Papers analyse Georgia conflict

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A huge image of Vladimir Putin on the front of the Independent leaves readers in no doubt who was the victor in the conflict between Russia and Georgia.

"Putin's Revenge" runs its headline; a resurgent Russia has demonstrated that once again it is a force to be feared.

The Times reports Georgia will be paying a high price for peace, while the Guardian writes of the humiliating terms being dictated by the Kremlin.

It argues the the West's policy of belligerence towards Russia has failed.

'Mime games'

The revelations that a Chinese girl who apparently sang at the Olympic opening was miming to the voice of another, less pretty girl, prompts criticism.

"Olympic singer is a ringer" is how the Daily Express sees it, "Mime Games" is the Daily Mirror's headline.

The Times is not impressed either, writing of the counterfeit games, while the Daily Telegraph's editorial talks of sour notes in Beijing.

It hopes the London 2012 Games will bring back sanity to the ceremony.

'Move south'

The Guardian and the Sun carry a report by think-tank Policy Exchange - liked, they say, by the Tories - which claims northern cities are beyond revival.

The report says ministers should stop wasting taxpayers money on failed regeneration in places like Liverpool, Sunderland and Bradford.

They should spend the cash helping people move south instead, it adds.

The Guardian says Conservative leader David Cameron has distanced himself from the report's findings.

Vegas wedding

Pride of place on the front pages of the tabloids is taken by Peaches Geldof - the 19-year-old daughter of Bob Geldof - who got married in Las Vegas.

The Daily Mail fears it may all be a publicity stunt as her new husband's rock band is about to release an album.

The Sun recalls that Bob Geldof married Paula Yates in a similar ceremony in the gambling resort.

The paper says he was only told of his daughter's wedding plans 15 minutes before she said "I do".