Russia, Georgia, South Ossetia; what is it all about?

The separatist administration in South Ossetia has been trying to gain formal independence since breaking away in a civil war in the 1990s. 

Russia already had troops in the region, on a peacekeeping mandate, before the outbreak of fighting. But Moscow also supports the separatists. 

What is the status of South Ossetia? 

South Ossetia has run its own affairs since fighting for independence from Georgia in 1991-92, in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union. 

It has declared independence, though this has not been recognised by any other country. 

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has vowed to bring South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia, back under full Georgian control. 

Why do Ossetians want to break away?

The Ossetians are a distinct ethnic group originally from the Russian plains just south of the Don river. In the 13th Century, they were pushed southwards by Mongol invasions into the Caucasus mountains, settling along the border with Georgia. More...

See also: Georgia: We helped in Iraq, why isn't the U.S. helping us now?

And this: Olympics: Russia and Georgia hand in hand...

And this: Russia and Georgia: it's war!!!