Why is the US getting involved in Ossetia? Did these people try to secede from Georgia by choice? ?

Question

"Fighting broke out in Georgia, a U.S. ally on Russia's border in the Caucasus, on Aug 7-8 when Georgian forces tried to retake the breakaway region of South Ossetia, which is backed by Moscow."

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLT32968320080830?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=10112

Are we trying to help a sorvreign nation because they want Ossetia back? Why don't we just let elections be held in Ossetia? What's the real story? I am confused, you?

Answer 1

Absolutely. Ossentia was never part of Georgia /

They were also de facto since 1992 and were always trying to gain freedom.

Ossentia was part of the USSR. ( until they became independent) and Georgia ( annexed Ossentia) against their will.

Thus problems.