Yulia Latynina, the famously sharp and acerbic Russian political commentator, has really stirred up some strong reactions in both Georgia and Russia with a recent column published in Novaya Gazeta, which argued that any other leader in Georgia other than Mikheil Saakashvili (with the exception of Irakli Alasania) would lead to catastrophe.  Upon publishing the article, even Dmitry Muratov, editor of the newspaper, included a disclaimer to make clear that this opinion was exclusively coming from Latynina and not the paper.

Blogging at Window on Eurasia, Paul Goble has summarized the conclusions of a pretty strong statement issued by four Georgian academics which have taken issue with her position.  Interesting stuff – these aren’t usually people who fight each other.

The four scholars say that they welcome the interest of a distinguished foreign journalist in their country, but at the same time, they “note with regret” that Latynina’s treatment of their country is only “the position of a journalist” rather than of a government or academic specialist and, what is still worse, is “superficial” and “extremely one-sided.” (…)