The Hill: “US must help keep Georgia on ‘our’ side”

American political newspaper The Hill published a poignant piece that stresses how important it is for the United State (US) to support Georgia – a small country that is increasingly being provoked, intimidated and pressured by Russia.

Russia’s occupation of two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), and Ukraine’s Crimea region causes immense friction in the region, and Russia’s growing alliances with Iran, Turkey and with Armenia mean Georgia needs added support from its international partners.

[The] South Caucasus is a pivotal region connecting the Atlantic Ocean and its Black Sea and the Mediterranean, to the landlocked Caspian Sea and Central Asia. It is the bridgehead of the Silk Road, and therefore of strategic and economic interests to the US and the EU,” writes Theodore Karasik.

"Geographically, Georgia faces the Eastern Black Sea and is a major transit route for current and future energy infrastructure to the Europe. It is here in the Colchis (Kolkhida) Lowland that Georgian security is paramount. The BTC (Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan) and the Western Route Export Pipeline (WREP) pipeline across Georgia are a lifeline to the European Union via the Georgian ports of Supsa and Batumi.

Other economic linkages via Georgia intend to bring more energy security to Europe. There are plans for linking Turkmenistan’s gas resources across this strategic gateway as part of the new Silk Road. Thus, Georgia is an integral part of any EU security strategy.”

Karasik then details Georgia’s vast contribution to European security, saying "Tbilisi has been a loyal and significant contributor to the US led mission in Iraq and to NATO efforts in Afghanistan”. 

Georgia’s small Navy was also participating in NATO’s Black Sea Forum, which brings the country closer to the alliance and toward its eventual goal of membership.

There is another angle to consider: Good governance in Georgia opens up Tbilisi to a higher partnership with the Atlantic Alliance,” says Karasik.

He notes Georgia’s European credentials are growing: Tbilisi is a member of the OSCE and as aspiring member of the EU and NATO. The country is developing its market economy, implementing wide-reaching reforms and expanding its energy sector to reduce its reliance on external power. Furthermore the country "is also undergoing a democratic transition that may be the envy of other Eastern European states, he says.

"Despite several notable bumps and bruises, Georgia Dream appears to making governance in the country work. The ongoing parliamentary election process in Georgia is proceeding peacefully and on target for the October election. A big win for a little but proud country.”

Read the full article on  www.thehill.com.