Weekly Experts Panel: Waging War on Georgia

As the military conflict in South Ossetia loses momentum and appears to subside, the true culprits of the tragedy remain unidentified, as official and expert points of view vary from indignation toward Russia to brittleness toward Georgia. What does the outcome of the conflict mean for Russia, Georgia, South Ossetia and the West? Was Russia’s response justified? Could Moscow have been more skillful in defusing the crisis without resorting to tanks? Was the West informed about Georgia’s plans to reclaim South Ossetia by force? Can Moscow afford another war in the Caucasus?
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Russia Profile magazine