I'm suprised how mass media described these events ! NO WORD ON HISTORY - this conflict between Ge. and Os. has been going for DECADES ! Georg had already attacked that region several times ! Only Geor houses destroyed, only Geor people killed. Maybe it's time to visit Ossetia and talk to Ossetians

ed, Washington DC, USA

Is it just me, or am I the only one who notices that the Russians and the Westerners have completely different stories? I think you've both fallen victim to propaganda.

Alex, Orangeville, Canada

America has blood on it's hands, it's implicit support for Saakashvilli who has been and assisted in his "velvet" revolution and the rearming of Georgia was designed for just this attack. The problem is it has backfired and brought tragedy to both South Ossetia and Georgia.

John Harris Suffolk.

john harris, lowestoft, England

The rest of the world thought it insignificant when Germany "took back" Danzig, Poland, made up of true Germans unhappy that Versailles broke up the corridor, also incorporating a staged attack just one day prior to the invasion of Poland. Food for thought... World retort: Germany/Russia split.

Arthur, Costa Mesa, USA

Ok. First there are no evil empires or evil people in the world.(alsmost no evil people) Both sides wrong, Georgia killed civilians in Osetia, Russian jets destroyed some houses in georgia with people inside. Idea of russia trying to remake Soviet Union is funny and hilarious, i can't even take..

Stas, Sunnyvale, U.S

The Appeal of Georgian society to the International Community We are a young, democratic European nation with ancient culture. A war has started in our country! Russian aggression has no bounds; innocent civilians are bombed over the entire territory of Georgia. Russian media declared a war on us

sali, moscow,

"We have saved the world once, and we will do it again if it is necessary."

Speak for yourself, William. I, for one, am tired of "saving" the anti-American, ungrateful world. Maybe the rest of the world can learn to save itself from now on - or not.

Dean, Washington DC, USA

J Roberts,

Did your unbiased UK education mention that Hitler was able to start the war because of the alliance between Germany and the Soviet Union? It's funny how the Russians and their apologists always leave that part out when they preen about how they won the war.

Dean, Washington DC, USA

What is wrong with you people? Why must it be West vs. East? We are all human beings who just want to live peaceful lives with our families - it's the governments that act out of violence.

Don't be so blinded by what you are told that you forget that we are all people who all suffer the same.

Autumn, London (Native New Yorker),

J Roberts from Manchester, you need to be de-programmed from your socialist bent. Here's a phrase for you: Teheran Confercence 1943- Stalin pleads for 2nd front. Without it, the 15 Tank Divisions at Calais get redeployed to the Eastern front.

Glenn, BROOKLYN NY, US

I think Ukraine, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania should invade Russia. Now is a perfect time. I would ask Japan for monetary support in this in exchange for the islands of Kurils. You can always count on Chechnya I guess. In the end everybody gets territory / free gas and oil.

Ivan Weiden, Berlin, Germany

Glenn, Brooklyn , US: You are either monumentally naive or brainwashed by a biased US education if you think that the western front had any impact on the result of the war, 80% of all the german casualties during World War II were caused by the Red Army.

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

After reading most of the comments here, I'm not surprised that Russians have voted for Stalin(!) and Lenin as the Greatest Russians (2nd and 3rd place respectively) in a national wide poll which finishes there soon - nameofrussia.ru/rating (the poll is similar to 100 Greatest Britons by the BBC.

Serhiy K., Lviv aka Lwow/Leopolis/Lemberg, Ukraine

In my opinion, people from all the world are simply afraid by reuniting the ussr... its really good fun especially at war's background

Sasha, Novosibirsk, Rusiian Federation

Russia is an aggressor who wants regain USSR power!?! Hah! USSR is dead for about 20 years now! Nevertheless, western cold-war propaganda is still alive and now it is used to justify Bush and his puppet Saakashvili's violent and griddy policies! The only God they believe in is dollar!Saakashvili is a facsist and a murderer!

Natalie, St-Petersburg, Russia

Dilyana: thats the pot calling the kettle black isn't it?

As for : Western countries have never seen genocide??? What do you call the holocaust then?

Kate, Sydney, Australia

Ahhh I see that Russia has learnt the US lessons of "helping people in need" As for the russians who say that the Georgians started the war, you are missing the point. Russia wants Osetia to be a part of them and all I can think of is the Osetians who will not be autonomous whatever happens!

Alex K, Patra, Greece

Germans had 80% of best forces on the Eastern Front? I don't think so! Rommel was in France in June of '44 to confront Patton! THAT is when the war in Europe was hastened to an end! Russia never would have made it to Berlin if second front never happened!

Glenn, Brooklyn , US

Hey people from Western countries. It seems to me that you know "much much more" about history of OUR ancestors. You, who have never felt the bitterness of genocide make stupid statements about the USSR times coming back. You see only what you want and what your government wants you to know.

Dilyana, Kazan, Russia

Saakashvili should be responsible for the crimes!!! I hope, after end of the conflict he will receive that has deserved.

Nicolay, Kolomna, Russia

"Russian peace-keeping troops" surely that's one of the best oxymorons of the year?
Maybe, but then NATO "democracy-bringer " is the best ever.

Aleksei, Petrozavodsk, Russia

Georgia started this on august 7 with its attack on south ossetia, now they can hardly control the fire they played with. How can they be so stupid to believe that russia will allow that. And in fact no one in the west will help them cause no one is really interested in a major conflict with russia.

Dread, Freiburg, Germany

Jeff, Conway, MO, USA
Germany had 80% of their best military forces on the East front. US cowardly entered the WWII when the victory was so close just to get the part of the "victory pie".

Yuri, Tver, Russia

Adam, Spokane, USA
"The US needs to take swift and firm action. Russia cannot attack a sovereign nation and go completely unchecked. "
And what about US troops in Kosovo?

Yuri, Tver, Russia

For the ones who follow the subject the condemnation is judicial nonsense in this case as Russia has a full right for the presence in the region under UN peacekeeping mandate. As long as our tanks don't take a course towards Tbilisi everything is fare and square. That's not what you want to hear but that's how things ARE.

Anastasiya, Moscow, Russia

The western press didn't show you a Georgian tank running over an Ossetian women with two kids, did they? Wake up, people, Russia is too ambitious for Georgia - there're other countries who sell mandarines for New Year. We've no interest in small, poor and uninteresting countries.

Elena, Moscow, Russia

GEORGIA started massacre in Ossetia in the mornig August 8th, BEFORE RUSSIAN TROOPS were there!!!

Its just propaganda against Russia and clearly brain washing for western people. Saakashvili must be accused in war crimes.

Alexander, Sevastopol, Ukraine

Thanks Saska from Helsinki for reminding us history when Finland "attacked" Soviet Union.
Soon after Soviet troops marched into my country,Republic of Lithuania, and freed us from the burden to rule ourselves for 50 years:)
World beware.

