Eurasianet

The mood in Baku is triumphal but it’s heavy and vengeful rather than joyous.

Some are speaking out against the conflict despite fears the government’s strong support for Azerbaijan could fuel nationalist reprisals.

The military clashes this week have become the latest cause for partisan squabbling.

The move comes as prospects for diplomatic negotiations with Armenia were already deeply troubled after days of heavy fighting between the two sides.

As diplomatic talks stall, Ilham Aliyev blames the negotiators for failing to push Armenia toward concessions.

The government’s lack of capacity helps explain the about-face.

Behind the unexplained recent firings is a push to put the security services under greater civilian control.

Some hard talk from the Russian foreign minister has led to recriminations in Yerevan and the prospect of Azerbaijan’s foreign minister getting sacked.

Armed forces on both sides appear not to have made many concessions to the need to social distance, but diplomats have held their first videoconference as part of the ongoing peace negotiations.

Supporters of the move think it will provide a useful outlet for the momentarily unemployed.

Reports from March 16-22 on how the pandemic has upended life in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.