Tbilisi, Georgia
Russia agreed this week to withdraw its remaining troops from Georgian territory by the end of 2008. Russia still has two military bases and 3,000 soldiers left over from the days when Georgia was a Soviet republic. Ever since Georgia gained independence in 1991, it has demanded that the Russians go home. But Russia, which considers Georgia part of its sphere of influence, kept delaying, saying it needed more time to prepare housing for the returning soldiers. Finally this year, the Georgian parliament voted unanimously to refuse Russians entry visas unless the troops withdraw, forcing Moscow to set a deadline.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
'Arise, Sir Goldenballs': David Beckham plays the long game in quest for knighthoodTalking Point Former footballer set to be knighted in King's birthday honours after years of snubs
-
Quiz of The Week: 31 May – 6 JuneHave you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
The Week Unwrapped: How did Japan become a space superpower?Podcast Plus, why on earth are Labubu dolls so popular? Will buy-now-pay-later cause a new financial crisis?
