“In South Ossetia itself, Georgian troops have retreated from the capital, Tskhinvali, because of heavy Russian shelling.
Russian troops are now in control of the city.”
I’m afraid the Georgians are going to be advised to give it up. Unfortunately, that will most likely result in Russia whittling away parts of Georgia until it is completely absorbed by Russia.
I think you're right. Looking at the map, it looks as if South Ossetia is to Georgia as the Sudetenland was to Czechoslovakia. I.e. Georgia is indefensible without S. Ossetia.
“I’m afraid the Georgians are going to be advised to give it up.”
The latest reports are that Georgian troops have been ordered to cease fire. Looks like South Ossettia is firmly in Russian hands.