Opinion | Repression and the myth of instability fuels Russia’s colonial rule in the North Caucasus

The Russian Federation, presented internationally as a federal state comprised of autonomous North Caucasus regions, actually perpetuates colonial rule within the area. This model, enshrined in the constitution, creates a deceptive impression of decentralization. In reality, the state employs a highly centralized system of control, mirroring colonial structures rather than genuine federal autonomy. Since 2004,…

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Circassian activist from Adygea sentenced to 11 years on terrorism charges

An Adygea circassian activist, Ibragim Nagoev, received an 11-year prison sentence for terrorism-related offenses. The sentencing occurred following his involvement with the Council of United Circassia and the organization of an unauthorized memorial event. The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don delivered the verdict on Monday. Nagoev was convicted for participating in a designated terrorist…

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Ambassadori Island Batumi hosts symbolic foundation capsule ceremony for landmark first tower

Ambassadori Island Batumi celebrated a significant event with a symbolic foundation capsule ceremony for the project’s initial tower, the First Tower. The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, and government officials attended this historic occasion alongside leadership from the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. The ambitious multi-functional complex represents a $200 million investment. Officially, 22 hectares…

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Daily Brief – Tuesday, 17 March 2026 by OC Media • 3 minutes As a valued subscriber, you can gain privileged access through OC Media. Becoming a member unlocks a range of benefits designed for those interested in the region. Our core offering is the OC Insider Newsletter, delivering the latest updates directly to your…

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Review | A Dog in Georgia — a journey that never finds its way

A Dog in Georgia, a novel by Lauren Grodstein slated for 2025, offers a self-discovery narrative set against the backdrop of political turmoil in georgia, yet ultimately proves an uneven and disappointing read. As one of few English-language books centered on georgia, its release sparked considerable interest, though the novel’s execution falls short of expectations….

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Ruben Vardanyan was not allowed to finish what he wanted to tell Azerbaijan’s ombudsman

Ruben Vardanyan, a former state minister of the unrecognised Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, attempted a public appeal to Azerbaijan’s ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, during a phone call with his family. The call was abruptly terminated, according to his relatives. Prior to this attempt, Ruben Vardanyan had been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Baku Military Court…

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Drones fly over Baku, with authorities claiming they were Azerbaijani

Azerbaijani drones were observed flying over Baku during the night, sparking immediate discussion about their origin. Several pro-government media sources asserted that the drones were Azerbaijani, performing routine surveillance of the nation’s airspace. Qafqazinfo quoted military analyst Adalat Verdiyev, who stated, “The drones seen this evening above Baku are undoubtedly Azerbaijani. These flights are intended…

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International anti-doping agency finds numerous violations in Georgian rugby team

Georgia’s national rugby team has faced serious accusations of anti-doping violations, prompting a significant response from international bodies. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), in collaboration with World Rugby, has identified six members of the Georgian rugby union and one support staff member as having breached anti-doping regulations. This revelation follows a lengthy investigation, dubbed ‘Operation…

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