Ronald Suny, with the University of Chicago, sees other reasons why Georgia's and Ukraine's NATO membership bids are In his words, on the very,very distant back burner.

VOA: standard.2009.09.04

He is replacing Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose nine-year rule saw failed power grabs and opposition impeachment bids against her because of allegations of vote-rigging, corruption and rights abuses.

VOA: standard.2010.06.30

The Bush administration strongly supported their membership bids.

VOA: standard.2009.09.04

Mayor Bandic is a controversial figure with media reports that he fled police after being caught driving drunk and allegations he fixes bids for city work projects linked to his friends, while overpaying his aids.

VOA: standard.2009.12.28