EURASIANET PHOTOJOURNALIST DIGEST

Conflict in Georgia: Gori and Tskhinvali

In this photo slideshow, photographer Jonathan Alpeyrie looks at how the Russian-Georgian conflict affected the cities of Gori, on the Georgia-proper side, and Tskhinvali, on the South Ossetian side.

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Kazakhstan: Astana Remains Upbeat on Export Aims, Despite Disappointing Harvest
BY JOANNA LILLIS
Kazakhstan, the breadbasket of Central Asia, is recording 2008 grain harvest yields that are considerably lower than last year’s figure. The government, however, is confident that after satisfying domestic needs, the state will still be able to export a large volume of wheat.

Iran: Willing to Consider a Nuclear Bargain?
BY KAMAL NAZER YASIN
Given the security concerns surrounding existing pipeline routes connecting the Caspian Basin and Turkey, Iran is trying to fashion itself as a viable energy export alternative. The desire for an energy opening to the West is sufficiently strong that at least some political factions in Tehran seem willing to explore a deal with the United States and European Union
concerning Iran’s nuclear program.

Latvian President Begins Central Asian Tour to Bolster EU Ties
Latvian President Valdis Zatlers began an eight-day visit to Central Asia on October 2, aiming to strengthen political and economic ties between the region and the European Union.

Georgia: US Plans an Investment Summit in Tbilisi in Late October
BY MOLLY CORSO
The US Department of Commerce is working with two private American-Georgian business associations to stage a trade summit in Tbilisi in late October. The initiative is part of a general effort to bolster investor confidence in Georgia.

Georgia: Separatist Territory of Abkhazia Promotes a "New Era"
A EURASIANET PHOTO ESSAY: TEXT BY ELIZABETH OWEN; PHOTOS BY SOPHIA MIZANTE
September 30 was Independence Day in the disputed territory of Abkhazia, and all the celebratory trappings were on full display: flags, speeches, fireworks and a massive parade. But amid the celebrations of the 15th anniversary of separatist Abkhazia’s defeat of Georgian forces, one unspoken question hung in the air: How independent is the independent Abkhazia?

Armenia: New Speaker Vows to Pursue Conciliatory Policies
BY MARIANNA GRIGORYAN
Hovik Abrahamian, a major force within the governing Republican Party of Armenia, has assumed the leadership of the Caucasus country’s parliament. Seeking to distance himself from a controversial past, Abrahamian has pledged to act as a conciliator. But many opposition leaders remain leery of the selection.