Military Experts in the New Government and Minister of Defense

Political experts are skeptical about the new Cabinet composition and its destination.

"Conservation in the positions of the overwhelming number of members of the Cabinet of Ministers shows that the main goal is not reform, but the preservation of power. Reassigning 78-year-old Arthur Rasizadeh as prime minister, who has held the post for nearly 17 years, is an eloquent testimony," said the head of the research center East-West Arastun Orujlu to Turan.

As for personnel changes, the purpose of assigning the Commander of Interior Troops Zakir Hasanov as Minister of Defense, is also not aimed at reforming the army or finding solutions to problems, but at promoting the rule. As noted Orujlu, the internal forces are, in fact, an instrument of political power. They were led by Zakir Hasanov in 2003 and 2005 to actively and firmly suppress post-election protests.

On the other hand, Abiyev, responsible for serious problems in the army and soldiers' deaths in non-combat conditions, was in fact, honorably dismissed," said Orujlu.

The head of the Centre for Military Studies "Doctrine" Jasur Sumerinli believes that one of the reasons for the resignation of Abiyev was the loss of credibility amoung the leadership of leading NATO countries. Proof of this is Abiyev was not invited to the meeting on October 22-23 of defense ministers of NATO and alliance partners.  In addition, generals increasingly distrusted Abiyev.

Sumerinli believes that the leadership change in the Ministry of Defense offers opportunities for armed forces reform.

Recently, the army faced corruption and bribery, had serious problems in the area of logistics and deployment of personnel, and faced growing non-combat losses. All this has led to a serious crisis of army, and sometimes uncontrollable situation appeared, he said.

The new Minister must put an end to violations of the rights of soldiers and execute court decisions on social protection (payment for unused vacation, three times the salary for serving on the front lines in the 90s).

In addition, the Ministry of Defense information policy must be raised from zero level.

Groups controlled by Abiyev, have organized physical attacks on military experts. However Sumerinli doubts that the lawlessness committed by Abiyev will be investigated and punished.

Military expert Uzeir Jafarov believes that it is too early to evaluate and we should wait for the first steps by the new minister. Reforming army personnel is not just to change the minister, but, in his view, the Chief of Staff Nejmeddin Sadiqov and his Deputy Chingiz Mammadov should also be dismissed.

Leadership must include capable, energetic people able to solve problems. The problems of the army are so deep that it is unlikely the new minister will be able to solve them in a short time.

Note that Abiyev could not stay in military service because of his age.  The age limit for Colonel-General is 63 years, and Abiyev has already surpassed that age. - 05B06-