AZE.US When Russian forces crossed into Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin appeared to expect a rapid collapse of Kyiv. Western intelligence assessments at the time suggested Moscow envisioned a swift decapitation of the Ukrainian leadership and the installation of a compliant government. The campaign was widely described as a matter of days, not years. … Read more
AZE.US The sentencing of Ruben Vardanyan has added a new layer of strain to already complicated relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, prompting debate in Baku over whether the case could become a geopolitical lever. Vardanyan, a Russian-Armenian businessman who moved to Karabakh in 2022 and briefly held a senior position in the now-dissolved separatist administration, … Read more
AZE.US The United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East while continuing indirect talks with Iran, underscoring the fragile balance between diplomacy and deterrence in one of the world’s most volatile regions. U.S. officials say the buildup is designed to reinforce deterrence and protect American personnel and allies. However, analysts warn that … Read more
AZE.US Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus has been steadily eroding, according to Azerbaijani economist and political analyst Natig Jafarli, who argues that recent developments are not isolated incidents but part of a broader geopolitical realignment. In a recent commentary, Jafarli said the visible tensions and diplomatic frictions represent consequences rather than root causes. “The … Read more
AZE.US Azerbaijan may be preparing to tighten its legal framework governing social media platforms, following remarks by a senior Interior Ministry official calling for stronger regulation. Abulfat Rzayev, head of the Main Department for Combating Organized Crime at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said during a panel discussion at the II Forum of Judges of … Read more
AZE.US Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court has recognized the so-called “right to be forgotten,” opening the door for individuals and companies to seek the removal or restriction of outdated information published online. The ruling, grounded in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, affirms that citizens may request the deletion or limited accessibility of digital … Read more
AZE.US Azerbaijani politician Ilgar Mammadov has challenged former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that his threat to impose 200% tariffs on both Baku and Yerevan helped advance the peace process between the two South Caucasus rivals. Writing on his Telegram channel, Mammadov argued that the tariff narrative was largely rhetorical and had no direct connection … Read more
AZE.US Tensions are rising between Russia and Armenia after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan raised the possibility of nationalizing the country’s railway system or transferring its management to a third party. Russian officials responded swiftly, signaling that Moscow views any attempt to replace the current operator as unrealistic and potentially destabilizing. They warned that “poorly calculated … Read more
AZE.US Tensions between the United States and Iran have renewed concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. The strait links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Major energy exporters including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the United … Read more
AZE.US The first session of the so-called “Peace Council,” an initiative promoted by President Donald Trump’s administration, was held in the U.S. capital this week, signaling what appears to be an effort to reshape conflict mediation beyond traditional international institutions. Officially, the platform is framed as a mechanism to advance dialogue and resolve ongoing crises. … Read more