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Life resumes as usual in Tehran despite a recent strike, while leaders call for restraint amid rising tensions.

 Tehran and Tel Aviv React: Tensions Simmer After Limited Strike as Calls for De-escalation Grow

Daily life appears to be returning to normal in the streets of Tehran as though recent events never transpired. For many Iranians, there is a sense of reassurance following the relatively limited scale of the recent attack. One resident remarked, “No, I’m not afraid at all because the attack was small. If anything, they should be the ones feeling afraid. If they had wanted to, they could have launched a much larger assault. I think the fact that they carried out such a small strike suggests they’re the ones who are cautious.”

Another local added, “If what Israel calls an attack is what happened last night – just gunshots and firecrackers that woke us up – then we’re not intimidated. If that’s their strength, it’s disappointing.”

Still, some Iranians worry about the potential for escalation and call for a halt to retaliatory actions. “War is never a good thing, regardless of the location or reason. It harms the people of this country, and the citizens are the ones who bear the brunt of the losses,” expressed one concerned citizen.

Iranian officials have downplayed the impact of the recent attack, reporting minimal damage and noting the unfortunate loss of two soldiers. As tensions eased, Israelis, too, went about their regular weekend activities. Many in Israel feel the response was proportionate. “Under international law, Israel has the right to act as it did in Iran. We chose to proceed because it aligned with our interests, and we hope there will be no further retaliation – as that would only prolong the cycle,” said one Israeli citizen.

Some in Israel, however, believe that this initial strike may not be the end of the story. “This is just the first attack; we need to keep going until they realize that we’re in this conflict to end it,” another Israeli remarked.

Meanwhile, leaders across the Middle East have strongly condemned the recent strikes, expressing concern over rising regional tensions. The United States has categorized the action as a maneuver in self-defense, whereas France and the United Kingdom have urged all parties to seek de-escalation and avoid further hostilities.

Georgia at the Crossroads: High-Stakes Election Pits European Aspirations Against Russian Influence

On Saturday, Georgia, a country bordering Russia, heads to the polls for a pivotal election that could determine its European future. The voters are split between those who support deeper integration with Europe and those more inclined toward Russian influence. Meanwhile, the ruling party faces accusations of authoritarianism. Former Georgian ambassador to France, Gucha Javakhishvili, commented on the stakes, noting an unprecedented mobilization of voters. The level of engagement, he says, hasn’t been seen since 2012 when the previous ruling power conceded control to the Georgian Dream party, which has governed ever since.

Now, twelve years later, the ruling party risks losing its firm grip, with many anticipating a coalition government to emerge—a government with a strong pro-European orientation. "Even those supporting the current administration consider themselves pro-European,” Javakhishvili explained, highlighting that the opposition also pushes for a clear path toward Europe.

The country finds itself divided between those favoring Western alignment and those expressing caution toward Europe. Javakhishvili observed that while there are no explicitly pro-Russian political factions, a portion of the electorate sees a closer alliance with Europe as a long-term goal, though uncertain of Europe’s immediate readiness to welcome Georgia. Some are concerned that Western powers may use Georgia strategically to exert pressure on Russia, further isolating it, which certain politicians interpret as potentially destabilizing.

The European Union, which has historically made promises of expansion, has yet to act decisively. Turkey, for instance, has awaited membership for decades. Javakhishvili remains optimistic that Georgia will one day join the EU. “The question of belonging to the European cultural and political space doesn’t even arise for Georgians,” he said, noting Georgia’s deep-rooted European identity as one of the oldest Christian civilizations and a nation profoundly influenced by Greco-Roman heritage. He acknowledged, however, that Georgia must satisfy numerous criteria, and while EU membership may be distant, it’s essential to prepare now to be ready when the EU considers new members.

On the subject of Russian influence, Javakhishvili expressed concerns about potential pressure from Moscow on Georgia, a nation of just 3.7 million people. In recent years, Georgia has seen a substantial influx of Russians, with tens of thousands now residing in the country, particularly after Russia’s mobilization. This migration has fueled uncertainty about Russia's long-term intentions. "Fake news and misinformation proliferate on social media," he noted, with certain groups, some backed by Russia, casting the West as a threat to Georgia’s ancient traditions and identity. The narrative, according to Javakhishvili, plays on Georgians’ fears of losing their unique cultural heritage—a fear that Russian propaganda has worked to deepen.

The former ambassador expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak, emphasizing Georgia's enduring connection to Europe and the challenges of balancing its cultural identity amid geopolitical pressures.

On Saturday, Georgia, a country bordering Russia, heads to the polls for a pivotal election that could determine its European future. The voters are split between those who support deeper integration with Europe and those more inclined toward Russian influence. Meanwhile, the ruling party faces accusations of authoritarianism. Former Georgian ambassador to France, Gucha Javakhishvili, commented on the stakes, noting an unprecedented mobilization of voters. The level of engagement, he says, hasn’t been seen since 2012 when the previous ruling power conceded control to the Georgian Dream party, which has governed ever since.

