Global Voices Online

Media Network blog of Radio Netherlands Worldwide writes about the Georgian-owned, Russian-language First Caucasian TV channel, whose satellite broadcasts have recently been interrupted - here and here. And here's Eternal Remont's take on the situation.

The Georgian International Media Center says that the largest airport in the South Caucasus might be built near the Black Sea port city of Poti. However, it notes, the idea is not without its controversies, and not least the fact that any development would take place near an environmental reserve and also involve a Middle Eastern Emirate already with significant economic and political power in the country.

In the latest edition of Caucasus Watch, a bi-monthly feature of the blog-based Evolutsia, Inge Snip takes exception to a proposal from the Georgian president to introduce patriotic-military classes in schools. Although the blog recognizes the importance of a country such as Georgia being able to defend itself, it says that such a move more resembles the tactics used by authoritarian countries where nationalism is spread to indoctrinate the masses. Evolutsia concludes that Georgia should instead seek to strengthen its democratic credentials rather than take what it considers to be a step back.

Social Blurbs comments on two teenage bloggers in Tbilisi, Georgia, and their alternative style of blogging. In a guest video post on the social media blog, the two young bloggers speak about Penisman, a Georgian superhero who “doesn't give a crap.” The blog says that 15-year-old Giorgi Chilaia and 14-year-old Bachi should be commended for their “tasteful use of [dirty language] and their self-deprecating humor.”

Julien Frisch Watching Europe comments on a recent attempt to use new and social media to overcome negative stereotypes in the South Caucasus. The blog details how online services such as Twitter meant he discovered the project, but also asks when will the traditional media also cover such stories.

Serqqizi's Photo-Weblog posts photographs of the anti-government Why? youth movement in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Eternal Remont reports that “as of November 16, Abkhazia will adopt Russian area codes for telephone service. This means than everyone trying to reach Uncle Bagrat in Gagra will have to call Russia and not Georgia.”

At Th!nk About It, Adela writes about International Black Sea Action Day.

Greater Surbiton discusses the recent EU-report by the Tagliavini Commission on the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, and argues that it - with few exceptions - mostly sides with the Georgians.