[danjam]

I don't know if this is going to turn into armed conflict, however I think the ingredients are there.
Russia seems to back the Adjarian side because it suspects Georgia is "allowing" Chechen rebels to stay there, or at least use it as a safe haven and jump off for attacks.
The US is supporting Georgia. This could be for many reasons, one being it is a new democratic country. Another is locality.

The thought of a great smuggling route comes to mind, if the Adjarian side does "win" it's independance.


Any thoughts on the effect of a conflict there might effect the region etc...?