The article is both underestimation and exaggeration.
Underestimation, because Georgian military forces are in disarray and Russian Army can do in Georgia whatever they think is needed. So, why in halves? Russia can slice Georgia in as many pieces, as she wants. She does not do that? Than, it is just because there are no such plans from Russia. Exaggeration, because Russians have come up to the highway and sef a few checkpoints there without interrupting the traffic. So anyone and anything, other than military units and equipment may ride back and forth. In military operations the one of the most important things is to secure own troops as much as possible. Until Russian troops are withdrawn they must be secured from any possible attacks, so checkpoints and reconnaissance are not combat operations but normal in such a situation activities.
And Russia is going to start withdrawing on Monday 08. 18. 08. Russians are the winners, so no need for them to do it in a hurried manner, giving impression that they gave in to the pressure from John Samford’s promising WWIII, or Teresita, plannng economical disaster for Russia or Lifeofthemind moving the Polish, Italian and French divisions to the Russia’s borders (all are guys from this forum).
Russians are not breaking the deal. The deal does not set any timetable. So, they are going to withdraw with dignity, and at the time of their choice.
One source of pressure was the Ukraine-is a laughable statement. I think, Ukrainians are laughing at this statement too. You know, Georgian President Saakashvilly and the Ukrainian one, Yushchenko are close friends. On a personal level. They meet each other and talk informally more frequently than officially. So, Yushchenko is trying to do something to save his face as a loyal friend, but he does not have any leverage to deal with Russia. Russia has much more opportunities to bring troubles to Ukraine. And that is not only gas and oil supplies. The two radar stations on the Ukrainian territory are obsolete, and Russians refused to use them any longer and already built replacement for tham on their own territory. So, Ukrane may incorporate it into the Western missle warninig system. It will neither help the West a lot, nor harm Russia. Still something Yushchenko can do to please his beaten buddy.
A joke: After John McCaine said: “We all are Georgians now”, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvilly declared himself the President of the USA.