The Kremlin response has internationalized the crisis, which has already roiled Georgian politics over the ruling party’s perceived softness toward Russia.
Georgian Dream came to power promising never to use violence against protestors, as was common under the former government. Now, images of tear gas and rubber bullets have shaken Georgians.
Baku has a new park, the result of one of the most hotly disputed gentrification efforts of the post-Soviet period. But even critics say it provides much-needed green space.
While there are many unanswered questions about the fighting – the worst since the 1994 ceasefire – some think a new parliament commission is about scoring political points.
An enforcer for former president Mikheil Saakashvili has established a new political party, pitching it to the substantial population of angry Georgians.
Previous prosecutions in the case had been against high-level officials, opening the government up to charges it was pursuing a political vendetta rather than justice.
The homecoming has occasioned some controversy, as Azerbaijani authorities say the remains of the legendary Caucasus hero Hadji Murad were taken out of the country without their permission.
Some opposed the decision, saying other Armenian athletes braved the hostile environment. Others said he should have taken a stronger stand against Azerbaijani discrimination against ethnic Armenians.
Migrants from other Soviet republics help Russia meet its workforce needs as the ethnic-Russian population declines. But paperwork is keeping many away.
