Although the United States and other NATO members have sent substantial aid to build up Georgia's once-shabby military, diplomats have often shown clear discomfort with Saakashvili's headstrong ways.

Ironic how Russian oil revenue gets lent to the USG which uses the money to supply Georgia with MLRS rockets killing Russian citizens.

Joerg and I have also flagged it in this Atlantic Review post.

Meanwhile, old Anne has a halfway sensible / halfway propagandistic take, and Doug Muir has a useful piece on the territory.

This is looking pretty fucked up for Saakashvili. He lost his long shot on the first day. The question now would be how much of the Georgian army he wants destroyed before he gives in.