This all started when the president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, ordered an attack on the Russian territory of South Ossetia. South Ossetia was once part of Georgia but declared independence in the early 90’s. When Georgia first moved into South Ossetia, the Russian diplomat warned Georgia that they will defend the new country if a conflict breaks out. Saakashvili offered a ceasefire but then let conflict break out anyhow. So that’s the background.

Now the Russians are pummeling the Georgians, our military is flying the Georgians back home to defend their country, and all the world seems to be crying foul on the Russians for attacking this “beacon of democracy” in middle east.

Did I miss something? What the fuck is going on here? Georgia unilaterally attacked another country and Russia defended it. Granted, South Ossetia is acting as a de facto country and is not internationally recognized, but still. Georgia attacked! Even NPR’s Daniel Shore seemed to sympathize with Georgia, and that dude’s always spot-on. So what am I missing?