A Consolidated Primer on the South Ossetia Conflict

As Russian forces attack the Caucasian republic of Georgia, many in the West are no doubt puzzled. While many might be familiar with Georgia, fewer will have heard of South Ossetia before Russia sent tanks into the region on Friday. Although this remote dispute is taking place in an unfamiliar area, its repercussions will undoubtedly impact global security. In order to understand, a discussion of the conflict's background is in order. ....