Facing Growing Iranian Threats, Azerbaijan Deepens Ties to Israel

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Iranian legislators have drafted a bill calling for revision of the 1828 Treaty of Turkmanchay, which divided the multiple Azerbaijani khanates between the Russian and Persian Empires. While this cannot be taken wholly seriously, it is a symbol of the deterioration of bilateral relations. It comes against a background of worsening rhetoric between Tehran and Baku, which have in the past extended into subversive actions by Iran on the territory of Azerbaijan.

Why the South Caucasus Needs a Stronger U.S. and European Policy

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The South Caucasus has been on the radar screen of U.S. policy makers since the mid-1990s, when the region was seen as an integral part of the pro-active U.S. security and energy policy towards Europe. Those policies resulted in several pipeline projects that connected Azerbaijani resources via Georgia and Turkey to European and world markets.

Freedom of Speech: Azerbaijan Passes Controversial Internet Slander Law

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The Government of Azerbaijan on Tuesday, May 14, legalized tighter Internet controls in a move critics worry could be used to curb online dissent in the tightly-managed former Soviet state. Azerbaijan's largely rubber-stamp parliament (Milli Mejlis) voted overwhelmingly to make online "slander" and "abuse" criminal offences, in a move the government argues will allow more effective oversight.

New Draft Law by the Parliament of Azerbaijan Will Prohibit Contacts with Armenians

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The government of Azerbaijan is preparing tough legislation that aims to stop all contacts between its citizens and the citizens of Armenia. A new law is being considered by the Parliament of Azerbaijan and soon will be put for voting. According to the draft law "any Azerbaijani citizen, who cooperates with any organization and agency of the aggressor state, as well as their representatives until the occupied the territories are liberated, will be brought to justice."

Azeri Refugees and IDPs from Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia living in Azerbaijan

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During the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan,   Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven adjacent districts were occupied by Armenian forces. The conflict ended in 1994 with Armenian forces in control of Karabakh and surrounding areas but no formal peace deal. As a result, about 600 000 people had to leave their homes. Azerbaijan now has one of the highest numbers of Internally displaced persons (IDPs) per capita in the world.

Human Rights in Azerbaijan Ahead of 2013 Presidential Elections

Geysar Gurbanov ©

In 2013, major rallies rolled over Azerbaijan. The government reacted immediately by arresting youth activists, starting a smear campaign in local media against US funded organizations, and shutting down pro-democracy projects in the country. In this most recent interview I talk about civil unrest in Ismayilli, protests against soldier deaths and hazing in the army, as well as the arrest of NIDA youth movement activist that followed March demonstrations.

Democracy in Azerbaijan: The State vs. Free Thought University

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In a move laden with unfortunate symbolism, the government this week in Azerbaijan, a country with already very little room for free thinking [...]  closed down Free Thought University, an alternative education project for young people. The authorities claim that the closure of the Western-funded center is temporary, but, coming amidst [...] recent unsanctioned anti-government rallies, many are taking that assurance with a grain of salt.