What will the cooling of relations between Azerbaijan and the United States lead to?

Baku/22.11.23/Turan: In recent days, Azerbaijan's relations with the United States have taken a somewhat contradictory turn, with notable developments and growing tensions. The source of this friction can be traced back to Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien's address regarding the future of Karabakh before the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs on November 15, which triggered a wave of critical responses from various Azerbaijani media outlets.

The Azerbaijani government-controlled media has gone further, delving into the realm of conspiracy theories and initiating what some have termed a "hunt for spies" allegedly linked to the United States. This escalation of rhetoric and actions has raised questions about the potential ramifications of this strained relationship.

Political commentator Arastun Orujlu sheds light on these developments in a program titled "Difficult Question." According to him, O'Brien's speech in Congress was preceded by statements made by several members of the House of Representatives, primarily those representing California. These representatives brought forward issues such as the exodus of Armenians from Karabakh, allegations of ethnic cleansing, and references to another "Armenian genocide."

Orujlu highlights that the influence of the "Armenian lobby" has shifted noticeably towards the House of Representatives, as Robert Menendez, a prominent figure in the Senate, is currently preoccupied with other matters. He points out that the recent invitation extended to Cilician Catholicos Aram I to address the House of Representatives is significant. Notably, this invitation went to Aram I, not Garegin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians based in Echmiadzin. Aram I leads the Cilician Catholicosate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in Antelias, Lebanon. Orujlu suggests that this move has dual implications: recognition of Cilicia and potential use of the Cilician Catholicosate as a tool against Azerbaijan.

The observer also underscores that the increase in tension between Azerbaijan and the United States did not come as a surprise. It had been anticipated for some time, given the portrayal of Azerbaijan as an ally and proxy of Russia. Orujlu believes that certain statements and actions from the Azerbaijani side inadvertently reinforced this perception, contributing to the current state of affairs.

The evolving dynamics between Azerbaijan and the United States warrant close attention as both nations navigate complex geopolitical factors and regional dynamics.