WAR IN THE CAUCASES -- NEWS UPDATES AND SUMMARIES, ANALYSTS,AND COMMENTARIES

A TV image of what Russian Channel 1 says is a convoy of
Russian tanks moving towards Tskhinvali on Friday

Russia Sends Troops Into Rebel Enclave in Georgia -- New York Times

MOSCOW — Russia sent troops rolling into a breakaway region of Georgia on Friday, after Georgian troops entered the capital of the pro-Russian enclave, in a sharp escalation of the conflict.

As Georgian forces declared they had won control of the enclave’s capital, Tskhinvali, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin declared that “war has started” and President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia accused Russia of a "well-planned invasion," according to Bloomberg.

One unconfirmed report said Georgian forces had shot down two Russian planes in the breakaway region, South Ossetia, and Georgia said that its aircraft had bombed a convoy of Russian tanks that moved into the area. Russia’s Channel 1 television showed Russian tanks entering South Ossetia. It reported that two battalions reinforced by tanks and armored personnel carriers were approaching Tskhinvali.

Read more ....

News On Georgia/Russia War

Full Coverage: Republic of Georgia -- Yahoo News
Putin Says "War Has Started" -- Bloomberg
Georgia calls for US help as Russians invade to defend South Ossetia -- The Guardian
Russian troops enter South Ossetia after Georgia offensive -- AFP
Russia sends forces into Georgian rebel conflict -- Reuters
Georgia conflict escalates as Russian tanks enter South Ossetia -- The Telegraph
Georgia says Russian tanks mean 'war' in South Ossetia -- Times Online
Georgian President says 'Russia fighting war' -- Reuters
Russia and Georgia on verge of conflict -- Herald Sun
Georgian army moves to retake South Ossetia -- Yahoo News
Georgia begins offensive in South Ossetia -- International Herald Tribune
Georgia launches major assault on South Ossetia -- Janes
ANALYSTS' VIEW-Security experts on South Ossetia fighting -- Reuters
TIMELINE - Georgia and Russia's worsening relations -- Reuters

My Comment: Georgia has underestimated the response that Russia was going to apply once Georgia invaded this breakaway region. The Russian Press, since the beginning of this week, have made it very clear that there would be consequences if Georgia should decide to invade South Ossetia. No one listened in Georgia.

For those who are curious on what is my opinion ..... the people of South Ossetia are a distinct people who have no interest in being part of Georgia. They do not share the same language, religion, or even ethnic background. They are a poor people who want nothing to do with Georgia.

My concerns are the following. (1) I am sure that there are still American advisers in the country, leftovers from last months training exercises with the Georgian Army. They should bugger out or stay very low. (2) I am relieved that Georgia is not a member of NATO. If their application was approved a few months ago when they requested for membership, we would now be at a state of war with Russia. (3) The Georgian Army should leave South Ossetia. They are not wanted by the majority of the people who live there, and they are no match against Russian tanks and its airforce. (4) Russian tanks and infantry will succeed in occupying South Ossetia. My worry is that they may go after Georgian forces in Georgia itself. This will escalate the conflict exponentially.

Special Note: I will be updating at 18:00 EST all news and events on this conflict.