Mar 10, 2010 0
by Inge SnipThe border between Georgia and Russia has reopened and talks are progressing on reestablishing direct flights. While the benefits are mostly intangible, they are a welcome break from the mutual animosity that has typified Georgia-Russia relations.
Mar 9, 2010 0
Caucasus Watch is a periodic roundup focusing on the region’s major stories. The project is led by Remy Gwaramadze with support from the entire Evolutsia.Net team.
In this issue, we peek at the rationale and politics behind the Zemo Larsi border reopening between Georgia and Russia … and Armenia? Things also aren’t what they seem for the confusing mess that is Irakli Alasania’s mayoral campaign, the Euro-darling wunderkind who has made some very confusing and very strange decisions recently. In the “I-saw-this-coming” department, Russia has reportedly dictated its expectations to Ukraine’s new president. Diktats aren’t going over so well in South Ossetia, where tensions are rising between an under-performing autocracy and civil society running out of patience.
This, and a bit more, after the jump.
Mar 5, 2010 0
by Michael CecireA US legislative committee has declared the late-Ottoman killings against ethnic Armenians as ‘genocide.’ Unfortunately, the resolution’s passage may only make peace in the Black Sea region, and US influence, ever more elusive.
Mar 5, 2010 4
by Inge SnipFollowing Zurab Noghaideli’s lead, ex-parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze has accepted a Russian invitation and flown to Moscow to discuss Georgian politics. Should it be considered treason, ‘dirty’ Kremlin games, or just smart tactics?
Mar 2, 2010 0
by Inge SnipAzerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev warned that a new war might be inevitable if Armenian forces do not withdraw from Nagorno Karabakh. Fifteen years after the war over Nagorno Karabakh, the situation remains tense and Abiyev’s statement does not improve it.
Feb 26, 2010 0
by Michael CecireAlasania’s bickering with fellow Alliance leaders over the pro-Moscow Noghaideli may be Alasania’s way of flirting with Russia. With the ranks of the Russia sympathizers in Georgian politics growing, is Georgia retreating from its march to the West?
Feb 24, 2010 2
After the August war, it emerged that pragmatism may have become again the leading force in policymaking. Alexander Rondeli argues in a recent piece on OpenDemocracy that ‘Realpolitik’ is back in all its glory.
Feb 23, 2010 3
by Michael CecireA new caucus in parliament aims to reach out to Georgia’s North Caucasus ‘brothers.’ However, unlike certain opposition elements, the approach is a move aimed to bolster regional security and ensure Georgian sovereignty.
Feb 22, 2010 0
Sokhumi and Moscow signed a military treaty last week that ‘legalizes’ a majority of Russia’s current military presence. However, it is an apparent violation of international law and is being condemned by NATO. Should the growing military presence be regarded as alarming to Georgia?
Feb 21, 2010 0
Caucasus Watch is a biweekly roundup focusing on the region’s major stories. The project is led by Remy Gwaramadze with support from the entire Evolutsia.Net team.
In this issue, we have a Russia-heavy set, beginning with the Georgian satellite broadcaster First Caucasian being banned with, by either the compliance or culpability of, the French government. Also disturbing, Zurab Noghaideli’s mission to Moscow touches a high water mark as he signs a compact with Putin’s United Russia. The more moderate Irakli Alasania has his own talks with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov. Abkhaz leader Sergei Bagapsh is inaugurating under the pall of a growing debate over property rights. Meanwhile, with the ink on the Mistral deal still fresh, Russia has begun exploring the option of buying French armored vehicles.
All after the jump.
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