Ukraine conflict exacerbates tensions in the Caucasus - World Socialist Web Site
▻http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/03/29/cauc-m29.html
Ukraine conflict exacerbates tensions in the Caucasus
By Clara Weiss
29 March 2014
The Ukraine conflict is exacerbating the already tense situation in the Caucasus. Following the US and European Union-backed coup in Kiev, moves are now underway to speed up the inclusion of Georgia and Moldova into the EU and NATO, and strengthen ties with Azerbaijan. Both Georgia and Azerbaijan have lined up behind the imperialist powers and the right-wing government in Kiev in their campaign against Russia.
The Caucasus has been a renewed focal point of imperialist interests since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and subsequent independence of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. The region provides access to the Caspian Basin—one of the largest energy reserves in the world—and serves as a bridge between Europe and Central Asia.