World in 2019

In less than a year, Russia has experienced three major terrorist attacks resulting in numerous casualties, all committed by local residents. Why is this neighboring superpower shaken, and could these upheavals spill over into Azerbaijan?

On March 22, a terrorist attack took place in the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Moscow, the capital of Russia. As of March 26, the death toll as a result of the terrorist attack reached 139 people, 182 were injured of varying severity. The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (terrorism).

Recently, discussions in Azerbaijan have been focused on changing the procedure for conscription, shortening the service life in exchange for a cash payment. Deputy Elnur Allahverdiyev said this at a meeting of the Milli Majlis on February 1: "This is practiced in a number of countries around the world, as well as in our fraternal country, Turkiye, which is our strategic ally."

Last week, the analytical and information program "Week" of the Azerbaijani State Television (AzTV) claimed that France had developed a plan for a lightning war against Azerbaijan. The broadcast indicated the direction of the alleged attack, which was being prepared by France and Armenia: "The attack should have been sudden and was planned from the Jermuk direction."