Georgia update

Posted By Blake Hounshell Saturday, August 9, 2008 - 12:15 PM Share

Photo of a bombed structure in Gori, Georgia, by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images

Here's the latest on this fast-moving conflict:

A reported 1,500 civilians have been killed in the fighting, and Russian tanks continue to flow into South Ossetia. The Russians say they have taken Tskhinvali, the South Ossetian capital, though Georgia claims its forces withdrew of their own accord
Russian planes have bombed Gori, a Georgian city due south of Tskhinvali where eyewitnesses describe "scenes of panic"
Georgia is calling for a ceasefire but also recalling all 2,000 of its troops from Iraq, with U.S. logistical help [UPDATE: Russia rejects a ceasefire]
U.S. President George W. Bush said that Russia's attacks on South Ossetia were a "dangerous escalation" of the conflict
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Bush in a phone conversation that Russia's aim was "forcing Georgia to accept peace"
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has left Beijing and is reportedly visiting North Ossetia
Politico's Ben Smith wonders if this is a "3 a.m. moment" for the U.S. presidential candidates

UPDATE: The New York Times reports that the situation is "nearing all-out war," with Russia landing troops on Georgia's Black Sea coast.

... John McCreary comments: "Saakashvili gambled and lost. After Russia finishes crippling Georgian military capabilities, negotiations should begin."

EXPLORE:CAUCASUS, GEORGIA, MILITARY, RUSSIA

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RUFUSJSQUIRREL

3:33 PM ET

August 9, 2008

Correction

Tskhinvali is the South Ossetian capital. Tbilisi is the Georgian capital. Both are unpronouncable.

BLAKE HOUNSHELL

11:33 PM ET

August 9, 2008

thanks!

JGARZIK

8:24 PM ET

August 9, 2008

UNSC; Abkhazia

Update on fighting in Abkhazia.

"This conflict is expanding, this conflict is escalating," U.S. Deputy Ambassador Alejandro Wolff told reporters. (USA Today report via AP; includes UN Security Council coverage)

Jeff @ Armchair FP

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.