Azerbaijan, the Oriental shame of the Caucasus

Perhaps the title rings a bell? 

Perhaps you have never seen this tourism ad titled "Azerbaijan, the European charm of the Orient"? 

Well now you know all about it. In fact, many readers of this blog are aware by now that Azerbaijan is no charm when it comes to its regime and the style of power- the dynasty of the orient even perhaps.

And the fact that Azerbaijani authorities refuse to accept any of the international criticisms and concerns only proves that there are deep scars that the government desperately tries to cover up like plastic surgeons do. Except in this case, its a very badly done plastic job (think boob job gone bad type of bad). 

There have been many reports, statements, petitions, signed, sealed, voiced and advocated for when it comes to the situation in Azerbaijan- poor (if not terrible) record of human rights, arrested activists, journalists, advocates; and more recently targeted youth, young members of existing political parties and movements and dirty media campaigns against well respected journalists. There have been many evaluations of the regime too- authoritarian, dictatorial, sultanistic, and more recently fascist. 

And as it is with many dictatorships around the world, in Azerbaijan nothing changes. So when the ruling party announced Ilham Aliyev as their candidate to run in the upcoming October Presidential elections, at least what they could have done is show some respect towards others- but behold, thats not part of the language they talk. So comments about other candidates were blatant if not silly to some extent. But then again, brains is another contested matter over there.

But none of this was the point of this post. I wanted to share with a you a timely video prepared by the Human Rights Watch highlight some of the most recent cases. You can also read their full 106page report, "Tightening the screws: Azerbaijan's Crackdown on Civil Society and Dissent.

I guess the odds will never be in the favor of Azerbaijani people. Not in these elections to say the least. Perhaps a charming oriental miracle?

New Azerbaijan-a movie in the making?

Taking a break from the news in Turkey, its time for me to say few words on whats been happening back home in Azerbaijan. 

For starters, for the first time in many years, Azerbaijani opposition finally came together and formed a National Council of Democratic Forces (I will put emphasis on "agreeing" here, because that seemed rather challenging before). They also chose its official face- Rustam Ibrahimbeyov. In the early 90s, Ibrahimbeyov co-wrote the screenplay for "Burnt by the sun" which won the Oscar in the category for the best foreign film. Few days ago, the Council announced Ibrahimbeyov's candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October. 

Surely, the ruling government reacted swiftly to the announcement. "Our candidate will get majority of votes" announced Mubariz Gurbanly, member of the ruling party's political council. Once again, reminding me of a child arguing with a friend over whose dad is better and stronger. In another anti- Ibrahimbeyov statement, a senior member of the ruling YAP, Siyavush Novruzov said, "He will only embarrass him and the political parties united behind him". Why would a "senior" political party member say something as "unsenior" as this is interesting. One would expect a more heavy weight statement (or not statement at all?!)

And then there are the never ending conspiracy theories- not only in Turkey but also in Azerbaijan, suggestions that an "interest lobby" is omnipresent whenever something new is happening in Azerbaijan is something we all are used to by now. There are jealous forces out there, wanting to ruin the ever so blossoming Azerbaijan. If this is not a perfect screenplay for a movie then what is it?! I think it will make an excellent blockbuster.

So will an Oscar winning screenwriter manage to stand the leading villain of the movie we will see in few months. For now, its going to be interesting to see further government's reaction. Someone should keep a record of these though, might be gems for a screenplay. Don't tell me later I never said so...