Background on the Georgian/Russian conflict

The BBC recently ran two good background pieces on the simmering conflict between Georgia and Russia over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the two regions vying for independence from Georgia. The first piece gives some background into Abkhazia and the difference in views between those looking for closer ties with Georgia and those looking for independence from it. The second is a brief history of the conflict in these two regions, which dates back to the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Since this situation isn't likely to be resolved anytime soon, it's worth a read.