Imagine you have Country A, which also consists of Regions B and C. Regions B and C want independence, and Country A refused to give it to them. They revolt, so Country A sends troops into B and C to stablise the areas. Bear in mind that B and C also have their own forces and 'stablise' here means a form of mlitary action.
Then neighbouring Country D intervenes, saying that B and C consists of its citizens and send troops in that area. A of course, is not happy-- to A, it is like an invasion. So, fighting starts.
That's the simplified version of the 2008 South Ossetia war, occuring now. Substitute A as Georgia, B and C as South Ossetia and Abkhazia and D as Russia.
Hundreds have died in the war (or thousands if you believe the Russian estimates) since it started on 7th August 2008. What a way to celebrate the Olympics.
Hope seems to be settling in though. The EU has managed to negotiate a cease-fire on 14 August.
Ben Tan
The Alternative: Peace-loving
