In the Georgian village of Shindisi on Wednesday, three journalists from The New York Times were present when a researcher from Human Rights Watch found two unexploded cluster munitions on the ground. The question of whether in the conflict Russia used cluster munitions, which are weapons that release hundreds of bomblets when they explode, has been a source of intense dispute. Russia has vehemently denied using them and called allegations that it used those munitions “lies” that were prepared before the war. But there have been many indications that cluster munitions were in fact used.

(Source: Despite Yielding Ground, Russia Takes Critical Spots, by Andrew Kramer, The New York Times, August 20, 2008)

Picture this: the small village of Shindisi surrounded by Caucasus mountains. A few goats are peacefully grazing  on a lush green hillside. The village is just big enough for the local commuter train to make a quick stop there on its way to Gori. Most Georgians who don't ride the train every day to work will be hard-pressed to point out Shindisi on a map. Three NY Times jounrnalists appear out of the morning mist to witness a Human Rights Watch researcher stumbling onto two tiny unexploded cluster bomblets...

I've heard some stories in my life. God is my witness, if there is a bullshit shoveling contest, I am sure I can keep up with the best of them. But this... This was a work of genius: not only did the Georgians manage to find some old Soviet cluster bombs that I wouldn't touch with a 100-yard pole, they also managed to find the three most gullible journalists at The New York Times. I can understand if, say, a local goatherder found the bomblets, called the authorities and they invited the journalists. But they aren't even trying.

The Human Rights Watch "researcher" walking out of the local pub: Hey, look - cluster bombs. Where are those damned journalists when you really need them? Oh, here they are!

At least they didn't find an unexploded Russian nuclear bomb...