EC2003 MEDC
Today, as the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close, Georgia remains piteously poor. And, yet, geopolitically, it is a country of enormous importance. An immense pipeline passes through Georgian territory, moving vast quantities of oil and gas from the Caspian Sea to a Turkish port. In the wake of the American withdrawal (some might say, ejection) from the Persian Gulf, Caspian oil is seen as crucially important in relieving dependence on oil from the Gulf region. The Russians are about to withdraw from the republic completely, and NATO membership is just around the corner for Georgia. And, still, as always, trouble is brewing just below the surface. Its only a matter of time before a soldier calls, "Tsetskli ! Tsetskli ! Tsetskli !" (Released July 2004).