Cause and Effect: Who Started the South Ossetian War?

The South Ossetian War that occured in late 2008 was a diplomatic crisis for the entire world, especially considering that it took place during the Olympics and many world leaders attentions were divided. Lots has been said about the cause of the war and whether or not Georgia or South Ossetia, or even Russia started it. In Europe however, a fourth name has been brought up: the United States.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has his ties to the American government, having graduated from an American Law School and worked at a law firm in New York City before he became the leader of Georgia. Even during the 2003 Rose Revolution that ousted his predecessor, Saakashvili had recieved funding from the American government, and has since received much more funding over the past few years.

While there are obvious ties to the American government, the United States can only be blamed so far. "State from President Bush and others may have emboldened Saakashvili to expect US assistance that in the end wasn't forthcoming, but that's a far cry from an active role in launching military action."

It's almost impossible to pin the blame on a single party, as it appears that both the United States and Russia we're using their respective allies in a modern version of a proxy war, like two soccer moms fighting vicariously through their kids during a game. Until more evidence comes to light, it appears that the world will have to settle with what it's got.