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Azeri-Press news agency (APA)
April 3, 2015 Friday
American expert calls on Obama administration to pay more attention to
Karabakh conflict
Gregory T. Kiley, expert of the Center for Strategic and International
Studies, called on the Obama administration to pay more attention to
the Karabakh conflict.
In his article entitled "No time for strategic patience; Azerbaijan as
an example", he commented on new National Security Strategy calling
for strategic patience around the globe, recently released by Barak
Obama, APA reports.
The author said that throughout Europe, African and the Middle East,
there are already numerous failing examples of the Obama
administrations strategic patience. He said the U.S. doesnt show more
interest in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict:
"Fighting between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia has escalated in
recent months, though largely overshadowed by conflicts elsewhere
around the globe. The conflict threatens stability in the region. The
United States has compelling interest to get more actively involved
beyond just chairing the Minsk Group together with Russia and France
to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Earlier this year, as if presaging the call to strategic patience and
its drawbacks, leaders of the country of Azerbaijan were attending a
forum in Washington, D.C., as the U.S. strategy was released. Leaders
from Azerbaijan called for the Obama administration to articulate a
more clear long-term geopolitical strategy for their region, warning
that America was in danger of losing influence while its allies risk
losing access to energy resources.
The Obama administration only stating a wish to "enhance ties with
countries in the Caucasus while encouraging resolution of regional
conflict" in their strategy is not enough. In 1991, Azerbaijan gained
its independence and has proven to be a strategic partner to the
United States as an energy producer, opponent of Iranian international
aims, and reliable international ally. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil
pipeline originating in Azerbaijan currently exports roughly 1 million
barrels of oil per day. The proposed Trans-Caspian Gas pipeline will
help answer Europes growing need for oil and gas. Bordering Iran and a
critical gateway to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan has also been a strategic
transit location for U.S. military troops, equipment and supplies. The
country provides a secure transit route for nearly half of NATOs
International Security Forces operating in Afghanistan.
This is not a call to arms and intervention, but to not let the
pendulum swing too far to "patience" and abdication of our necessary
role as world leader. Azerbaijan is asking for U.S. leadership; Obama
should heed the call. Failure to do so risks our national security -
and the security of our allies in Europe - for the goal of being
patient. Which, is not a goal, but rather, an excuse to avoid taking a
leadership role around the world."
April 3, 2015 Friday
American expert calls on Obama administration to pay more attention to
Karabakh conflict
Gregory T. Kiley, expert of the Center for Strategic and International
Studies, called on the Obama administration to pay more attention to
the Karabakh conflict.
In his article entitled "No time for strategic patience; Azerbaijan as
an example", he commented on new National Security Strategy calling
for strategic patience around the globe, recently released by Barak
Obama, APA reports.
The author said that throughout Europe, African and the Middle East,
there are already numerous failing examples of the Obama
administrations strategic patience. He said the U.S. doesnt show more
interest in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict:
"Fighting between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia has escalated in
recent months, though largely overshadowed by conflicts elsewhere
around the globe. The conflict threatens stability in the region. The
United States has compelling interest to get more actively involved
beyond just chairing the Minsk Group together with Russia and France
to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Earlier this year, as if presaging the call to strategic patience and
its drawbacks, leaders of the country of Azerbaijan were attending a
forum in Washington, D.C., as the U.S. strategy was released. Leaders
from Azerbaijan called for the Obama administration to articulate a
more clear long-term geopolitical strategy for their region, warning
that America was in danger of losing influence while its allies risk
losing access to energy resources.
The Obama administration only stating a wish to "enhance ties with
countries in the Caucasus while encouraging resolution of regional
conflict" in their strategy is not enough. In 1991, Azerbaijan gained
its independence and has proven to be a strategic partner to the
United States as an energy producer, opponent of Iranian international
aims, and reliable international ally. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil
pipeline originating in Azerbaijan currently exports roughly 1 million
barrels of oil per day. The proposed Trans-Caspian Gas pipeline will
help answer Europes growing need for oil and gas. Bordering Iran and a
critical gateway to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan has also been a strategic
transit location for U.S. military troops, equipment and supplies. The
country provides a secure transit route for nearly half of NATOs
International Security Forces operating in Afghanistan.
This is not a call to arms and intervention, but to not let the
pendulum swing too far to "patience" and abdication of our necessary
role as world leader. Azerbaijan is asking for U.S. leadership; Obama
should heed the call. Failure to do so risks our national security -
and the security of our allies in Europe - for the goal of being
patient. Which, is not a goal, but rather, an excuse to avoid taking a
leadership role around the world."