Jonas, Marijampole, Lithuania

Please always think before to do something.Georgia should not start the dirty game as it is sarrounded by russia,Shakashvilli should think about the consquinces breaking peace treaty with ossetia.he could discuss with his western friends.Unfortunately he didnt and I think he is solely RESPONSIBLE.

m a rahman, hyde, cheshire

Russia gave independence for Chechnya in 1996. But Chechen forces invaded Russian Dagestan in 1999 and attacked Russian territory many times before. Putin was forced to stop them.
On the contrary Georgia just didn't attempt to give S.Ossetia even autonomy.

Ansi, Newcastle, UK

Saakashvili's statements sound like Iraqi Information Minister Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf. LOL

Ansi, Newcastle, UK

Anybody think US or Israel will cease the moment and take out Iran's nuke sites in the next day or two?

I do!

Joe, Lehi, USA

South Osetia has a very small population of about 100,000; 66% are Osetians, 30% Georgians and less than 2% Russians. Russia is not protecting "Its own people" but rather destroying very poor Osetians and Georgians. It is just the same crime like Serbia did to its neighbours in 90s. Same criminality

Agim, Prishtina, Kosova

I am confused by Natalia's comment as the only place on this page where the word "democracy" is used is in her comment.

Ian, Oxford, UK

Simple question. Who has destroyed the capital of S. Ossetia, Russians? And what reaction you expected from them? Georgian aggressors must be not only stoped but punished as well. And they will.

Ansi, Newcastle, UK

Ah now we see the Russians saving their people in Georgia because legally that is clearly where the conflict is s. The Russians don't cange their spots too much. After all in 1939 they 'saved 'their people in Poland by stealing half the country and invaded on the pretext of saving 'their' people.

Janek, Glastonbury,

By the way, do you remember what US troops did in Grenada in 1983?
What about Panama in 1989?
1993 - Somalia?
1999 - Yugoslavia?
2003 - Iraq?

Ansi, Newcastle, UK

The fact that Georgia has increased its military budget from 30 million to 1 billion and has the support of the two major terrorist countries in the world - U.S. and Israel is enough to know that Russia is not to blame here as the instigator. Georgia has employed 1000 Israels to train their troops

Rick, Wallingford, United States

With very limited info, I suggest everyone first reads something independent like wikipedia.org. And, facts are facts - Russian tanks are in another country's territory. This is aggression by definition. Dealing with separatists is never pretty (Chechnya is an example) - this is not the reason war

Michael P, Kansas City, USA

Dear Tanya from Kiev, learn history and you will know what are the relations between Russia, soutrth and north Ossetia, Georgia, why ossetins don't want to leave with Georgia. Just for knowledge - Chechena is a part of Russia.
Read books instead of CNN and BBC - you learn more!!

Olga, Novosibirsk, Russia

I'm not a military tactition but I wold say Georgia has played right into the hands of the Russians and will now pay the price its obvious that Russia has been poking Georgia like a dog with a stick just waiting for her to bite and can now blame the dog .....

steve, Norfolk, England

In 1939, Hitler invaded Austria, Switzerland, and finally Poland before starting WWII...why? Because he felt that they were his territories by right... hmmm wonder why Putin wants Georgia back?

jason, Elgin, USA

Why do the world community ignore the Georgian genocide of the Ossetian people? Don't be sheeps and do not believe what your cnn, bbc channels say. It's all lies. Georgia kills unarmed civilians in Ossetia!! Saakashvili has to by tried by international tribunal for that.

Anastasiya, Moscow, Russia

It's not Russia who started the aggression!BBC and CNN misinforms people !!! Saakashvili is a murderer, who fights with women and children.The attack started at night when Russian troops weren't even there, Russian peacemakers were killed. Saakashvili was killing civilians of Osetia in their houses, his troops bombed schools and hospitals. Russia had to do somthing to stop this genocide.And then he makes a tragical face and claims to the west that Russia is the aggressor!!!

Natalia, St-Petersburg, Russia

"Russian peace-keeping troops" surely that's one of the best oxymorons of the year?

Richard, Bexhill, UK

What Georgia does is the genocide of S. Ossetia people. Georgian soldiers kill even women and children, they kill all people!!!!!!!!! Don't believe CNN and BBC!!!!!!!!!

Alex, Korly,

For the life of me I can't understand why Georgia's president took the decision to attack S Ossetia after declaring a unilateral ceasefire. The only explanation is he wanted to get the US involved.

DCH, Nottingham , UK

I'm an American of Slavic (Polish) Decent, I've worked for ethnic Germans and Russian bosses at corporations here in the USA, and they belittled me, thier petty differences annoyed me, I hope the Russians and Georgians can settle this without more bloodshed, were hypocrites for waging war in Iraq.

Charles Hoyenski, Austin, TX., USA

Please don't believe what european newspapers publish, it si not true!
It's a complete disaster there. Georgia attacked South Osetia in the morning. They've already destroyed the capital of South Osetia, and we're trying to stop them.
Actually, don't believe anything that is announced on TV

Fleksandra, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

ALEXANDER, FREE LONDON, U.K.,
Do you mean such democracy like in Iraq, Afghanistan, Serbia and now in South Osetia! What a lot of things you use "democracy" for! This word should become abusive already!!! I don't think the world needs such "democracy"!!!

Natalia, St-Petersburg, Russia

send in the american raptors and tank busters teach the russian military a lesson.

kevin dempsey, appleton, usa

The reason so many South Ossetians are "Russian" is because stalin moved them there to try and dilute any ethnic majority. You see this in republics all over the former soviet union. China does the same thing now moving many Han chinese to the far western provinces to try and dilute the makeup.

Greg, Apex, NC, USA

I guess 2 vietnams weren't enough for Russia (Afghanistan and Chechnya), they want to go for a 3d. I hope they enjoy all the nice new tricks the Georgans learned from the US Marines earlier this year! I think they will find the Georgians a ruthless enemy when defending their own homeland.

Greg, Apex, NC, USA

Whatever, Russians. Ever here of Lend Lease prior to direct USA involvement in WWII? And, excuse me, the USA almost single handily defeated the Japanese in the Pacific...tell me I'm wrong.

J Love, Austin, USA

If the people in South Ossetia want to be Russians, they can pack their bags and move to Russia. If Russian is so concerned about them, they can buy them homes and give them jobs instead of illegally invading a sovereign nation.

patricia, Albuquerque NM, USA

America and Bush are responsible for all the ills of the world? I think the U.S.A. should turn 100% isolationist. The world needs to adopt the freedoms and liberties provided by the Russians and Chinese to their peoples. Apparently, American values are alien and worthless to the world community.

Randy, Big Rapids, MI, U.S.A.

Just as Georgia has supported the cause of freedom in Iraq and supported America as our ally, I expect our president to uphold Georgian sovereignty and freedom and send military support to Georgia. The timing and suddenness and Russia's "excuses" are reminiscent of September 1939.

Richard Crawford, Anniston, AL, United States of America

Those who suggest that the U.S. militarily intervene in a war between two former Soviet republics, are nuts. We've got no business there. I favor the Georgians, because they are the underdogs, but, really, they need to be more realistic. How can a country of 4.7 million people fight Russia?

