Will joining NATO help Georgia regain secessionist South Ossetia and Abkhazia?

“Like most Georgians, I dream about joining NATO. This is the only way to peacefully regain our territories.”
Manana, lecturer, 42

“Yes, but it’s going to take a long time to get into NATO.” Rati, student, 19

“Joining NATO intrinsically means regaining our territories, I think.”
Keti, photographer, 22

“I’m not sure that NATO will help regain South Ossetia or Abkhazia, plus it’s not sure yet whether they’ll accept us.”
Mariam, babysitter, 31

“I want to be sure it will help us. I don’t want to strain relations with Russia, but in my opinion joining NATO takes precedence. Russia never wished us well.”
Shalva, mathematician, 61

“No, it’s total nonsense. NATO has peaceful tactics for resolving conflicts, and it won’t allow Georgia to take military steps [to regain the breakaway regions]. And as far as I know, the conflict regions aren’t eager to give up their fight.”
Nino, saleswoman, 39

“I don’t think so. NATO won’t help us. We need to improve relations with Russia through peaceful negotiations and concessions.”
Marina, housewife, 55