The Caucasus: An Introduction - Thomas de Waal - Google Books

http://books.google.de/books?id=4JAMMH80Bk4C&pg=PT126&dq=menshevik+guard+ossetians&hl=en&sa=X&ei=3Im8T5DlC6ie6AH9oNhO&redir_esc=

In this fascinating book, noted journalist Thomas de Waal—author of the highly acclaimed Black Garden—makes the case that while the Caucasus is often treated as a sub-plot in the history of Russia, or as a mere gateway to Asia. The five-day war in Georgia,…