Category: Opinion - Page 3

If humanity does not stop Putin now, it will still have to do so, but much further away from Kyiv

March 14, 2022 by Lasha Tughushi

On the 18th day since the start of the Russian aggression, more and more people, as well as politicians and experts, say that Ukraine will win the war. Russia has failed to crush either the Ukrainian army or its people. The more atrocities it inflicts, the stronger the resistance of the Ukrainians. It has already … Read more

Georgian PM aligns himself with hate groups to hunt down „anti-Christian forces“

July 19, 2021 by Lasha Tughushi

For the first time in Georgia’s recent history, its PM used the shocking term „anti-Christian forces“ in his public discourse. Today, such an “eschatological” motif may look a little unusual, to say the least. PM Gharibashvili touched on the sensitive strings of the identity of the majority of ethnic Georgians, further dividing the already polarized … Read more

Who wants Georgia to U-turn toward the Putinist cause?

July 7, 2021 by Lasha Tughushi

Editor’s Opinion The first time since Georgia linked itself to Europe and raised the EU flag in front of parliament, it was demonstratively torn down by brutal forces. March of Dignity on July 5 was conceived as the culmination of Tbilisi Pride, when the LGBTQ people and human rights supporters were supposed to enter the … Read more

In Memoriam of Donald Henry Rumsfeld

July 6, 2021 by Tedo Japaridze

Donald Rumsfeld was an anchor and a rudder. In the service of four Republican Presidents – Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and George W. Bush – Donald Rumsfeld was seen as a controversial figure to certain Americans because of his unapologetic, unyielding, and committed dedication to what each of these administrations defined as the America’s strategic … Read more

Negotiations are the only way out of Georgia’s political crisis

February 25, 2021 by Editorial

EDITORIAL When parliament nominated hardliner candidate Irakli Gharibashvili as prime minister, he dedicated his speech not to defeating the pandemic, not to the economy, occupation or social problems, but to fighting political opposition. After Melia’s arrest, the newly appointed PM thanked the police for their “successful operation”. Similar statements were made by senior state officials. … Read more

Japan and Georgia: so far, so close

January 8, 2020 by Tedo Japaridze

In November of 2019, Ambassador Tedo Japaridze visited Japan invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japanese Embassy in Georgia. Here’s an opinion piece of Mr. Japaridze published by the “Japan Up Close” site. It’s a platform in English that allows professionals in their fields both in and out of Japan … Read more

Evolution of clan based governance in Georgian judiciary since 2007

April 19, 2019 by Kakha Tsikarishvili

Since the declaration of independence Georgia could never manage to create a truly independent judiciary. Low level of judicial independence was conditioned by several reasons, including the absence of political will. Since 2004, Georgian judiciary could overcome systemic corruption, however, found itself under strict control of executive power. A small group of persons, the clan, … Read more

How Bush placed Georgia on the map

December 18, 2018 by Tedo Japaridze

President George H.W. Bush will be missed not only as a historical leader but also for the style of leadership he brought to Washington: calculated, diligent, often bipartisan, driven by conviction, guided by humility, and resolute. Georgia owes him a great debt.

My time in the official service is over

September 14, 2018 by DFW-admin

Dear friends and colleagues, as of today, September 13, my time in the official service of the Georgian government will be over. I wish to thank the people of Georgia, whose support and advice has empowered me to work for every Georgian administration since 1989.

In Memoriam of Sen. John McCain

August 29, 2018 by DFW-admin

I had the great honor of meeting Senator McCain in early November of 1994 when I was Ambassador to the United States from Georgia. He quickly and organically understood the challenges of a young democracy like ours trying to overcome seven decades of Soviet communism. Senator McCain was a constant champion for Georgia in the … Read more