PEACE IN GEORGIA

Many western scholars complaint the lack of good scholarly works on the South Caucasus region. However, one recent book seems to have a chance  to contribute for the better understanding of contemporary Caucasus, - "The Ghost of Freedom: A History of the Caucasus" By Charles King. This book provides an analysis of the region's turbulent history since the late 18th century; offers exploration of how the Caucasus has been imagined by outsiders and gives an overview of contemporary conflicts and developments in the region.
Before buying this book you can read a book review written by Nina Caspersen who is a lecturer in politics and international relations, Lancaster University, and the author of several articles on the Caucasus. "The Ghost of Freedom provides an excellent analysis of the region's turbulent history since the late 18th century; offers a rich exploration of how the Caucasus has been imagined by outsiders; and gives a good overview of contemporary conflicts and developments in the region. While illuminating, this is also highly complex and those unfamiliar with the Caucaus may at times find it difficult to grasp." - this is what Nina Caspersen is telling us. 
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So,
I am finally back home to Georgia for holidays .... and some research work as well....
Going back to Tbilisi always brings me tons of emotions and special feelings, but recently I discovered there is one new type of feeling inside me: I started observing and comparing people with others I've met outside of Georgia and try to make conclusions, some kind of game of analyzing post-communist nations, not only in political sense but in everyday life level as well. Sometimes asking yourself what would Ukrainian or Armenian would say in this case and why?! Sometimes (when in transport) I am getting addicted to this game so much that I just pass by my destination. I want to know them: Georgians, Armenians, Azerbaijanians, other caucasians, Ukrainians, Russians..... This region is just fascinating, so much diverse, interesting, breathtaking, deep, unimaginably beautiful and troublesome at the same time. Actually I mean Caucasus in this particular case.... Just found an extremely interesting article by Thomas de Waal who is IWPR’s (Institute for War and Peace Reporting) outgoing Caucasus Editor. This article could be useful for all of you interested in Caucasus topic, especially for the beginners wishing to know more about this region. ..."the sad reality is, that with its tangle of closed borders and ceasefire lines, the Caucasus more resembles a suicide pact...." -  Thomas de Waal stating. Fair and interesting point of view from outside... I am sure you're already curious to read this article.... so go ahead... L

p.s.  By February 2009 I will be reporting from Tbilisi.....