Yes a need to bloody the nose of Saakashvili and to finally secure and annex the territory that they wanted. Georgia isn’t going to get the territory back. Even Putin and Medvedev wouldn’t be stupid enough to drag Russia into a total occupation of Georgia.
When Georgia sought independence, again.......the Russians immediately made sure they could continue to use the ploy.
The people who live in both areas are essentially useless to Georgia as they as considered to be Russian sympathizers and they are not what you would want for your country's future, however.......the land is important, especially in S. Ossecia.
Russia can try to annex it, which is essentially the same thing they have done since 1921, but that won't solve any issues. The Muslim area in the far west has not caused nearly as much grief, and frankly, I don't think anyone gives a rats ass, and the land is not very good at all. This was never a issue for this latest invasion, yet the Russians did their best to make it one.
Russia does not want the people they claim to protect. They are only pawns in a strategic game.
This is where I think the UN can help. On the surface, a deal can be made, but given what I just said about hidden motives, the Russians will never agree to anything.....Not even 100% annexation because they want the issue, not the places.