RAH: Good assessment, although I’m not sure Russia has damaged the pipeline, and she may not need to; simply maintain a controlling presence in Georgia, have surrogates (e.g. PKK) continue to sabotage the operation, proving to suppliers and customers alike that it’s a risky operation, compared to Russia’s.

Iran will be more than happy to ally herself with this game, and Turkey, which shows signs of regression to Islamism over secularism, may not be difficult to persuade with threats, rather than outright agression.