John Stimbol, Orlando, USA

ALEXANDER, FREE LONDON, U.K.,
Do you mean such democracy like in Iraq, Afghanistan, Serbia and now in South Osetia! What a lot of things you use "democracy" for! This word should become abusive already!!! I don't think the world needs such "democracy"!!!

Natalia, St-Petersburg, Russia

Russian troops invaded Georgia by crossing internationally recognised borders. If they get away with starting war in Georgia and bombing civilian targets, they will move on to Eastern Europe and recreate Stalinist Russia. No wonder Russians voted Stalin as the most significant Russian of all times.

Natalie, London ,

Let's be honest, if it wasn't for the United States AND the Soviet Union TOGETHER, the Axis Powers would have won the war. Without one or the other, the war would have been won by the Germans.

I only wish that the United States (mostly) and Russia could put politics aside and work together.

Trevor, Tampa, Florida, United States of America

Georgia claims Ossetia as their territory- the Ossetians are 'Georgian citizens'- right?
But the capital Tskhinvali appears to have been subject to heavy bombardment *before* Russian troops arrived there.
The Georgians are therefore bombing their own citizens...
And that's Russia's agression...?

Josef Balzer, Askeaton/Co. Limerick, Ireland

How many world wars do you people have to start?

j Flan, Severn Park, usa

This is THE message to everybody. To everybody WHO dares go against Russia, against its IMPERIAL ambitions. Ukraine, We are the next.
The history repeats.
In 1939 the first was Poland.
Lets look if todays "Ontanta" has learned something.

Igor, London, UK

the last time a nation invaded another to "protect its citizens" there was when Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia in 1938, If indeed Georgia started the fighting they surely knew Russia would intervene.Was the Pkk attack on the pipeline coordinated with the attack?is this the start of world war 5.

Steven Whitener, Greer, usa

Russia was slaughtered in Afghanistan, the Finns beat them, they can't subjugate Chechnya, the Germans slaughtered them at rate of 10:1. They are lousy troops. That has been their history. They only win defensive wars. America needs to support Georgia militarily or we have another Cold War.

Joel Weymouth, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA

Natalia, you have no concept of democracy. Understandable. Putin is a dictator and a fascist. Your road to democracy has been abandoned and the Russian people are nothing but sheep [as always]

Osettia is Georgian, otherwise your K.G.B. Tsar would have kept it. Chechnaya??? anybody? shame on you

ALEXANDER, FREE LONDON, U.K.

I dont understand why we dont do something. America is quick to flex her military might against nations who cant stop it. But when confronted with the possiblity of fighting the enemy we are geared to fight, we pursue diplomatic avenues more aggressively. Help Georgia. Lets fight the new USSR.

dave, USMC, America

Russia provoked this entire situation. Only a few weeks ago they were flying jets over Georgian airspace, not a very friendly act. Anyone who thinks fighting for sovereignty is meaningless is clueless. Russia won't be a Superpower anytime soon with a military thats been so severely neglected.

Mike, Manchester, USA

Whatever, "Russians". Ever here of Lend Lease prior to direct USA involvement in WWII? And, excuse me, the USA almost single handily defeated the Japanese in the Pacific...tell me I'm wrong.

J Love, Austin, USA

I don't see why the Georgians haven't just blown up the tunnel if it's the only ground access between the place and Russia.

Simple military strategy I would think.

A few well placed missiles from a pair of warplanes ought to do the trick and cut the Russian supply lines.

Andy, Los Angeles, USA

I hope the Georgians win.

Mark, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA

The Russians would have been helpless in WWII if not for LEND LEASE. The Germans were surrounded on all sides by U.S. equipped and fed troops.

Jeff, Conway, MO, USA

America doesn't attack countries and forcibly steal territory nor subjugate its peoples like the Russians and Chinese.

Randy, Big Rapids, MI, U.S.A.

And what about the Georgians bombing the peacekeepers? Bombing a University? Bombing a HOSPITAL?

No matter how high are the interests in oil supply lines etc. there can be no excuse for attacks on civilians and medical personel.

Ventzi Zhechev, Dublin, Ireland

it is time for the russian bullying to stop. nato should support Georgia with troops,tanks,planes,money and whatever else is necessary to put a cork in russian ambitions to rule its former subjects with intimidation,posioning of politicians and force.russia is still and will always be a threat .

william tappan, eliot, usa

George Bush had NOTHING to do with this. The Georgians have been trying to live in freedom free from Russian hegemony since the break up of the Soviet Union. "Freedom loving Russia," I'm sad to say, is oxymoronic. I am a Russophile. But Russia is a nation led by totalitarians since 1917.

bob, york, USA

Just wait till Jane Fondle, Cindy Sheehan, the ACLU, Amnesty Intl. ect. ect. find out, they will be there camping in Putin's front yard, .........won't they?...... won' they??

Frank, Midland Tx., Texas

Americans saved the world. Ha ha... In another blockbuster which came out recently?Russia paid back for the armour in gold! Millions of people from all around the world contributed to the victory in WW2.

Sergei, MOSCOW,

another disturbance in the eastern world means U.S. involvement and if it means saving innocent lives and restoring justice i am in. OORAH!

robert, midland, Texas, USA

Any WMD in this area?...

PSAHM, nyc,

Looks like traditional xenophobic tribalism is being exploited by late stage capital once again, comrades.

davidius, ft lauderdale, fl,

"There will be war and rumour of war" in the last days knowledge will be increased... Google !?

Hugh E Torrance, London, England

I was a military trainer in Georgia. The US needs to take swift and firm action. Russia cannot attack a sovereign nation and go completely unchecked.

Adam, Spokane, USA

All sides should step back from the brink!

mark jackson, doncaster,

Russian passports were given to anyone from former USSR who requested them. It is unfair to portray this policy as an attempt to overtake South Osetia. The reason so many Ossetians wanted these passports is that it was their only chance to have legal documents or travel abroad.

Andrei, Chicago,

Dr Robert Laundon: It may surprise you to know that there are millions of British-born citizens with Irish passports, myself included. Would you claim that this is an act of aggression by the Irish government? Self determination is the way forward for all Europe's people.

Jared, Glasgow, SCOTLAND

US still thinks as Batman but it is not even Punisher talking real life. I think reality will kick US pretty soon to own Americans good.

Tim, MedHat, Canada

"We forget that the United States actually saved Russia from the Nazis" this is so funny ))) brainwashed sun of a gun

Andrei, New York, USA

Well I hope the U.N. will soon realize that its organization is useless. Russia is not a country to just put aside and ignore. It 's still powerful and will regain ground as a superpower onnce again. And I bet China is on their band wagon. Well I just say let us all blow each other up! Who cares

Anton , Mesquite, U.S.A

The whole thing is so silly and meaningless..

Anton, NNovgorod, Russia

Quote; `Russia should retaliate with all its military power against this crazy georgian regime´.

Yeah, How dare they want independence and South Ossetia with its President in Military Fatigues is just an innocent fluffy white bunny with a direct line to the Kremlin. What a joke.

Jim, London, UK

Putin and the reorganizing USSR are flexing their muscles in an effort to regain their Empire. Back to dictatorship. Look at how they dealt with Chechnya when they attempt to 'break away' from their master Russia.

