Whether the Armenian diamond-cutting industry is hurt or helped by the likely sanctions will depend on the EU's ability to trace the gems' origin to Russia.
Turkmen officials deny women's rights are trampled, but evidence suggests otherwise. Iran is making overtures. This and more in this week's Akhal-Teke Bulletin.
Azerbaijan is angry about France's sale of hardware and weapons to its rival Armenia. It's been quiet so far on Georgia's role in facilitating the transaction.
Unlike in Arab nations that have relations with Israel, there is no strong domestic pressure in Azerbaijan to take a harder line against the Jewish state.
As Baku rejects French involvement in peace talks, the leaders of Georgia and Azerbaijan seem to agree that the countries of the South Caucasus should "address regional issues themselves."