There is no doubt that in recent years the U.S. has lost its influence in the South Caucasus, Peter Rutland Wesleyan University professor said. According to him, August war between Russia and Georgia in 2008 showed the U.S. ally was overwhelmed AND the U.S. was unable or unwilling to respond. "After the war there was some increased support to Georgia, but for the Obama administration the South Caucasus is not among the priority regions, as it was during Bush, " Peter Rutland said.
Speaking of the possibility of a new war in the region, a British expert said: "To some extent, the small risk of such confrontation was during the August war of 2008. However, I think that neither Moscow, and of course, nor Washington are interested in serious confrontation and a new conflict in the region.
Referring to Russia's position over the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border, Rutland said that Russia seeks to maintain good relations with Turkey and wants to help Armenia to withdraw from economic isolation. "So, I think Russia should welcome the opening of the border," the English expert concluded, 1news.az reported.