Bill Channon, Francestown, United States

This incursion by Russia into the Republic of Georgia is not a good sign.

Not for Georgia, not for the region, not for Russia itself.

The policies of the Bush White House are having results no one forsaw in 2001, when Bush first enunciated "The US rules the world" policy.

RPhillips, Shiloh, GA, USA

Yet another Caucasian war. Russia is laughing - it took them less than a few hours to start a war. They do not hesitate when it's about their vital interests. And the interest is clear: by all means necessary do not allow gas/oil to flow to Europe bypassing Russia. Georgia was just a tiny corridor.

Ziggi, Warsaw, Poland

The precedent for intervention setting the scene for breakaway independence was Kosovo. It looks like Russia has learned the lesson and will apply it in S Ossetia. We would be insane to allow Georgia into NATO. Do we really want to see British troops fighting the Russians in the Caucasus?

Dirk Bruere, Bedford, England

David, Perth: Georgia has not been 'trying to split with Russia' since the collapse of the USSR. It was never part of Russia. It was always an separate SSR and has been an independent nation state since '90/'91. Very different to Chechnya.

Colin, London,

The USA is sending an envoy to the region to negotiate between Georgians and S. Ossetians...remember, US General Shalikashvili is of Georgian origin...90% of S. Ossetians hold Russian passports and want to be called "Russians"...Russia has sent tanks into the region to bolster peacekeeping forces in an area in which US troops were training towards the inclusion of Georgia in NATO.

I only hope that the US can recognize the claims of S. Ossetians as resolution to the break-up of the Soviet Union once the citizens of the area have made up their minds that they, 90%, want a Russian government. Since Russia is newly on the path to democracy, this valid declaration, enabling the processes of democracy in the event of recognizing S. Ossetia's democratic desire, must not be engendered to fit the cultural apparatuses of United States horrendous foreign policy results with Islamic and/or former Soviet territories, but seen instead through the prism of international self-determination.

Jennifer Ann Mc Getrick, Edmonton, Canada

Georgia has split this is about ethnic regions seeking independence. NATO and the 'West' support Kosovo an ethnic region yet not South Ossetia, and Akhazia, Trans-Dniestr or Nagorno-Karabakh- all ethnic regions, double standards?

bevuto, scotland,

Actually David Leslie, Georgia has been independent since 1991; as well as nearly every other former Soviet state. The issue here is a persistent population of Russian nationals in Georgia that want to break away from the Georgian nation. Russia obviously wants to see that happen.

Greg, Hartland, USA

In order to avoid directly interfering with the Georgia's right to it's territorial integrity, Russia offers Ossetians its citizenship and later on claims that it is only interfering in the conflict to protect its citizens... How russian is that??

Nino , Manchester , UK

Some Americans are cynical about Russia pursuing a war on its own doorstep. They don't seem to even blink when they're told that Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, half-way around the world, are in our sphere of interests. This, while an entire alien nation invades us through our back door. Dummies.

Farmer Bob, Chicago, USA

Author: please note that Georgia is accusing Russia of "fomenting" trouble, not fermenting it. :-)

Geoff Zinderdine, Oakville, Canada

To the people bemoaning the Russians in this. Where are the Ossetians sending their children to be protected? Oh, Russia. Ossetians want independence from Georgia, so many of you seemed so full of the independent spirit for Kosovo, please tell me what the difference is?

Matt, Birmingham, UK

Yesterday Georgia has again attacked on the Ossetin, citizens of Russia and on peacemakers. Russia did not attack Georgia, it has only strengthened a peace-making contingent for world maintenance. I was in a shock when has learnt how foreign mass-media shine this conflict.

Translated by PROMT

Alexander, , Russia

Chechnya-2 is coming. Caucasians have always been hard nut to crack for Russia, going back to the Tsar times - they've had wars there 4over 150 year and so?.. Russian's will never be able to bring these people down on their knees, Georgians are too proud! Russia's being too intrusive and impertinent

Tanya, Kyiv,

Why do people speak of Russia as an agressor?It was Russia who adressed to UNO to make Georgia quiet. Why was no other state concerned with it?People are dying!but everybody uses it as one more opportunity to defile RUSSIA!And what about the USA and its underling Georgia??

Ely, Astrakhan, Russia

Dont believe CNN and BBC - they say lies! Bombing of South Ossetia is made by Georgia at night before opening olimpics, Saacashwili is bombing people in his own country, their civilians. russian tanks came there only at the morning to prevent georgias teror! If you don't believe, ask about it people witch live in S Ossetia (or his parents & brothers live there) - they will tell you that BBC and CNN lies! Suckaswilli is a terrorists, and USA helps them. And a lot of people belive CNN:(

Sergey, St. Petersburg,

Georgia has been independent since 1991; The republics in question are part of an independent Georgia. Although, there are sizable Russian populations there. The pretense for Russian intervention is to protect their citizens. Same as Hitler had for his incursion into the Sudetenland in 1938.

Robert Slezak, Coventry, USA

People have lived there calmly and peacefully for 17 years (after the war in 1991), they did not attack Georgia, did not organize any terrorist acts. Do they need a war?

Valery, London, UK

Saakashvili has told yesterday that never Georgia will attack the blood brothers of Ossetins. Same night the Georgian armies have intruded in Ossetia, Tshinvali almost is completely destroyed. How we can speak about policy? He a murder who killed more than thousand innocent people.

Oleg, Almeida, Spain

How quickly Russia has forgotten Chechnya.....

Alex Hill, Guildford, UK

David, Problem is that Georgia has regions within it's official borders since USSR breakdown that claimed their independency aswell and de facto has been on it's own for years now with a major part of it's population being Russian citizens. Exactly like Kosovo claimed independency, just even longer.

Elhana, Moscow, Russia

to Dave, Denver, Colorado, US,
Dave.. my friend.. you didn't mention South America, Iraq, Afghanistan, Corea, Vietnam.... And the list is really really long and embarassing.. isn't it? Then who can speak between Usa and Russia? Who is the cleanest? How many Iraqi people is died in these years?

Rob, Rome, Italy

Dave, Denver, Colorado, USA,
It's clear that you know nothing about Russia, if you think that Putin wants USSR back...It looks like people in the west are being brain-washed or misinformed to make Russia evil in their eyes. And with Bush bloody policy, there is no wonder!!!

Natalia, St-Peterburg,

Glory is upon us and we must protect our fellow Russians.

Boris, Nitzy Novgorod, Russia

William, Los Angeles, USA,
Thanks to americans for their help in that war. But don't doubt Russia would withstand even without it. It would be harder, but it would. Because it is our land. Read something about men of Leningrad siege and Stalingrad battle.

Alexey, LO, Russia

I can explain the conflict in 3 words:

CASPIAN SEA PIPELINE

Russia doesn't want a competing pipeline to Europe undercutting their newfound influence and prosperity, and are trying to shot down the project by force.

Nathan, Colorado Springs, USA

I like my wars like I like my women: cold and Russian.

