Ah good old bashing methods

So an outlet from Azerbaijan, known as AzerNews.az decided to bash at BBC. In their piece published today "Why Islamophobia - source of anti- Azerbaijani campaign on BBC?" the publication claims that "BBC is nothing but a propaganda machine, with groundless, cheap accusations. This propaganda mouthpiece has already gained popularity with its Islamophobic and anti-Turk policy [what is anti-Turk policy I wonder, anti-Turkey maybe?]". It also says, "Experts suggest that the BBC should have investigated the claims of British NGOs about the fact that actual expenditures of the Olympics exceeded the initial budget by three times". It also calls into questioning the spending for the Pan American Games, hosted by Canada. 

AzerNews forgets to mention who are the so-called "experts" are who suggest that BBC should investigate claims of British NGOs. 

AzerNews also forgets to mention the GDP of the UK or Canada. 

But the most important thing AzerNews seems to forget to mention is Azerbaijan's ranking on the Global Corruption Index where Azerbaijan is placed 126 among 175 while UK ranks 14 and Canada 10. 

It is a bit funny and ironic when a pro-govt. media outlet bashes an international media outlet and thinks its going to cause a bang. 

This incident brings to mind President Erdogan's claims against foreign outlets like the New York Times, the Guardian and others. Authoritarian leaders use some of the same bashing language and this is clearly visible. But that is normal since they are not used to it at home where independent voices are increasingly silenced. But its even more ironic, because Azerbaijan and Turkey often mention and pride themselves in their symbolic "brotherhood" connection. Well looks like the two brothers might be more alike than they know. 

Azerbaijan a country where gazelles and leopards are more valuable than its people

So Azerbaijani First Lady together with her two daughters attends "Here Today" exhibition in London last week. The exhibition "takes on the challenge of raising awareness of today's most pressing environmental issues, and seeks to raise funds to keep the hundreds of species facing extinction here tomorrow and beyond" reads the explanation on the official website. 

Supported by Artwise [Curators] who" take pride in delivering art of the highest quality in a professional manner" and glossy Baku Magazine  (managed by one of the President's daughters) the exhibition received a lot of coverage back in Azerbaijan. How could it not?! With the First Lady and the two daughters there not sure it could have been otherwise (not to mention one of Leyla Aliyeva's works was also featured at the exhibition). 

In her opening speech, daughter Leyla Aliyeva said, "In Azerbaijan, we enlighten the youth on protection of the environment". I wonder if Ms. Aliyeva is aware but in Azerbaijan people prefer throwing trash as they walk on the streets rather than use rubbish bins. And its all over the country done by young and old.  So I am not sure which "youth" she refers to because majority of it doesn't care much about environment. 

As to preserving endangered species and what not, I think our government should focus on preserving its respect towards human rights and freedom of expression, release its political prisoners first. Otherwise it really looks like gazelles and Caucasian leopards are a lot more precious than a human life. Maybe this could be IDEA's next project. I am sure daddy and mommy would approve...