Who or what is to blame for the Russia-Georgia conflict?

A column of Russian tanks near the town of Dzhava. Photo / AP

Opinion

Russia and Georgia are heading toward a wider war as Russian tanks rumbled into the contested province of South Ossetia and Russian aircraft bombed a Georgian town, escalating a conflict that already has left hundreds dead.

United States President George W. Bush has used his strongest language yet over the conflict in Georgia, denouncing what he called a "brutal' Russian invasion. He demanded an immediate cease-fire, the withdrawal of Russian troops from the conflict zone and a return to the status quo as of August 6.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that Moscow sent troops into South Ossetia to force Georgia into a cease-fire and prevent Georgia from retaking control of its breakaway region.

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