The US is currently supporting Georgia against a traditional enemy, Russia. This isn't about oil at all. Despite the last several decades, the US and Russia still regard each other as unfriendly, and this is serving to bring it to a head.

Danny Malone, Columbus, USA

It is more complicated than Saakashvili will lead you to believe. It's worth knowing that the Ossetians (not Russians!) are split between North Ossetia (happy to be part of Russia) and South Ossetia (unhappy to be part of Georgia) as a result of the Soviet Union's collapse. Listen to them!

Dmitry, London,

To the Russian "citizens" posting here -- it's clear you're not thinking clearly -- Putin is clearly trying to revive the old Soviet Union by force.
This is Czechoslovakia all over again ... or Chechenya, or ... again.

Dave, Denver, Colorado, USA

Sergey from Moscow, you just have forgotten to mention that Russia (USSR) was Hitler ally from August 1939 to June 1941.
It was Russia who allowed Hitler to become Hitler and It was Russia who had paid the heaviest price for that! Russians, do not step on the same rake twice!

Alex, North York, Canada

Saakashvili is the only one to blame. He is a cheater and he makes his people poor. Do you know how hard is to live in Georgia for old men? Their pension is about 30 dollars in a month. Try to pay a rent, buy food on this money when you are 80 years old. And this country goes to war?

Anton, Kaluga,

"Georgia attacked Ossetia, which hasn't been a part of Georgia for more than 15 years"
What does that mean, Chechnia is neither Slavic nor Christian or has been under Russian administration since the Russian armz got beaten in the early 90. Does that mean Georgia can march in to Chechnia.

t.andre, london,

I'm very dissapointed in the western response to this situation, the new conflict is just another example of Russia trying to bully smaller countries for breaking away from a political system doomed by crony politicians.
The Georgians were merely moving to end Russian influence in their country.

Sean, Seattle, U.S.A.

John from Cleveland: Spot on! People, read your history and learn geography. S Osetia is within the internationally recognized Georgian borders. If Tbilisi is in the wrong, there are ways to punish them. But Ivan's tanks? Remember Budapest, Prague, Grozny.

Pavel, London,

Sadly, my fellow Americans are revealing their ignorance of history. We didn't save Russia or Europe from the Nazi's. It is safer to say we may have saved Western Europe from Stalin, but without Russian blood spilt in disproportionate numbers all of Europe and Eastern Asia would have been Nazi.

Chris, New Fairfield, USA

You western guys paid no attention to the offensive launched by Georgian forces and to ethnical cleansings started by them. Now you all talk about “Russian invasion” just because Georgian aggressors have been repulsed. It is our right and solemn duty to protect people who have Russian citizenship!

Yegor, St Petersburg, Russia

I wonder whether Russia and Georgia is confused their war games with Olympics!

Ravanan, London,

As to the US saving Russia in WW 2, that idea is simply not true. Actually the Soviets won the war in Europe and lost nearly 20 Million in the process. All we did was divert some Nazi troops in the last two years of the war

John, Baton Rouge, USA

Frederick... people have been saying that throughout history since the time of Jesus, and especially the two centuries following his crucifiction. The second coming has been said to be coming for two thousand years now over larger wars and times of conflict than this and it hasn't happened yet.

Chris, New Fairfield, USA

How many people - are so much and opinions

I want to tell only one - listen other to other.
All that occurs now in Ossetia - only big game of politicians, namely they operate our countries and create to us our point of view!

peter, spb, rus

It is insane to compare Kosova with Osetia and only those who know nothing about history do that. South Osetia is pushed by Russia to war and destruction, only because some guys in Kremlin do not really care about the people of Osetia. You guys have no idea what the war means, you never had one.

Agim Demukaj, Prishtina, Kosova

To John from New York:

There are many things in which the United States can take pride, but saving "...Russia from the Nazis..." isn't one of those things. To say otherwise is ignorant and disrespects the millions of Soviet citizens who died defending their country before we had any impact.

Dave, Tulsa,

New Definition of War.
War : a human activity between nations and corporation. Normally it starts if somebody find an Oilfield or an Oil Pipeline. This Nations or Corporations use to throw themselves strange tapered toys (explosive) killing unrelated human while others discuss how to split the oil..

Rob, Rome, Italy

This plot is made up by Russia. How long will it take for the world to learn that Russia hasn't brought any good for the world since the first half of the XX century?i have plenty of Russian friends and they are pretty nice, but let's face it the Russian politics is the main threat on planet earth.

Nika, tbilisi, Georgia

As to the ongoing conflict, the Russian fifth column is the reason there is a problem in the Georgian state of South Ossetia. They think they can pack the state with Russians and then demand a plebiscite. In this war if agression Russian is no less guilty than American in Iraq.

John, Baton Rouge, USA

Why, all of you, are missing the fact that around 1,400 people were killed by rocket attacks? Why there is no reaction about that? What human will order rocket attack over civil people, even more in his own country? I am wondering that you prefer double standards over human lives!

Burgoth, Athens,

wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation...famines...pestilences...earthquakes in mnay different places...these are just the beginning of sorrows...Jesus Christ answer to His Apostles when they asked Him what would be the signs of the end of the world...has anybody noticed lately???

Frederick, Port St Lucie Florida, USA

Russia and the U.S. saved the day in WWII. Britain would have fallen and France was already defeated. Russia absorbed more casualties than any nation in history and came back victorious. Any other nation would have broken under such a burden. I am an American, yet I salute the Russians' courage.

Darryl, Los Angeles, USA

This is just the start of a reemerging Russia desiring to establish its military and political dominance reminiscent of the Cold War days. I regret that this is possibly the beggining of a horrible conflict that will involve the good people of Eastern Europe, Russia, and eventually the rest of us.

Zach Cate, Midland, Texas, USA

We have to read the mark on a small piece of the 1st blowed bomb there to find out who is right in this discussion. And do the same with the first blood drops. Osetians are dying, not georgians....

Max, Omsk, Russian Federation

William, Los Angeles said : Not our fault...We forget that the United States actually saved Russia from the Nazis...We have saved the world once, and we will do it again...

I'm sure the supplies helped but isn't that a stretch? The Soviets still had to fight.

John, New York,

Georgia attacked Ossetia, which hasn't been a part of Georgia for more than 15 years. I mean actual situation, not legal aspects. There is none of democracy and freedom in this very cruel and medieval action. Just think how it was done! On the first day of The Olympic games.

Dmitry, Moscow, Russia

Russia knows the strategic importance of south osetia! It is a bridgehead across the mountains which can be used as a springboard for a future attack Russia will get as much armour and troops as far as possible into georgia as possible THEN call a ceasefire! mission acomplished untill the next time.

Stephanie King, larnaca, Cyprus

You should have the same criteria : if you support Kosovo than support Osetia(Russia) as well. It's the same issue.

Stefan, Skopje, Macedonia

Poor William, you must be watching too many blockbustes since you claim that it was the states that saved the world in WW2. How about other countries (England, France ets)?And by the way Russia paid the states back in gold for the armour.

Sergei, MOSCOW,

This has brought the survivalists out of the wood work, hasn't it?

