Though, as you can see in the early years of independence (early - mid 90's) in most ex - USSR countries, political unrest wouldn't have been uncommon.
And still isn't depending on where you go! The Caucasus still looks like it could go sour at any moment.
But now the country is starting to take shape, growing economy, great pieces of architecture (like the new national library, which lights up at night).
Now that's a sweet library.