something signifigant, something new caused the russians to draw up like a horse in front of a coiled rattler. and it wasn’t pictures of obama riding a dolphin

The usual reasons are logistics and exhaustion. After about 72 hours even young men find it hard to keep going. If you have a very narrow front, as the Russians may have had, the opportunity for switching units may not be so easy. Then, with the reaction from the West, the uncertainties begin to mount. Plus, any assault over a defended river crossing, such as would have been required to reach Tbilisi, might need some preparation. There would also have been some losses. So if going forward is not an option, why not turn it into a virtue and call it a ceasefire? Meanwhile, recon goes forward … it’s exempt from the ceasefire remember?

I’m not saying the Russians are planning a fast one. But it’s wise to remember the famous adage of Ronald Reagan: trust but verify.