CIS leaders will fall in step behind Russia.
All former Soviet republics without exception are weak. The only difference is whose influence they fall under -- Moscow's or Washington's (and in the case of many Asian nations -- Beijing's). Let's not delude ourselves with "free democratic" regime in Ukraine or Georgia. They're just satellites to a different superpower.
"eko" from US, I suppose you have a better understanding of the intricacies of post-Soviet geopolitics? Where are you published? Have you lived in the former Soviet bloc? I doubt it, otherwise you would not be posting such rubbish on this site. I ask the Russian apologists: Why is it that almost every country on Russia's western borders has practically begged to be integrated into western economic and security alliances? The spectre of Russian oppression and xenophobic chauvinism has not disappeared, and Russia continues to stand as a model of an autocratic, one-resource, banana republic propped up by a weak and backward-looking people. It is unfortunate that Russia, a country that has even surpassed Nazi Germany in mass executions and the spread of such misery, has not progressed.
"The West should send a message to the countries of the CIS that it will support those leaders who demonstrate their pro-Western orientation by enacting reforms and aspiring to membership in Western alliances."- this article one more example of bias,uncalled agression and lack of open mind i have stumbled upon here. The author ,with all due respect , has very dim understanding of underlying intrests of the powers involved and the actual state of affairs. It is a shame that a person, who has such shallow knowledge and introspect is allowed to write articles on this well respected site.
I agree with thsi article, and I wish to thank Emin from Azrebaijan. We here in Georgia truly appreciate the support of the Azerbaijani people. Putin and his Russia are a threat to us all.To Alex from Russia, your President kills journalists, conducts genocidal military campaigns in the north Caucasus, crushes dissent, invades and partitions a much smaller nieghbor, presides over a KGB mafia style government, allows the kleptomaniac behaviour of the oligarchs to thrive, neuters the Russian justice system, assasinates political rivals and dissidents, creates Hitler Youth style movements such as Nashi, and threatens every neighboring country. You deserve better leadership too.
No. More like its is sad that Russia has two tough-talking, tough-acting hawks in power that respect neither the dignity, nor the legitimacy of human rights and civil liberties in countries surrounding it's borders. It's an oligarchic regime hiding behind populist and nationalistic messages that further strengthens their grip on the already non-existing democracy in Russia. What is also sad is that Aliyev, indeed, did chicken by only limiting himself to verbal support for Georgia. Aliyev's position is not that of the people of Azerbaijan as the vast majority of Azerbaijanis are outraged at the immoral, illegal and aggressive actions of Russia!
It is sad that Georgia has such a reckless and immature leader as Saakasvilli. This country deserves better leadership.