Now, twelve years later, the ruling party risks losing its firm grip, with many anticipating a coalition government to emerge—a government with a strong pro-European orientation. "Even those supporting the current administration consider themselves pro-European,” Javakhishvili explained, highlighting that the opposition also pushes for a clear path toward Europe.

The country finds itself divided between those favoring Western alignment and those expressing caution toward Europe. Javakhishvili observed that while there are no explicitly pro-Russian political factions, a portion of the electorate sees a closer alliance with Europe as a long-term goal, though uncertain of Europe’s immediate readiness to welcome Georgia. Some are concerned that Western powers may use Georgia strategically to exert pressure on Russia, further isolating it, which certain politicians interpret as potentially destabilizing.

The European Union, which has historically made promises of expansion, has yet to act decisively. Turkey, for instance, has awaited membership for decades. Javakhishvili remains optimistic that Georgia will one day join the EU. “The question of belonging to the European cultural and political space doesn’t even arise for Georgians,” he said, noting Georgia’s deep-rooted European identity as one of the oldest Christian civilizations and a nation profoundly influenced by Greco-Roman heritage. He acknowledged, however, that Georgia must satisfy numerous criteria, and while EU membership may be distant, it’s essential to prepare now to be ready when the EU considers new members.

On the subject of Russian influence, Javakhishvili expressed concerns about potential pressure from Moscow on Georgia, a nation of just 3.7 million people. In recent years, Georgia has seen a substantial influx of Russians, with tens of thousands now residing in the country, particularly after Russia’s mobilization. This migration has fueled uncertainty about Russia's long-term intentions. "Fake news and misinformation proliferate on social media," he noted, with certain groups, some backed by Russia, casting the West as a threat to Georgia’s ancient traditions and identity. The narrative, according to Javakhishvili, plays on Georgians’ fears of losing their unique cultural heritage—a fear that Russian propaganda has worked to deepen.

The former ambassador expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak, emphasizing Georgia's enduring connection to Europe and the challenges of balancing its cultural identity amid geopolitical pressures.

On Saturday, Georgia, a country bordering Russia, heads to the polls for a pivotal election that could determine its European future. The voters are split between those who support deeper integration with Europe and those more inclined toward Russian influence. Meanwhile, the ruling party faces accusations of authoritarianism. Former Georgian ambassador to France, Gucha Javakhishvili, commented on the stakes, noting an unprecedented mobilization of voters. The level of engagement, he says, hasn’t been seen since 2012 when the previous ruling power conceded control to the Georgian Dream party, which has governed ever since.

Now, twelve years later, the ruling party risks losing its firm grip, with many anticipating a coalition government to emerge—a government with a strong pro-European orientation. "Even those supporting the current administration consider themselves pro-European,” Javakhishvili explained, highlighting that the opposition also pushes for a clear path toward Europe.

The country finds itself divided between those favoring Western alignment and those expressing caution toward Europe. Javakhishvili observed that while there are no explicitly pro-Russian political factions, a portion of the electorate sees a closer alliance with Europe as a long-term goal, though uncertain of Europe’s immediate readiness to welcome Georgia. Some are concerned that Western powers may use Georgia strategically to exert pressure on Russia, further isolating it, which certain politicians interpret as potentially destabilizing.

The European Union, which has historically made promises of expansion, has yet to act decisively. Turkey, for instance, has awaited membership for decades. Javakhishvili remains optimistic that Georgia will one day join the EU. “The question of belonging to the European cultural and political space doesn’t even arise for Georgians,” he said, noting Georgia’s deep-rooted European identity as one of the oldest Christian civilizations and a nation profoundly influenced by Greco-Roman heritage. He acknowledged, however, that Georgia must satisfy numerous criteria, and while EU membership may be distant, it’s essential to prepare now to be ready when the EU considers new members.

On the subject of Russian influence, Javakhishvili expressed concerns about potential pressure from Moscow on Georgia, a nation of just 3.7 million people. In recent years, Georgia has seen a substantial influx of Russians, with tens of thousands now residing in the country, particularly after Russia’s mobilization. This migration has fueled uncertainty about Russia's long-term intentions. "Fake news and misinformation proliferate on social media," he noted, with certain groups, some backed by Russia, casting the West as a threat to Georgia’s ancient traditions and identity. The narrative, according to Javakhishvili, plays on Georgians’ fears of losing their unique cultural heritage—a fear that Russian propaganda has worked to deepen.

The former ambassador expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak, emphasizing Georgia's enduring connection to Europe and the challenges of balancing its cultural identity amid geopolitical pressures.