apparently south ossetia declared independence and russia was the only other country to recognize it. georgia sees it as a breakway state, so has been engaged in some low-level conflict with a "seperatist group"---which i put in quotes because in this context it's hard tp know what exactly that'd refer to. because states and ethnicities are aligned in the post-stalinist context, the fact that ossetia is majority not georgian seems at the heart of it---from what i've seen (you have too, if you've read about this) most ossetians have russian passports. georgia sent its military into south ossetia on thursday, the russians yesterday. things have apparently grown very ugly very fast.
so there were two opening ceremonies yesterday.
most international organizations are shouting: STOP THAT.
at least 1500 people are dead.
addendum:
apparently georgia applied for nato membership.
so the subtext is clearer...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008...eorgia.russia3