Here is an article in The Wall Street Journal which argues, somewhat persuasively, that in the longer run Russia will not be able to hold onto the two breakaway regions. The author's point is twofold, first that Russia will find supporting them a serious financial drain, and second that their people will find being "Russians" less rewarding than being Georgians.
Is he right? I have no idea of the facts on the ground, as Mr. Kaylan claims to have. On the other hand, if the economic conditions and standard of living in neighboring Georgia grow at a much faster rate, it is reasonable to expect the residents of these two enclaves to regret being separated.