Patrick Bateman, London,

I like Georgians very much... but that guy they call 'President' is a real hawk. Instead of concentrating on economic needs of Georgian people, his real interest is to blame outside world for its problems... BTW: no wonder he started it now, while Bush administration is still in the office

Alexey, St-Petersburg, Russia

Andrew from North Bend, you know very little about Ossetins. They do not want to live in Georgia.

Alexey, St-Petersburg, Russia

It is unbearable to read all these spiteful cries!
We have a fable "An Elephant and a Little Dog". The moral is: I'm barking at the elephant, see, how brave i am?

Irena, SPb, Russia

Georgia is supported by Israel and the US because of their interests in pipelines. Debka reported that Israelis are on the ground as 'Advisors' . When the US did that in Vietnam the next thing we knew it we were in a ten year war.
Oh well, it will be interesting to see what these well armed fare.

Eric Miller, DENVER, USA

America Saved the World from Corporate Sponsored Dictators. Nazi Germany suffered from corporate greed sending their citizens to work/death camps for a meger fee. War is Control of resoarces, Government largess, Corporate and banking profits, Pensions, infringing of rights is only a symptom of it.

Karl, Fairbanks, Alaska

It is too bad that Russian birth rates are so low and they only live to 58 years old...in 50 years there will be half as many Russians as today, and that decline will quicken...

Have Russian men lost their ability to impregnate women? Or are they simply too busy reliving glory days to even try.

Matthew, Boston, USA

Dear friends, my english is too bad, but i'll try. The times didnt say that georgia started that agression in the night. It was nearly 2:00 am. Bombs were falling not to the military forces, they fell on hospitals and houses, russian peacekeeping forces were attacked, more then 10 troops dead.

Roman , Togliatty, Russia

Undoubtedly Western Media will try to present this conflict as an aggression of Russia against peaceful and defenseless Georgia. Nothing of the sort! It is Georgian President, this puppet of Uncle Sam, who is a real warmonger! I suppose our country is not denied the right to defend its citizens when they are being massacred?

Yegor, St. Petersburg, Russia

Help to Stop the Georgian State’s Discriminatory Policy toward Armenian Minority!

Please, go to http://www.gopetition.com/online/21024.html, sign the Petition and forward this link to your friends.

Gregory, Yerevan, Armenia

OK Tyler, exactly how is Bush trying to start WW III?

Frank, Bronx, USA

How soon you people forget the Sudetenland? Hitler used the excuse of liberating this western Czechoslovak territory because of the "German population" living there to justify his invasion of that territory!

John, Cleveland, USA

Tyler you are being one ridiculous liberal. Only Russia views Ossetia as an independent country. The rest of the world views them as part of Georgia. This is because The south Ossetians are heavily influenced by Russia because of its peacekeeper presence. The Russians have no right to be there

Andrew, North Bend,

Why on Earth would Georgia a tiny country willingly pick a fight with Russia which is a superpower at a time when its allies Britain and America are overstretched and in no position to intervene? It makes no sense.

Joshua, Hove, UK

Russian Philosophy : 1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back.

Joseph, London , UK

I can't believe Bush is trying to start ww3. The guy is obviously
trying to take over the world. Look how he is in peaceful China, all the while planning conquest. I sure hope freedom loving Russia stands up to America this time.
NO BLOOD FOR OIL.
That argument sounds pretty stupid today doesn't

Tyler, Springfield, USA

Not our fault... We forget that the United States actually saved Russia from the Nazis. The US was shipping tanks and other military devices to protect Russia. It may have been in our common interest but none the less. We have saved the world once, and we will do it again if it is necessary.

William, Los Angeles, USA

It's just a well planned offensive against Georgia, and the main fault is Russian imperialism, which has provoked the Georgian attack. KGB is still alive there and know how to do things. All these "saving citizen" affairs are well known for me as a Lithuanian. It's just a handle to incurse Georgia

Simon, Vilnius, Lithuania

In Soviet Union Ossetia was divided only because the Big Caucasian ridge was often impassable in winter: North Ossetia was a part of Russia and south Ossetia was a part of Georgia. The border was only a formality, but after the disintegration of the USSR it became real state border.

Alex, Riga,

Russia is the aggressor and will do anything to prevent Georgia from joining Nato and bring peace to South Ossetia & Abkhazia. Georgia has the right to bring South Ossetia & Abkhazia back under the control of the Georgian goverment. The Russian goverment can't be trusted.

Billy R Fillmore Jr, Meriden, Connecticut, USA

Bush hasn't taken one single drop of oil from Iraq like many people argued. Everyone said, "blood for oil...blood for oil" but after years in Iraq...we haven't taken one drop. In fact, we ship our own gasoline for our vehicles at a cost of over $5.50/gal when it's 24 cents/gal on the corner.

Rob Jones, Tennessee, USA

Russia should retaliate with all its military power against this crazy georgian regime

Mark Day, London,

Looks like another resource war to me.

Rob, Glasgow,

I am saddened by all the messages which seem to think the US is some how responsible for this. I will put America's record up against Russia's any day of the week. Some of you in england should talk to your grandparents. I am afraid we will all have to pick a side soon enough. Good luck Europe.

Sean , Owensboro, USA

It's just an easy start for Russia's crusade to the middle east- They'll take as much as they can get away with- It may not seem important to American's now, but wait and see- this will have an effect on world affairs down the road.

Bree, Minnesota, USA

Perhaps we should have though of the horrible precedent we were creating when we allowed and encouraged Kosovo to withdraw from Serbia and change the international borders of that country. Why don't the South Ossetians where Russians are an overwhelming majority have the same rights as the Kosovars

Michael, Washington, USA

Balkan history repeats itself. WW1. 1914 the assassination of Franz Ferdinand leading to Serbia's request for Russian military assistance. WW2.1938 Germany invades the Sudetenland to 'protect' German speaking nationals. WW3. 2008 Russia invades Ossetia to 'protect' Russian speaking nationals?.

paul, birmingham, uk

If only Barack Obama were President of the United States of America, he would merely need to raise his hands, walk through the battlegrounds and all fighting would immediately cease.

Frank, Orlando, USA

I missed the UN approval of Russia moving on its peacekeeping mission.

alexander, New York, US

"So why don't the Russians be big boys and take on the US instead of Georgia? Dan Rather, USA

So , why do USA always invade weaker countries?
In this case Georgia is the aggressor against a country who do want to be apart of Georgia. Like Kosovo did not want to be a part of Serbia

Gerry, Hereford, UK

As long as Sherman isn't involved, Atlanta should be okay.

Jorge, Yippsalanti, MI

The fact is, that Russia doesn't want an independent, Weestern oriented Georgia so it can keep its monopoly on gas to Europe (so freeze in the dark when the time comes all you Russia supporters). Therefore, it stirs up trouble in Abkhazia and South Ossetia for years. This is the result.

Robert, Florida,

Do we have double standards here when we've just invaded Iraq and Afghanistan which are nowhere near our country ?

It wasn't long ago that we had troops in Ireland too.

