The Russian forces are overextended. Any one who has read Heart’s analysis of 1908 in “Strategy” knows it. There will be some face saving agreement where Russia removes all its forces from Georgia and the Georgians sign some kind of mutual non-aggression pact. The “outlaws” in Osetia will be condemned and it will be open season on them.

Look at what happened: 1000+ US soldiers defeated an army of 30K to 40K, with the Georgian Army taking minimal casualties and the US none.

Putin will be denounced in his own circles for adventurism.

Why won’t the US show up in Georgia? No need to rub the Russian’s nose in it further. It is just business.