In many former Soviet states, corruption is not simply a matter of individual officials abusing public power for private gain but, rather, an organizing principle of governance.
From Azerbaijan’s perspective, there are perils to either the reelection of the incumbent prime minister or the return to power of his main rival, former president Robert Kocharyan.
A border commission, including Russian mediation, is in the works. And given the sensitivity over issues of land and territorial concessions, it’s going to have its work cut out. Post-War Report.
The unprecedented White House statement was welcomed by Armenians around the world, and viewed in the Caucasus through the lens of last year’s war with Azerbaijan.
After previously denying it, Azerbaijan now says that Armenia fired Russian-made rockets during last year’s war. And now they’re trying to make things difficult for Moscow.
Azerbaijan has been playing hardball with Armenia over the prisoners it continues to hold. But with a botched POW release that wasn’t, Armenia has weakened its position all by itself.