Actually you have missed something
Actually you have missed something.
Russia did begin it.
If you look at the map, you will understand why the area is important to them.
Here a little recap for you
Russia seized the opportunity, when Germany and France
delayed the NATO MAP for Georgia in April.
Shortly after that Putin started annexing the Georgian regions
(This Georgian site has a a great news archive about the crisis
extending several months):
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=17591
Russian MiGs started violating the Georgian airspace.
A Russian fighter shot down a Georgian Drone.
The last seconds of the drone footage here:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=georgi …
or
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=17641
More and more heavy Russian military moved in Georgia claiming they are Peace keepers.
for example:
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=17735
After all this UN, EU, Georgia and NATO naturally questioned Russia’s Peacekeeper Role
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18781
Terror from the invading troops steadily increased until 7Th of August.
Here are some Georgian news from that evening
The South Ossetian militia resumed shelling of the Georgian villages of Nuli and Avnevi at around noon
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18931
Georgians appeals for Peace in Televised Address
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18931
Despite a unilateral Georgian ceasefire, the Georgian village of Avnevi is still being attacked
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18932
10:15pm Georgian Village Prisi Attacked
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18938&searc …
Not only Tamarasheni but also all Georgian positions around Tskhinvali are currently under fire
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18940
‘Hundreds’ of Fighters Infiltrate into S.Ossetia from Russia – Georgia Says
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18943
‘Georgia Decided to Restore Constitutional Order in S.Ossetia’ – MoD Official
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18941
Hundreds of ‘Volunteers’ Head for S.Ossetia – N.Ossetian Leader
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=18945