Vassals or enemies

The war in the Caucasus a year ago only strengthened Russia's influence in the region, writes the daily Diena: "The war in Georgia is an example of politics based on the 20th century idea of 'spheres of influence', according to which state sovereignty is the priviledge of the major powers. And with the war it became clear that the US's influence as Georgia's most important ally since the Cold War has receded. By contrast the role of the EU in the post-Soviet sphere - and consequently also in the Caucasus - has grown. Nevertheless numerous politicians and intellectuals from Central and Eastern Europe explained in a letter to Barack Obama that these developments do not compensate for the widespread feeling of insecurity in the region. Today the economic crisis now leaves these countries even less protected from Russia's growing influence. The war in Georgia is one more reminder that for the Kremlin neighbouring states are either vassals or enemies."

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