While most of this early information cannot be substantiated, it is worthwhile for RFE to have provided it as the situation progresses. This piece describes the claims of both sides and tells how the US and the UN have responded thus far (Bush strongly backed up Georgia and the UN threw up their hands and said "we don't know yet"). If the claims about bombing of civilian populations are confirmed, and the claims of ethnic cleansing are not, Russia is once again going to be the target of international condemnation for their invasion of the fledgling democracy. As news analysis, this report is badly lacking, but for timely reporting of immensely important events, it is very valuable.

Good reporting about a breaking news story that is still very confusing, with both sides making widely divergent claims. The report is presented fairly, based on factual evidence, citing multiple sources and helpful context. However, it doesn't appear that RFE has reporters on the ground yet, and they appear to rely largely on second hand information.