The country of Georgia, well-known now because of its recent war with Russia over a dispute regarding the northernmost region of the country. Long considered a US ally in an otherwise Russian influenced area of Europe, Georgia has recently experienced renewed turmoil with popular protests being undertaken in the capital city of Tblisi to oust President Mikhail Saakashvili. The president is known to be a strong backer of the US and the US is purportedly in favor of keeping Saakashvili in power.
The US military has frequently had units in the country of Georgia for training exercises and strengthening ties by showing support for the government. With the current state of the country on edge and the fate of the government unknown, it would be an unnecessary risk to leave any troops stationed in Georgia until the issue is resolved. The days of Cold War power struggles to gain spheres of influence are over. By keeping a strong presence to show support for President Saakashvili the US would be risking the lives of those stationed there and risk getting much more involved in a localized problem than need be. If the people of Georgia want a new president, so be it. As the United States, we should be in favor of autonomous decisions, not powerful nations attempting to influence a smaller nation’s government.
