The Caucasus holds risks of confrontation that could affect American and European interests, and it requires regular and high-level attention, The New York Times said in its article, titled “Calming the Roiling Caucasus.”

“Terrorism and insurgency are spreading in Russia’s North Caucasus region. Russian military occupation of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and adjacent areas in Georgia heightens strains. Renewed hostilities are increasingly possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Vladimir Putin’s return to Russia’s presidency adds complexity. He seeks to increase Russia’s influence over former Soviet neighbors, counterbalancing the appeal of the NATO and the European Union,” the article says.

“How can the America and Europe lessen risks in the Caucasus?

They should continue to stand firm for the independence of Georgia and against the occupation of one-fifth of its territory.

Moscow ought not to be allowed to assert control over the export of Caspian energy through Georgia. Europe and America should importune Georgia not to stir anti-Russian animosities in the North Caucasus. They ought to cooperate with Russia to prevent terrorist acts around the Olympics,” the article notes.

Dwelling on situation in Nagorno Karabakh, the article said, “America and Europe can no longer keep the Nagorno-Karabakh talks on the back burner. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev faces domestic pressures to act, but Europe and America should caution him about the adverse consequences, notably a broader regional war. Energy investment in Azerbaijan and a major new gas pipeline to Europe, Nabucco, could become casualties.”

“A fragile cease-fire in Nagorno Karabakh is frequently violated. Russia arms Armenia and maintains a military base there.

Azerbaijan uses its oil wealth for an arms buildup, and its ally Turkey has closed the border with Armenia for more than a decade. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict could suddenly become unfrozen,” the article said, noting that in the light of events described Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia this week is timely.