The Georgian And Putin: A Hate Story

In 2008, Vladimir Putin, right, and Mikheil Saakashvili still shook hands. AP

From The New York Times/International Herald Tribune:

TBILISI, Georgia.

SOON after taking power in a pro-Western uprising in Georgia, President Mikheil Saakashvili journeyed in February 2004 to Moscow, his country’s former taskmaster, for his first talks with Vladimir V. Putin.

Here would be the climactic face-off: on one side, a young and impulsive modernizer who fancied himself leader of so-called color revolutions that would sweep away unsavory holdover regimes from the Soviet years. On the other, a dour and calculating ex-K.G.B. spy who saw much to like in the old ways and wanted to restore his nation to its proper glory.

Only one problem. Mr. Saakashvili at first didn’t show up.

He supposedly lost track of time while doing laps in his hotel pool, arriving at the Kremlin half an hour late and leaving Mr. Putin seething, according to three Georgians who were there.

Read more ....

My Comment: For once the New York Times hits it on the nail. Business and political relationships are very important in all of the former states of the Soviet Union. Like many Asian countries ..... where personal relationships must first be built before doing business .... the same can be said (but to a lesser degree) about Russia, and many of these smaller states.

With this understanding .... lets be blunt ..... Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and Vladimir Putin have a relationship built on a complete lack of trust, respect .... and I dare venture .... even hate.