All the hubbub over the Summer Olympic Games threatens to overshadow rising hostility between Russia and Georgia over the disputed territory of South Ossetia. Insofar as I can tell, S. Ossetia broke free from Georgia in the 90’s and, now under new leadership, Georgia aims to crush the separatists and take back its land.

Meanwhile, S. Ossetians have run to Russia for support and would rather be absorbed into Russia than be taken back by Georgia At present, Russia has sent in a massive wave of shock troops into S. Ossetia to fight off Georgian forces. Russia has also been caught on video attacking residential neighborhoods in Georgia.

I recommend BBC coverage of this disturbing war.