There are an estimated 70,000 people in South Ossetia with an overwhelming majority ethnic Ossetians. On August 7Th Georgian troops launched an offensive to regain control over South Ossetia. In the course of this offensive, Russian peacekeepers were killed. Georgia claims these peacekeepers were killed because they were backing separatists.
The Tbilisi government of Georgia (Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia) has never recognized South Ossetia's independence, even though the south's citizens voted for it in 2006. Russia has only recognized South Ossetia as part Georgia but sides with a number of separatist leaders. When Georgia started with its aggression against South Ossetia, Russia responded with bombings and tanks in the region.
I can't imagine why the president of Georgia started this. Russia's response to the problem seems to be overkill. They have killed a lot of people and dropped a lot of bombs in what they call a "retaliation." Georgia needs to establish their boundaries in a reasonable fashion. If they believe South Ossetia is still part of Georgia they need to hash that out without the use of troops. Russia needs to tone it down and have a serious talk with Saakashvili followed by a crack up side the head. There is no reason this had to come to this. I think South Ossetia should be given the independence they deserve, they've certainly earned it, and paid the price in blood.
