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Analysis
Analysis: The future of Syria: a new battleground for influence

Analysis: The future of Syria: a new battleground for influence

On Sunday December 8th the long-ruling Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled the country, ultimately giving up power to the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The day marked the end of the 61 years long authoritarian regime, started by Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad. The regime scared the Syrian population with regular instances of torture, mysterious disappearances and unlawful killings in cases of resistance against the ruler. Since the 2011 ‘Arab Spring’ protests that resulted in the rise of repression and a civil war, Syria’s economic and political landscape was completely ruined. Even though the long-awaited Assad’s fall is a time of celebration for many around the world, it is only the beginning of a long, demanding journey to rebuild the country from scratch.
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News
Jimmy Carter dies at 100 leaving a legacy that is difficult to match

Jimmy Carter dies at 100 leaving a legacy that is difficult to match

Jimmy Carter the 39th president of the United States, died today at the venerable age of 100.  As reactions poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.” Biden cited Carter’s work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and house the homeless as an example for others. Biden scheduled a state funeral in Washington, D.C. for Carter on Jan. 9. Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978.That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. In fact it was Carter's work at the Carter Centre after he left office that will be remembered as his most important legacy.
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News
New President of Georgia sworn in: Outgoing President says he is not legitimate

New President of Georgia sworn in: Outgoing President says he is not legitimate

Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as president of Georgia on Sunday as thousands of protesters gathered in the capital Tbilisi to demonstrate against his inauguration. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, an opponent of the ruling Georgian Dream party said in a defiant speech to supporters outside the presidential palace that she was leaving the residence but that Kavelashvili had no legitimacy as president.
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News
  Ilham Aliyev makes three demands to Russian Federation following crash of AZAL plane

Ilham Aliyev makes three demands to Russian Federation following crash of AZAL plane

It is becoming increasingly clear that the AZAL plane that crashed on Christmas Day (25 December) was hit by a Russian missile fired from Grozny. Russian President Vladimir Putin took the unusual step of apologising on Friday (27th December) but stopped short of admitting responsibility . - Commenting on the crash during an interview with Azerbaijan Television President Aliyev dismissed earlier Russian claims that the plane was struck by birds. The fact that the crashed plane was full of holes completely eliminates the bird strike theory, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said . According to him, Azerbaijan presented clear demands to the Russian side. "These demands were officially communicated to them on December 27. What do they consist of? First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must admit its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished, held criminally liable, and the Azerbaijani state, as well as the injured passengers and crew members, must be compensated. These are our conditions. The first of them was fulfilled yesterday. I hope they will accept other conditions as well. All these demands are fair. There are no extraordinary demands and issues here; all this is based on international experience and normal human behavior," Aliyev noted. Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned Ilham Aliyev again after the interview was aired.
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News
Obituary: Bachuki Kardava

Obituary: Bachuki Kardava

Bachuki Kardava, Georgian  Politician and leader of the National Democratic Party died at the age of 54. Dennis Sammut wrote this short  obituary for commonspace.eu: I met Bachuki Kardava for the first time in 1995, He was then the President of the NDPs youth wing. It was shortly after the death of Gia Chanturia leader of the National Democrats also at a young age. Bachuki had worked closely with Gia Chanturia and missed him both as a friend and as political mentor. In those turbulent times of the mid 1990s Bachuki was always helpful and supportive, a  great friend to the tiny but vibrant international community in Georgia at the time. He was frustrated by the developments within the National Democratic Party and missed the wisdom of Gia  Chanturia. In the mid 1990s the NDP was the second strongest political force in Georgia. But that moment passed and when he became leader of the party in 2003 Bachuki Kardava could not bring back its  past glory. He died at the young age of 54. I extend my sincere condolences to all his family and friends
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News
Azerbaijan mourns crash of Azal plane and death of 38 persons

Azerbaijan mourns crash of Azal plane and death of 38 persons

n Baku, flags on official buildings and embassies of foreign countries flew at half mast Thursday (26 December) as Azerbaijan observed a day of mourning following the crash of an AZAL plane which resulted in the death of 38 passengers and crew. The plane was on  a scheduled flight from Baku to Grozny, but was diverted to Kazakhstan because of bad weather. President Ilham Aliyev was informed of the crash whilst on his way to St Petersburg where he was to attend the informal CIS summit hosted by President Putin. He ordered his plan to return to Baku to lead the Azerbaijani response to the crash. Azerbaijani media speculated about the causes  of the crash, with some outlets saying that it was hit by a Chechen missile whilst approaching Grozny.
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Event
Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

The editorial team of commonspace.eu extends its warmest Christmas and holiday greetings to all our contributors, supporters, readers and subscribers in the Caucasus region, Europe, North/South America, Asia and beyond. We are grateful for your continued commitment and support, and we wish you joy, health and prosperity in the coming year.
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Interview
Interview: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discusses the prospects of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan

Interview: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discusses the prospects of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan

In an interview with Armenpress Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed a number of critical aspects of the pending peace treaty with Azerbaijan. In his view, the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty would gain superior legal force over Armenian laws and the topic of territorial demands would be closed forever. Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the same would happen in Azerbaijan meaning that the signing of the peace treaty would practically dispel the concerns of both Armenia and Azerbaijan particularly in relation to their respective constitutions. The Prime Minister also noted that Armenia was not engaged in an arms race with any country but was acquiring armaments exclusively for defending Armenia’s borders and territorial integrity.
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Interview
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discusses the prospects of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discusses the prospects of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan

In an interview with Armenpress Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed a number of critical aspects of the pending peace treaty with Azerbaijan. In his view, the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty would gain superior legal force over Armenian laws and the topic of territorial demands would be closed forever. Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the same would happen in Azerbaijan meaning that the signing of the peace treaty would practically dispel the concerns of both Armenia and Azerbaijan particularly in relation to their respective constitutions. The Prime Minister also noted that Armenia was not engaged in an arms race with any country but was acquiring armaments exclusively for defending Armenia’s borders and territorial integrity.