Finally, some perspective on the crisis in Georgia.
From the initial reports, you woulda thunk that the Russkies had invaded Atlanta. That Russia was still the Soviet Union, aka the "Evil Empire." And that Putin was working hand-in-hand with Ernst Blofeld.
Granted, it seems clear that Putin's Posse "overreacted," but initial reports left out any sense of context or even-handedness.
It takes two to tango... or, in this case, to do that crossed-arms kick-your-leg-out dance people do after two many drinks at their best friend's wedding.
Here's what we didn't know (and the press didn't seem on top of either):
1991:
After Georgia gained its independence in 1991, South Ossetia resisted and, after a cease-fire, gained "defacto control of most of their region."
2008:
Russian troops remained in the area after conducting an annual military exercise just to the north.
Aug. 1:
Five Georgian policemen wounded in South Ossetia explosion; two days of violence (and several deaths) follow.
Aug. 7:
14:00 hrs: South Ossetian artillery fire kills two peacekeepers; Georgians return fire.
18:00 hrs: Georgian troops ordered to mobilize toward South Ossetia
19:00 hrs: Georgian President Saakashvilli declares a unilateral cease-fire as Georgian troops are on the move.
Evenin' time: 9,000 Georgian troops take up positions near the border
23:50 hrs-- 24:00 hrs: Under dispute as to which event happened first: Russian troops begin entering Ossetia through the Roki Tunnel before/after Georgians fire artillery into Tskhinvali and begin a ground attack.
Aug. 8:
Georgians get their collective asses kicked.
With the latest analysis, it seems the Georgians bear some responsibility, at least, for being dumb enough to walk into a bear trap.
Gleaned from the Post's article A Two-Sided Descent Into Full-Scale War.
