Iran Threatens to Annex Azerbaijan, World Yawns
An invasion of Azerbaijan is unlikely in the near future. Each day that Iranian rhetoric passes without a Western response, the likelihood grows.
Russian Ties and Hegemonic Aspirations Raise Tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh
As long as Russia backs Yerevan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict — with troops, wealth, and diplomatic efforts — the pressure in the region will continue to rise. For the sake of the millions all around, Russia’s role must cease.
Challenges Grow to Azerbaijan’s Government
In this world, Azerbaijan would benefit from improved relations with the West. That is most likely to come in response to domestic liberalization.
Armenia’s Opening of Khojaly Airport an Invitation to War
To allow Armenia to establish purportedly legitimate symbols of sovereignty on soil the world recognizes as Azerbaijani is to take the already-fragile peace process in which the two countries have been engaged and ceremoniously set it ablaze.
Release of Journalists a Good First Step in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has great potential for growth and has set its sights on attracting foreign investment from Europe and the broader Western world. Before Baku can realize these goals, it must demonstrate the confidence and political maturity to allow a vibrant opposition to flourish.
Azerbaijan a Staunch Ally in a Sea of Fire
While noting that Baku still has some distance to go, Stanley Weiss points out that while Azerbaijan’s strategic importance is unquestionable, the Obama Administration is nevertheless allowing the relationship to deteriorate.
Azerbaijan Goes Green
Drawing the authoritarian Central Asian states westward is not easy, but engagement is a better tactic than isolation. Especially when the nations indicate that they want to be part of the West.
What Can Azerbaijan Teach the World About Religious Tolerance?
“Seven decades of religious repression under Soviet rule actually achieved the opposite of what was intended, galvanizing interfaith cooperation. The country is now poised to use its historical position as a tolerant and multi-faith nation to promote religious tolerance throughout Asia and beyond.”
Azerbaijan Versus Iran: Western Trump in the Caucasus?
Although the Eurovision contest helped raise Azerbaijan’s profile in Europe, the country remains largely unknown in America. However, its growing role as the anti-Iran is likely to bring more public attention. Positive attention.
Resolution Condemning Pardon of Ramil Safarov Embarrasses European Parliament
Safarov’s pardon and victory celebration were frankly unbecoming a modern nation, but the ridiculous European Parliament resolution is yet another reminder of the deep scars borne by Azerbaijan as a result of the Armenian occupation.