Former commander of the United States Army Europe, Lieutenant General and the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), Ben Hodges sees the 5G-Security Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Georgia as an important step in strengthening coordination and building trust. What will this bring to Georgia and will it guarantee investments and closer ties with NATO?
In addition to this issue, in an interview with „Europetime“ Ben Hodges also assessed the messages of Anthony Blinken, that "Russia is particularly aggressive towards countries that are not united under a single security umbrella. Can we think that the new US administration will facilitate and accelerate Georgia’s accession into NATO? Will Georgia be able to respond with dignity to the big challenges and stakes that its partner countries may be placing on it? ‘Europetime’ also spoke to Ben Hodges about the Iranian Foreign Minister's planned visit to Georgia and other issues.
_General Hodges, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the United States and Georgia on the development of fifth-generation wireless communication networks - 5G security. It was said that this will make Georgia “part of a clean network”. What will this bring to Georgia and will it guarantee investments and closer ties with NATO?
Having a secure network in which we are confident is important to planning and coordination, and building trust.
_The US Deputy Secretary of State stated that the United States plans to open DFC - "Development Finance Corporation" in Georgia. An initiative was also expressed to draw up a business plan for the United States and Georgia. Does this also mean the launch of a US-Georgia free trade agreement, and can this be seen as a message that the US is entering a new phase in its relationship with its strategic partners under the new administration?
DFC is e recent improvement in how the US Government brings us investment sources to nations where we believe investment helps improve stability and security as well as prosperity. This would be a very good step by the USA for Georgia.
_The new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the Senate hearings what you have repeatedly stated in an interview with us that ‘Russia is particularly aggressive towards non-NATO countries that is to those that are not united under a single security umbrella. This can be seen from why Russia does not attack NATO members’; so, can we regard this statement as a signal the new US administration will facilitate and accelerate the process of Georgia's integration into NATO?
That is certainly my hope. It is a good sign that President Biden’s nominee to be our next Secretary of State has spoken so clearly about this. And I hope that the Biden Administration will push hard for Georgia’s accession into NATO. But we’ll need to get strong support from Germany, France and the UK as well. Good that Turkey is already a strong advocate.
_The vision and plan of the new US administration for the Middle East - Iran, Syria and Afghanistan are important. Will the United States support the reduction or complete withdrawal of NATO peacekeeping missions from Afghanistan?
I don’t know, but I do believe three things: #1 we should not pull out in such a way that the Afghan Government is left too exposed. #2 the US should withdraw in a measured and careful way that has been closely coordinated with all of our allies and partners in Afghanistan – in together, out together. And #3 we should not stay in Afghanistan if we are not serious about dealing with Pakistan and its tolerance of a safe haven for the Taliban there within sovereign Pakistan territory.
_It has recently been reported that the Iranian Foreign Minister will pay a visit to Georgia as part of his regional tour. Before that, he will hold meetings in Moscow. What do you think might be the reason or issue of a sudden visit of a high-ranking Iranian official to Georgia?
I don’t know, but the US needs a strategy for how it looks at the entire greater Black Sea region and which demonstrates US commitment to stability there, including in the South Caucasus. I don’t see any good news coming from increased attention or presence by the Kremlin or Iran in the area.
_Readiness for NATO membership means, first of all, a high degree of democracy and the rule of law. Taking into account all the above, if the pro-Western forces in Georgia are not consolidated and young qualified people are not raised, will the country be able to adequately respond to the big challenges and stakes that its partner countries may be placing on it?
This is for the people and government of Georgia to decide. I’m concerned that the government seems to be ‘backsliding’ a bit in its commitment to democracy, transparency, and desire to join NATO. I can see the influence of the Kremlin here. But nothing good for the young people of Georgia will happen if the Government of Georgia chooses a path away from further western integration.
