This is an imperialist conflict between the US and Russia.

Both want to assert control of the Caucasus because it is rich in oil and other mineral wealth.

The United States has reversed the position it took in the Balkans.

There, the US supported breakaway republics such as Bosnia and Kosovo.

In the Caucasus it is taking the exact opposite line and supporting “Georgian territorial integrity” against the South Ossetian secessionist state.

IT IS A BREATHTAKING U TURN WHICH ILLUSTRATES THE HYPOCRISY OF “OUR” LEADERS.

“There are fears of full-blown war in the region, which is a crucial energy transit route in which Russia and the west are vying for influence. President George Bush pledged US support for Georgia’s territorial integrity.”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/09/russia.georgia

The article explains the background to the situation better than anything you will read in the mainstream media:

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/aug2008/ruge-a09.shtml