This little war is getting scarier by the minute.

Not a scenario that I would have expected from Russia, although as I look at it more, it makes sense.

While it doesn't surprise me that Putin would be heavy handed with Georgia, I am surprised that it chose this particular moment to pull the trigger, so to speak.

Being right before the US election, the winner of which is either a hawk or a dove, I would have thought that Russia would prefer the dove. 

Russia has been much more assertive militarily over the past few years.  Our proposed missle defense system and our alliances with fomer Soviet republics has not sit well with them.  They have resumed 24 hour bomber runs around the arctic, and they have recently voiced their intention to stop bombers over in Cuba.

So wouldn't they prefer to not focus on themselves and risk getting the hawk in power?

Do they not care - are they looking to start it up with us.
Do they think we are paralyzed because of the mideast/Afghanistan and that we will in essence be unable to get involved.

At first I figured it was a Russian hand slap and a reminder to all other formers that it could still take someone out to the woodshed.  But it is looking far more sinister.  And with the US "aid" coming in, it is looking mighty ripe for a big showdown.

I am surpised by their timing.