voluntarily flock to join
a family of over-enthusiastic idiots. Phil Innes

---

Dear chess friends,

During last several days I have received a number of *letters, including an
open letter from six Georgian chess players in respect of *a possible change
of a venue and dates of the World Women's Chess Championship. *As you know,
the championship is scheduled to take place from 28 August to 18 *September
in Nalchik, capital of Kabardino Balkaria.

I have already *expressed my opinion several days ago. I reiterate: we
should not mix sports and politics, and should not involve FIDE into various
disputes and arguments. Once *again I express most sincere condolences to
all victims of humanitarian *catastrophy.

As a response of the Georgian Chess Federation I would like *to note that
there are not any grounds for such a change. The Organisers have *undertaken
all necessary steps and carried out a good preparation and are ready *to
host all the guests. It is not their fault that blood was shed. We can't
help *taking into consideration interests of other participants, who
purchased the *tickets and are practically on the way to the venue of the
tournament. But, *first and foremost, interests of lots of admirers of
talent of chess players *should not suffer, as they are looking forward to
the start of the Championship.

I fully realise all complexity of this situation, I call on all
participants, trainers, officials, guests and journalists - all without any
exception - to come to Nalchik and show in fact, and not in words - that we
are *one family.

Gens Una Sumus

Kirsan *Ilyumzhinov

President

I'll go, but only if I have the guarantee that Kirsan's saucer aliens
will protect me!

THIS CRAZY WORLD OF CHESS by GM Larry Evans (page 163)

I'll go, but only if I have the guarantee that Kirsan's saucer aliens
will protect me! -- Javert

If you want the truth about this tyrant whose autobiography contains a
chapter heading like "It Only Takes Two Weeks to Have a Man Killed,"
check out Planet Kirsan in the New Yorker (April 24, 2006). Kirsan
claims to have the ability to communicate with aliens after having
been aboard a U.F.O. and he is still a great admirer of Saddam
Hussein.


Javert wrote:
On Aug 20, 3:31?pm, "Chess One" wrote:


Yes - I think this can be the only sensible option considering the most
evident denial of the Rulers - it does not seem to be any measured
assessment of the risk, but instead an exhortation to flock together, no
matter what. Meanwhile we get to read more of the Leader's comments [I offer
today's speech below]. The only note I make is that he continues to say
sport & politics, rather than mention bombs as such. Personally I feel the
women are completely /apolitical/ since they do not care whose bombs fall on
them. While they may conclude with the Leader's parting sentiment that we
are "one family", I further presume they will not voluntarily flock to join
a family of over-enthusiastic idiots. Phil Innes

---

Dear chess friends,

During last several days I have received a number of ?letters, including an
open letter from six Georgian chess players in respect of ?a possible change
of a venue and dates of the World Women's Chess Championship. ?As you know,
the championship is scheduled to take place from 28 August to 18 ?September
in Nalchik, capital of Kabardino Balkaria.

I have already ?expressed my opinion several days ago. I reiterate: we
should not mix sports and politics, and should not involve FIDE into various
disputes and arguments. Once ?again I express most sincere condolences to
all victims of humanitarian ?catastrophy.

As a response of the Georgian Chess Federation I would like ?to note that
there are not any grounds for such a change. The Organisers have ?undertaken
all necessary steps and carried out a good preparation and are ready ?to
host all the guests. It is not their fault that blood was shed. We can't
help ?taking into consideration interests of other participants, who
purchased the ?tickets and are practically on the way to the venue of the
tournament. But, ?first and foremost, interests of lots of admirers of
talent of chess players ?should not suffer, as they are looking forward to
the start of the Championship.

I fully realise all complexity of this situation, I call on all
participants, trainers, officials, guests and journalists - all without any
exception - to come to Nalchik and show in fact, and not in words - that we
are ?one family.

Gens Una Sumus

Kirsan ?Ilyumzhinov

President

I'll go, but only if I have the guarantee that Kirsan's saucer aliens
will protect me!

"Javert" wrote in message
...
On Aug 20, 3:31 pm, "Chess One" wrote:


I'll go, but only if I have the guarantee that Kirsan's saucer aliens
will protect me!

--

**You know, he not only met the aliens, he liked them. He liked them much
more than he liked democracy. Not that in a 100% approval democratic state
that is any problem. He also [I read ahead, and saw Larry's mention of the
New Yorker article] likes the Dalai Lama and Genghis Khan, pretty much
equally. A 'complex' character some would say.

Compos sui, non consilio, impetu, consuetedo quasi altera natura. Crescit
amor nummi quantum ipsa pecunia crescit.

// [With apologies to Juvenal]

Nil magnum nisi bonum. [nothing is great unless good]

Phil Innes