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. 

In case you didn't know, Azerbaijan is also the sports power in the world

Oh yeah, this is a first. Or at least for me as I have heard many things we are "number one" in the world for but in sports, that is a first for me. 

In a statement by Mubariz Gurbanli, deputy executive secretary of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party, few other things were noted. Surely, late president was not omitted and so wasn't his son (how could that be?!). Gurbanli noted Azerbaijan's growing influence in the world in all spheres of life including sports "Azerbaijan is seen as a sports power in the world". 

A message to Azerbaijan's "enemy" too was thrown among the lines "Azerbaijan's achievements in sport are further evidence of the ideological victory of the country over the enemy".

I am happy to hear we have an up- and- coming sportsmen and women competing at world's sporting events, but to say we are "the best" simply ain't right. There are far better countries whose athletes are much better than ours. No need to exaggerate, we just need to take a look at Olympic game stats. But then, exaggeration is what our officials to best. They just loooooooove to say things like this.

Similarly, I came across this photo shared today on Facebook that pretty much says, Azerbaijanis were also very much involved in discovery of the United States :)

Azerbaijan's textbook for 8th graders

Rough translation: During America's discovery, accomplishments of Azerbaijani science were instrumental. First of all, before Columbus discovered America, 200 years prior, Azerbaijani scientist, N. Tusi's calculations already indicated existence of the mainland. On the other hand, Columbus's teacher Toskanelli, was aware of Tusi's work and learned much from him. It is without doubt that Toskanelli taught Columbus the knowledge he learned from Tusi. Therefore, Azerbaijani science played a big role in discovery of America.