The current conflict between Russia and Georgia has deep-seated roots that extend far beyond the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It also appears to be an opportunity for Russia to reassert power along its borders. The latest flare-up started when Georgia launched a military strike on the province of South Ossetia, saying that attacks from the region had increased and aiming to reclaim it after 16 years of semi-independence. In response, Russia sent tanks and aircraft in. Moscow says Georgian forces had killed Russian peacekeepers there and were committing acts of "ethnic cleansing" of native Russians living there. <<< Click on the subjects at left for more on their role in the conflict. Credits:  CBS/AP/NPR/BBC