World holds breath as enemies collide in South Ossetia

Aug 10 2008 By Prof Bill Wallace, Former Director Of Soviet Studies At Glasgow University

THIS conflict is as worrying as the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.

Georgia has the misfortune to be strategically important to Russia and the US in their struggle for world power.

America has built a pipeline across it and the Russians would like to do the same.

The ethnic minority Ossetians resent rule by US-backed Georgia and are trying to break free, with the support of the Russians.

Both big powers feel they have something to gain at this moment which makes it a dangerous time.

The limited fighting may escalate into a larger world conflict, although it is more likely President Bush and George will take fright and help to end the fighting.

Until then, the world, just as in 1962, is holding its breath.