By Stephen Blank (1/26/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: The most important factor in Armenian politics is the continuing primacy of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. While annexation of this territory commands mass support, it should be clear to more dispassionate observers that Armenia can only sustain this policy at the cost of its economic future and independence. These costs make their presence felt in several ways.

By Hooman Peimani (1/26/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Azerbaijan and Iran have a long common history ended when Iran lost the Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, to Russia as a result of two series of long and devastating wars. The Turkmanchai Treaty of 1828 heralded the end of Iran’s influence in that region as the treaty formalized its annexation by Russia. The Soviet Union’s collapse and the emergence of Azerbaijan as an independent state created high hopes both in Iran and Azerbaijan for close and cordial relations justified by their common history as well as many other commonalities such as cultural, social and religious.

By Anar Valiyev and Yusuf Valiyev (1/26/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Ever since the demise of the Soviet Union, the relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia have been continually cordial. Both countries shared similar problems including ethnic separatism, an aggressive Russian policy in the South Caucasus, the rapid polarization and marginalization of both societies, as well as weak democratic institutions. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project gave an impetus to the strengthening and deepening of economic, political, and cultural ties.