I think all the facts need to be looked at here before anyone jumps to any conclusions.

Neil, Wales, UK

It is not only about Osetia and Georgia, It is about US and Russia, about money and oil. -
George, Moscow
================================================

So why don't the Russians be big boys and take on the US instead of Georgia? After all the issue is between us - why Finland them?

Dan Rather, Manhattan, United States

Wake up and smell the vodka, everyone...Putin and Medvedev (one and the same really) are on the move. The KGB is alive and well. Remember this: When the Iron Curtain fell, communism was not defeated, it just laid low and redefined the game. Don't blame the US, choose freedom and fight for it.

Mary, Montrose, USA

Why US and Europe don't protect South Ossetia as they did in Kosovo in 1999? Just tell me what's the differince between this two issues? Think about one fact: yesterday Georgians and Ossetins through the Russian mediation agreed to resume negotiations on friday but Georgia launches an attack anyway.

Sergey, Tomsk, Russia

If they are Russian citizens why are they living in Georgia?

mark, Glasgow, UK

People need to understand that both Abkhazia and so called South Ossetia were always part of Georgia. There was a massive ethnic cleansing where hundreds of thousands of Georgians (who were the majority) were driven out from those territories, helped by the Russians. >>

Nick, London,

This is just old fashioned Soviet style aggression. I hope Georgia stands up to the Russian bear and gives it a bloody nose. Russians need to understand they are a second rate power now with an economy 75% reliant on petrochemical exports - Nigeria with nuclear weapons in other words.

Rich, London, UK

George from Moscow,

It is RUSSIA that is bombing people in the regiion, not the US.

Kris, Seattle, US

Learn the History
Georgian and Ossetian people are in war for more than 1500 years. Ossetia is not the part of Georgia

Muslims came to Serbia 400 years ago. Now Kosovo is a separate state.

USA supports Kosovo because it does not like Serbia which is supported by Russia
USA supports Georgia.

Bill, New York,

Hmm, do I get it right - Georgians promised to start peace talks in the evening, initiated an overnight military attack, killed some 'criminals' (what was their crime except being Russian and being located in the region?), talked of taking down Russian planes (as always, no evidence was given)...

Mikhail, London,

You cannot compare this to the Chechnya conflict. There, Russia fought against the will of the population. In South Ossetia the vast majority of the population will SUPPORT the Russians ... who have intervened to help them!

Dougie, Glasgow, UK

Russia with its imperial manners obviously thinks it's their businness everywhere - Chechnya, Georgia... What's next? Crimea in Ukraine??? Georgians are a proud nation, they will never surrender - when will it finally get to Russians? Or over 150 years of wars with Caucasians isn't enough for them??

Tanya, Kyiv,

God willing, Russia will be driven from Ossetia.

Ibrahim, London, UK

We will now know how powerful is Russia really. We will know whether Putin makes empty noises or is Russia today capable of retaliating without succumbing to US/EU pressure. To show that it is still powerful Russia has to capture the Georgian capital in the least time possible and divide Georgia.

Shaan, Chennai, India

Chechnya were invaded by Russia during the 19th century and Russia has always gained territory by aggression, check the history from 15th century and forwards Richy...

Jonas, Åhus, Sweden

"...In the most serious regional crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991...." - I don't think many Armenians would agree with you on that one.

mik, london, uk

South Ossetians are a trojan horse for russia and nothing else. NATO must get involved if it has any shred of self respect and respect for liberty.

Bekim, Pristina, Kosova

It is not only about Osetia and Georgia, It is about US and Russia, about money and oil.
Georgia is nothing more than a puppet in the hands of US and we all know how US likes to deal with its problems (e.g. oil lack) - just bombing and having a war. This is again the vivid example!

George, Moscow, Russia

It is absolutely ridiculous to say that Russia, or Putin wants the Soviet Union reunited. Russia is simply defending its own people from a Georgian president, who by many accounts is a crook and has sold out to NATO / USA a long time ago. Simply by reading the accounts of the South Ossetians you can

Alex, London, England

Why is no-one pointing out, when Russia talks about protecting its citizens in S. Ossetia, that they are only its citizens because of a deliberate, political policy of handing out Russian passports there, over appoximately the last 4 years, specifically to undermine Georgian territorial integrity?

Dominic, Southend,

I see people blaming the USA here; predictable anti-Americanism. Russia gave out passports to the citizens there. If that isn't a blatant act of provocation, I don't know what is! Can you imagine if that happened here in say, Kent?

Dr Robert Laundon, London, UK

To the Canadian and British friends of the US that place this matter at our feet: If you believe all the US does is wrong, then you should cuddle up to that nice bear that lives in the east. As all good fairy tales end, I am sure the bear will save you again.

Calvin McGeorge, Milwaukee, USA

Everyone has reason to suspect the Russians, lets look at this from a different angle. For weeks now, both S.Ossetia rebels and Georgia have been in conflict. Both sides could launch campaigns to stop the other, but only one did and they have killed a lot of innocent people in the name of peace.

Steve, Toronto, Canada

Iryna from Princeton, you don't have a clue of what you are talking about, do you?

Angela, NY, well said!

nobody needs this war. If Timor Leste is independent, why Ossetia can't be?

and Mr Saakashvili is just another American marionette.

Tim, Moscow, Russia

"If Russian citizens are in danger then they should be removed by their government during ceasefire".

Right. Do you have a spare house in Manchester, Dave?

Daniel Martin, London,

Georgia should be respected for standing up to the constant Russian threat of imperialism in this region. Georgia have since the ousting of Shevardnadze become a fully mainstream democracy and like Ukraine, the Russians are constantly interefering with the countries politics.

Simon H Lyons, London, UK

Common guys.
Georgians and Osetins agre to meet on friday and Georgians attach in the morning. Everything is clear to me.

Leon, Melbourne,

America and Great Britain Vs China and America...Now that would be something to write home about!!! That debate could go on for a long time....

James Cullup, Oxford,

Those who know nothing about Russia-Georgian relationship please, before making any comment inform yourselves better.
S.Oetia as well as Abxazia was and always will be part of Georgia.
what about Chechnya? was Russia protecting her sitizens?
please......Its's all her (Russia's) filthy games...

katie, London,

Global war is not far away.

It might solve as many environmental problems as it would create..

Richard, Bucharest,

So much for the Olympic truce!

David, calgary, Canada

Yes, David, and Mr. Saakashvili is acting exactly in the spirit of Olimpic brotherhood, isn't he?

elena, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Russia did all they could to support those 2 regions, giving passport and diplomatic link.
Georgia had no atlernative. Since 1990 things were going nowhere.
Russia can draw a parallel with Kosovo and would be right. Bottom line question is "do have people self determination right?"

Olivier, london, UK

Putin and the South Ossetians are absolutely 100% right.
Once again the United States and its Georgian puppet trying to bring bloodshed, murder and ethnic cleansing to yet another part of the globe, over oil.
Well the Americans have been absolutely checkmated over the Caspian basin. And rightly!

Elizabeth, Herts,

IT'S ABOUT OIL.

So the US begins a proxy war with Russia for control of the Central Asian pipeline and the oil supply to the West.

