The country announced a 40 percent increase to the minimum wage, on top of another increase earlier this year. Many worried the move would only spur inflation.
Baku has a new park, the result of one of the most hotly disputed gentrification efforts of the post-Soviet period. But even critics say it provides much-needed green space.
While there are many unanswered questions about the fighting – the worst since the 1994 ceasefire – some think a new parliament commission is about scoring political points.
The homecoming has occasioned some controversy, as Azerbaijani authorities say the remains of the legendary Caucasus hero Hadji Murad were taken out of the country without their permission.
Some opposed the decision, saying other Armenian athletes braved the hostile environment. Others said he should have taken a stronger stand against Azerbaijani discrimination against ethnic Armenians.
An exchange of Armenian and Azerbaijani detainees could help build trust to make further progress in peace negotiations – but it could also exacerbate tensions.
Georgian monks squared off against Azerbaijani border guards in a dispute over access to an ancient monastery that straddles the two countries’ poorly defined frontier.
