BlackFive

First up, I ask that you please go re-read Mzia's Post Part I and Part II, Michael Totten's excellent Truth About Russia in Georgia, and Olga's persepective as well.

These all provide historical and other important context for current events. Georgia has suspended/severed diplomatic relations with Moscow, leaving only consular-level operations so that Georgian citizens in Russia are not completely cut off. The U.S. did not force the issue at P'oti, opting instead to send the supplies intended to be off loaded there to Batumi. It is very much worth noting the language being used by Russia on this and related matters, as it is very similar to Soviet language used when the U.S./West stood firm unexpectedly. They are "perplexed" (i.e. surprised or even amazed) and actions are "devilish" (i.e. damn you for blocking us). They have mobilized apparently all they can of the Black Sea Fleet and moved it into the area as a counter/threat to the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships bringing aid to Georgia.

Meantime, the Russians are doing all they can to terrorize Georgians and others into leaving South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and reports continue of more permanent cleansing as well. This ties in with Russian recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states (a la Kosovo), and continuing efforts to give Russian passports and effective citizenship to as many people there as possible. Baldilocks puts some of these activities in perspective with a hypothetical that may not be as far fetched as we would like. Given all, it is not surprising that Russians are refusing to let Georgians return to their homes anywhere that they can control.

Ukraine has taken a bold step by declaring that it will not let Russia add us to its hit list. The support of the former Soviet republics continues strongly, as they recognize very well what is at stake. Wu Wei showcases the question uppermost on the minds of the citizens of those countries, as well as their governments. The answer matters not only to them, but to many others around the world. Make no mistake: from Sunni and Shia groups to other countries being wooed for various reasons, this is being watched for we ask them to trust us. Can we be trusted is the question of the hour, and these are all units that are interested in deeds, not words. If we fail of the deed, they will know our word means nothing, and the results will be catastrophic for COIN and more.

Castle Argghhh adds a source on the ground to their Georgia coverage. Post One, Post Two and Post Three are up and well worth the read.

As always, here are links to sources of information. My thanks to all who are posting or sending new links, and as always be a critical consumer:

Baltic Times
Civil.Ge
The Messenger Blog
The Messenger Newspaper
Scraps of Moscow
All About Latvia
Lex Libertas
foreign notes
Registan.net
Novayagazeta
Yezhednevny zhurnal
Global Voices
The 8th Circle
A Fistful of Euros
Nosemonkey's EUtopia
Wu Wei
SOS Georgia
Georgia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Blog
The Tel'nik
Russia and Georgia at War
Georgian Daily

Here is a list of Blackfive posts dealing with the Russian invasion of Georgia:

This Can't Be Good!
US Troops in Georgia not in Harm''s Way...Yet
No, It'sNot Good At All
While the EU and NATO Fiddle...
The Devil Went To Georgia
For Georgia
Georgia On My Mind
The Lights Stay On In Georgia?
Georgian Soldiers In Iraq
Lights Flicker in Georgia
Who'll Stop the Rain
Aid for the Republic of Georgia
The Things Not Reported...
Stud Reporter
Perspective: A Different View of Current Events in Georgia
Georgia Soldiers Leave Iraq to Defend Home
Georgia: The Russian Guessing Game
Georgia: Update and Considerations
Georgia Blogging - Keep an Eye on Michael J. Totten
Georgia: The March Through Part of a Larger Tour?
Georgia: No WIthdrawal
Georgia: A Withdrawal Of Sorts
Real Pravda About Russia in Georgia
Real Pravda About Russia in Georgia, Part II
Gori, Georgia Damage Assessment

Here are some other milblogs that are covering this:

Argghhh!
Milblogs (some excellent Kosovo analysis)
Op-For

More as things continue to unfold.

LW