A tensão que põe Armênia e Azerbaijão à beira de guerra por Nagorno-Karabakh

Summary

The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has escalated once again, with both sides blaming each other for recent attacks. Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but predominantly Armenian and Christian, has been a flashpoint since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite several ceasefires and peace talks, tensions remain high, fueled by geopolitical interests, including energy routes. Russia traditionally supports Armenia, while Turkey backs Azerbaijan. The situation threatens regional stability and global economic interests, with various countries calling for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue.

Takeaways

• 😀 Armenia and Azerbaijan have been in conflict for over three decades due to the Nagorno-Karabakh separatist region.
• 😀 The current escalation of violence has led to dozens of casualties, with some fearing the two countries might be on the brink of war.
• 😀 Nagorno-Karabakh, recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan, has a majority ethnic Armenian and Christian population.
• 😀 The conflict originated after the collapse of the Soviet Union, when Nagorno-Karabakh's parliament voted to join Armenia, despite being within Azerbaijan's borders.
• 😀 The war between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated after their independence from the Soviet Union, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and nearly a million displaced people.
• 😀 In 1994, Russia mediated a ceasefire, but no peace agreement was reached, and tensions have remained high in the region ever since.
• 😀 The most recent escalation has seen heavy combat between both sides, with Armenia claiming civilian settlements were attacked and Azerbaijan accusing Armenia of aggression.
• 😀 Geopolitically, the region is critical due to its role as a key passage for gas and oil from the Caspian Sea to global markets, making any conflict a threat to global economies.
• 😀 Russia traditionally supports Armenia and has called for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue, while Turkey supports Azerbaijan, both militarily and diplomatically.
• 😀 Other global powers, including France, Iran, and the United States, have called for a ceasefire and peace talks, but the situation remains volatile after decades of unresolved conflict.

Q & A

What is the primary cause of the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan?

The primary cause of the conflict is the dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has a predominantly Armenian population. This dispute has been ongoing for decades, particularly after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Why is Nagorno-Karabakh significant in this conflict?

Nagorno-Karabakh is significant because it is the region at the heart of the conflict. Despite being recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan, it has a majority Armenian population, leading to separatist movements and tensions with Azerbaijan.

How did the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalate after the collapse of the Soviet Union?

After the Soviet Union collapsed, the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which was an autonomous region within Azerbaijan, voted to become part of Armenia. This led to violent clashes between the two countries, ultimately resulting in a full-scale war that lasted several years and caused significant casualties and displacement.

What role did Russia play in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan?

Russia has traditionally been an ally of Armenia, providing military support and having a military base in Armenia. Russia mediated a ceasefire in 1994 and has continued to call for peace and dialogue between the two countries during recent escalations.

What is the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, according to recent reports?

Recent reports indicate that the conflict has escalated, with heavy fighting involving advanced weaponry. The Arménian side claims that civilian settlements have been attacked, while Azerbaijan asserts that it is carrying out an operation to end the 'occupation' of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenian separatists.

Why is the geopolitical context important in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

The geopolitical context is important because the region is strategically located as a transit route for gas and oil from the Caspian Sea to global markets. This makes the conflict significant not only for the countries involved but also for global energy security, especially for countries like Turkey and those in Europe.

What role does Turkey play in the conflict?

Turkey has been a strong ally of Azerbaijan, offering support both militarily and diplomatically. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed support for Azerbaijan, stating that Turkey will back the country both on the battlefield and at the negotiation table.

What actions have other countries, like France and Iran, taken in the current conflict?

France, with a large Armenian community, has called for a ceasefire and dialogue. Iran, which shares borders with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, has offered to mediate peace talks between the two sides.

How has the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh affected civilians?

The conflict has led to numerous casualties, with dozens of people reported dead in recent escalations. It has also caused the displacement of thousands of civilians, continuing the humanitarian crisis that has persisted for over three decades.

What is the potential global impact of an escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

An escalation in the conflict could have significant global implications, particularly due to the region's importance in the energy market. It could disrupt the flow of gas and oil from Azerbaijan, affecting energy prices and supply chains in Europe and Turkey, as well as the broader geopolitical stability in the South Caucasus.