Wednesday, 02 June 2004
EUROPE AND THE CAUCASUS: IN SEARCH FOR A PURPOSE
By Svante Cornell (6/2/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: The European Union’s relationship with the South Caucasus has been perplexing for several years. European states, individually and collectively, are significant donors to the South Caucasus: a billion Euro worth of aid has been allocated since the early 1990s, with little to show for it. In fact, European policy in the South Caucasus has been characterized variously as a “costly failure” or as a policy of “splendid isolation”.
Wednesday, 02 June 2004
OVERFISHING OF STURGEON COULD HARM AZERBAIJAN’S CAVIAR EXPORT
By Gulnara Ismailova (6/2/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: The environmental situation developing in the Caspian basin has been receiving increasing attention, in parallel to the discovery and extraction of large amounts of oil from the Caspian. If one of the reasons for the Caspian sea’s fame is oil, another is the fishing of valuable breeds of sturgeon, especially the Beluga. The Caspian Sea is the preserve of 90% of the world’s sturgeon population.
Wednesday, 02 June 2004
A NEW SILK ROAD? TAJIKISTAN-CHINA BORDER CROSSING OPENS
By Sultonbek Aksakalov (6/2/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: China and Tajikistan established diplomatic relations a year after Tajikistan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then, the two countries have strengthened bilateral cooperation in economy, security, anti-narcotic efforts and environmental protection, rendering support to each other in international affairs. Both Chinese and Tajik government have often claimed that the border between China and Tajikistan will become a site of peace and friendship between the two geographical neighbors, political allies and economic partners.
Wednesday, 02 June 2004
YET ANOTHER ROSE REVOLUTION? GEORGIA’S “TWO BROTHERS” CAMPAIGN IN SOUTH OSSETIA
By Theresa Freese (6/2/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: The Georgian government’s strategy in South Ossetia is threefold. First, anti-contraband activities are meant to financially weaken the authorities and pro-Russian criminal figures governing South Ossetia and to provide security forces to the region. Second, Kmara and civil society activists are operating in Tskhinvali to attract revolutionary support from within the Ossetian community.Visit also
