August 2011, Ganja, Georgia: A farmer with his new car, which he purchased using the money given to him by the BTC consortium to let them use his land to lay the underground pipeline. Since 2006 the BTC has allowed Azerbaijan to export its oil to world markets through Georgia and Turkey, thus avoiding Russia. It has given Azerbaijan a greater sense of independence and a new role for Georgia in Europe's energy security to the annoyance of Russia. Some blame the BTC for Russia's continued covert involvement in regional latent conflicts especially the South Ossetian crisis which led to the Russia-Georgia war.
August 2011, Batumi, Georgia: Tourists from Armenia board the Armenian train in Batumi. The new oil money has helped Batumi to grow its tourism industry and now attracts tourists from neighbouring Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Israel.
August 2011, Kutaisi, Georgia: Women walk from the monastery in the rain Since 2006 the BTC has allowed Azerbaijan to export its oil to world markets through Georgia and Turkey, thus avoiding Russia. It has given Azerbaijan a greater sense of independence and a new role for Georgia in Europe's energy security to the annoyance of Russia. Some blame the BTC for Russia's continued covert involvement in regional latent conflicts especially the South Ossetian crisis which led to the Russia-Georgia war.
