Georgia vs. Russia

For those of you who may not know, last week Russia went to war with the small country of Georgia.  With a small army and its location so close to Russia, it is now wonder they were overwhelmed.  It started several months ago when NATO wanted Georgia to join in a military alliance, while trouble heats up with Georgia’s breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.  Then on August 4th, South Ossetian rebels blame Georgia for the deaths of six civilians in artillery shelling; Russia accuses Georgia of using “excessive force.”  During Russian-brokered ceasefire talks, Georgian troops launch a suprise attack on the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali, “to restore constitutional order.”  The next day, Russian troops pour into South Ossetia, vowing to defend Russian “compatriots.”  With few casulties, Russia quickly recaptures South Ossetia and begins its assault on Georgia.  On August 10, Georgia tries to declare a ceasefire, but Russia keeps on fighting.  Yesterday, EU dignataries try to negotiate a ceasefire in Russia.  Finally, as of today, August 12, a ceasefire is declared, ending the war; for now.  Hey, I know this isn’t sci-fi, but it is war and is recent news, so here you go.  To view a timeline of the conflict and an on-site video, click here, to see the Moscow Times’ opinion, click here.