Georgia Reverses Position on Russia's WTO Inclusion

Georgia announced Oct. 27 that it had agreed to let Russia into the World Trade Organization, reversing its longstanding position on the matter. STRATFOR sources say this reversal was the result of U.S. pressure; the United States has been looking for peace offering for Russia in light of increased tensions over ballistic missile defense in Europe. An unexpected development, WTO membership may force Russia to re-evaluate the other economic partnerships it has made with former Soviet states.