Lincoln MItchell and Alexander Cooley's Memorandum to Secretary Clinton

Lincoln MItchell and Alexander Cooley wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on May 1.2010.  They advised a revision in American policy towards Abkhazia.  In their view the U.S. and the European Union have failed to develop a realistic policy with regards to Abkhazia. They rightly point out that Abkhazia is "almost certainly lost to Georgia, possibly for decades".  If America and the West is concerned about Abkhazia being driven into Russia's embrace, letting Georgia determine policy is hardly going to slow the progress in their view.  They feel that Abkhazia is left with no option for economic development and security but with Russia.  Of course, this is true.  Mitchell and Cooley believe that the best policy is a policy of "engagement without recognition" on a political level.  They recommend this along with encouraging Abkhazia's development of other economic links in the Black Sea Region and the development of its coastline.  Finally someone with stature is taking on the status quo and recommending that the U.S. government follow a policy that is in someone's interest besides 

There are points in the memorandum that I disagree with and also some inaccuracies.  It is stated that Abkhazia's statehood is based upon an act of ethnic cleansing.  But, in reality, Abkhaz statehood is based upon a desire for self-determination, not unlike Kosovo and its long history.  The authors fail to make mention of the acts of genocide and cultural desecration against Abkhaz ethnics.  And they say nothing of the approximately 52,000 ethnic Georgians who have returned to Abkhazia or Georgia's harassment as traitors of those who have.  I refer to the Fact Sheet on Abkhazia's Refugee Program.

Cooley and MItchell do not directly address the idea of Abkhazia's sovereignty.  Their letter assumes that Abkhazia ultimately should "belong" to Georgia.  They understand that this is not reality and may never be. So they advocate a change of policy.  I agree with the direction of the proposed policy change.  But why not take a look at the case for Abkhazia's statehood?  They offer no rationale for why Abkhazia should not be independent....

Finally they feel that Abkhazia will eventually be absorbed by Russia if left on its own.  I disagree wholeheartedly with this.  Abkhazia is charting its own course.  That is clear to any observer who spends time there.

Despite the problems with the memorandum, I think is is a good sign when influential foreign policy thinkers advocate a change of American policy in the Caucasus.  Their conclusions are logical.  How can problems be resolved without political engagement?   Abkhazia should be encouraged to develop economically,too.   Economic stability and international political contacts are in the best interests of the people and the best guarantor of peace and stability in the region.  I hope that the both the U.S. government and the E.U, adopt the policy.  It would be a great step.