Very dangerous territory, and very cynical timing by Bush.

Expect Iran next. That's what all those US warships massing in the Persian Gulf are for.

Maggie, Strood, England

do you really think the russian troops will stop when they reach the borders of south ossetia? did the nazis stop in the rhineland?

Gordon brown, time for us to invest in our armed forces before its too late.

will, grimsby, uk

David Leslie, I have news for you. Georgia has been an independent country since 1991. The issue is whether the south Ossetians wish to remain part of Georgia or be united with north Ossetia which is part of Russia. There should be a plebiscite overseen by the UN to resolve issue, just like Kosovo.

Stepan, Glasgow, Scotland

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

If you don't know anything, you better don't say anything.
Georgia was independent since fall of Soviet Union. It was not trying to "split from Russia".

Sergey, Bradford, UK

It is so strange that Georgia, a country of 4,6 million people, wants to pick a fight with a super power. Just like us Finns attacked the Soviets in 1939. Once more poor Russia has to protect itse people and honor...

SS, Finland

Saska Snellman, Helsinki,

Back Russia all the way on this one, also, Georgia should under no circumstance be considered for NATO membership.
Are we deliberately trying to antagonise the great Russian bear?

Pete, St Albans, England

There are over 90% Russian citizens on the territory of the SO.
This was THEIR right to choose where to live, and they chose Russia ast he country of residency. Several years ago they hold elections which showed that most of them want to be independent from Gorgia.

Anna, NN, Russian Federation

Russia invades a sovereign country and some here blame Bush. Oh dear. I do not claim to have an understanding of the underlying tensions which led to this Russian invasion. But it is clear to me that Russia hasn't really changed that much since the days of the Soviet Union. Imperialists to the core.

J Holmes, Glasgow,

South Osetia is part of Georgia, Osetia want to break away, bit like yorkshire wanting to be independent, what has that got to do with Russia, why is Russia walking into Georgia, and we have one or two blaming Georgia. Some really weird people on here, some people will belive anything they're told.

peter reddington, leeds, UK

If Georgia handed out Georgian passports to Chechens, would they have the right to send 'peacekeepers' to Grozny?

Russia is a regional menace - it has as much idea about peacekeeping as it has about fighting corruption, e.g. zero.

Malcolm, London,

You people don’t know history or what? Chechnya has always been a pat of Russia and Geogria was/is an independent state. Although South Ossetia IS part of Georgia (not Russia). So South Ossetia is acting like Kosovo, trying to break from Georgia and declare independence.

Richy, Vancouver, BC,

The Soviet Union is dead and it is insulting a disrespectful that Russia would try to influence their neighbours in modern times as if their iron curtain was still in place. If Russian citizens are in danger then they should be removed by their government during ceasefire.

Dave, Manchester, UK

> And actions of Russia are pretty simple, too – 90% of the people in South Ossetia are indeed Russian citizens so Russia pretends that it is protecting them (it’s the same how US is always reacting btw). So if you ARE supporting Kosovo you should support South Ossetia (and even Russia here). >

Richy, Vancouver, BC,

Opposite – if you are supporting Serbia on Kosovo issue when you should think Georgia are good guys and Russians are evil.

Richy, Vancouver, BC,

For those of you who don’t see a hand of US here – just google the names of Generals Carl Vuno, James Joseph Lindsay and John Rogers Galvin. They worked as the consultants for Pentagon at the time of Croatian military campaign on taking back rogue state of Republic of Serbian Krajina >

Richy, Vancouver, BC,

It's time to stop all war stupidity. The world, everybody in this world is pretty sick of war. Does'nt matter who is "right" or who shot the first bullet, the main point is to stop right now the violence and have United Nations organize elections in the disputed area.

Angela, New York, USA

Russian is again in its true colors- trying to keep "their" territory. It is Georgia's territory and it should not be controlled by Russian separatists. OIL and NATO are the driving forced behind Russian talks of "protecting its citizens." Soon we will see Russia attack Ukrainian Republic of Krim

Iryna, Princeton, USA

There are many prophecies amongst the christian churches about Russia and China (gang of two) taking on the USA.
The West needs to be very careful in how it interprets both nations and never take its eyes off either.
Check out A.C.Valdez's 1929 vision and A.A.Allens 1954 vision. Be alert USA/UK.

G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia

My dear English friends, after reading your comments, I have formed an opinion that if Serbia will start bombing Kosovo and China will attack Tibet, you will be among the supporters of these actions.

Ivan, Moscow, Russia

Chechnya is another story. So Kosova does.

In Southern Osetiya Russia protects its own interests like US does it in Iraq, Afganistan, etc

Konstantin, Vienna, Austria

Slava, Vilnius
You are wrong.Its Russia business there.Osetia territory is under peacekeepers from Russia and Georgia are not allowed to use military forces there.So 24 hours and georgians forces will be defeated by Russia

Andre, Moscow, Russia

Despite their claims that they are moving in to save civilians from "criminals", the Georgians have been spoiling for a fight for a while.

The South Ossetians said last week they expected an attack by September .... well its barely August and the Georgians have shown their true colours.

Dougie, Glasgow, UK

they are not really acting in the spirit of Olympic brotherhood are they? especially Mr Putin in Beijing at the opening ceremony threatening "retaliation".

david, London,

One word in the article about the conflagration in Georgia, is the key : oil. Another word in the article is the explanation : NATO. Obscured behind these issues will ultimately be the USA. Distractions set up in Iraq and Afghanistan will not hide these issues fully. Human suffering extends.

Malcolm, London,

Roarke, Wembley. And your evidence is? Georgia has been trying to split from Russia since the breakdown of the USSR. As with Chechnya Russia will use as much force as it can to prevent Georgian independence.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

Reality is that Russia is absolutely in the right here, no doubt georgia's actions are being funded and supplied by the US. So, another "Bush" inspired war then here ??

roarke, wembley, Uk

Sergei, how about giving independence to Chechnya then?:) Georgia is just sorting out things in their own country and its not Russian business what are they doing there...

Slava, Vilnius,

Georgia is moving in the face of blatant provocation from the lawless regime of Edouard Kokoity and a significant build up of Rusian forces in the area, in particular around the town of Java.
Mr Saakashvili must stand firm in the face of predictable threatsand finish the job quickly

Richard, Cheltenham,

Putin has been dying to flex his muscles again. First Chechniya and now Georgia. He wants the Soviet Union reunited.

Ave atque vale Putin Caesar.

leila , manchester, uk

'Wars and rumours of Wars'

Chris, London,

Have enough people not already died in needless wars?

James, Wigan, UK

"Civilians, old people and children are under massive artillery shelling from Grad rocket systems, guns and large-calibre mortars."

Sounds just like Chechenya, huh?

John Claro, Clifden, Ireland

"Russia bombed Georgians" doesn't it sound hilarious???
i think Saakashvili has finally realized who's he messed up with (N. Osetia and other smaller people are going to support S. Osetia) and now searching for an excuse for the ruthless night attack of his bloody troops!!!

sergei, Moscow,