Georgia

When you disregard the propaganda from both sides, the facts behind the Russia-Georgia clash seem to be as follows:

1. Georgia decided to re-establish its control over South Ossetia by force and attacked the capital of this region with armour & artillery.
2. Russia responded by repelling the invading Georgian forces with greater armour, artillery and air power. Having pushed the Georgians out, the Russians then proceeded to teach Georgia a lesson by inflicting some severe punishment.
3. The West & Georgia launched a propaganda campaign wherein Russia unilaterally attacked a small, defenseless neighbour.

The question that must be asked is: What was the Georgian President thinking in launching such a hopeless and damaging adventure? Whatever his calculations (or miscalculations) were, it is clear that his reckless actions have resulted in needless death & violence for his own people and for the South Ossetians. It is also clear that Georgia and the West have to deal with a stronger, more assertive Russia which will no longer meekly accept playing second fiddle to Western hegemony in its backyard. Russia has upped the ante by recognising the independence of South Ossetia & Abkhazia. Over to you Tiblisi, Washington & London...