[Jack Black]

My understanding is that the Georgians never crossed into Russian territory. Am I mistaken? No, that is correct. But they attacked South Ossetia. South Ossetia had earned semi-autonomous status after a war in 1991. Their were four parties keeping the peace there, including Russia and Georgia. There was a status quo. The Georgians didn't like it, but it was the established reality. The truth is, that like Kosovo, if the fate of the province were put to the citizens living there they would overwhelmingly vote to leave Georgia.

As uncomfortable as the status quo was it was still the best deal they could get. I guess they thought Russia would be too busy at the Olympics to do anything about them reasserting control over Ossetia.

Ooops, big mistake! You just through the first punch at the bully!! Now hes going to smash your nose (South Ossessia) and then break your arm and foot for good measure.

[Schwarzeneger]

The United Nations, European Union, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Council of the European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and all other countries in the world recognize South Ossetia as part of Georgia. However, the de facto independent republic governed by the secessionist government held a second independence referendum on November 12, 2006, after its first referendum in 1992 was not recognized by the international community as valid.

The point here is that the United Nations, European Union, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Council of the European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and all other countries in the world recognize South Ossetia as part of Georgia. Thats what we have to go on.

Russia had zero rights to invade and even at a stretch they should have fended off the attack only. Instead the Russian’s invaded a sovereign country.

[TigersEye]

Their were four parties keeping the peace there, including Russia and Georgia. There was a status quo. The Georgians didn't like it, but it was the established reality.

Is there any truth to reports that the S. Ossetians had military bases entrenched in their own residential areas from where they were launching attacks on Georgians?