The Implications of Nagorno-Karabakh in the Middle East
Plus: Over 100 killed in Iraq wedding fire, Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, Saudi Arabia closer to nuclear power program, US senator pleads not guilty in bribery-related case involving Egypt.
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The Implications of Nagorno-Karabakh in the Middle East
Azerbaijan launched a significant military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, intending to subdue the Republic of Artsakh, an autonomous region predominantly populated by Armenians, and establish its dominance over the entire Nagorno-Karabakh territory.
Karabakh, internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory but partially administered by ethnic Armenian authorities who view it as their ancestral homeland, has been at the center of two conflicts, including the most recent one in 2020, since the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991.
Azerbaijan's successful military campaign followed a prolonged blockade of the Lachin Corridor, leading to Artsakh's surrender on September 20 as Armenia and Russia refused to intervene. The Artsakh Defence Army disbanded, prompting a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians due to fears of ethnic cleansing. The separatist government announced its dissolution, signaling the end of the unrecognized republic by year's end.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a staunch ally of Baku, seeks to capitalize on his recent successful re-election and identifies two significant opportunities in the ongoing crisis. On the one hand, he aims to remove the issue of Armenian presence in Nagorno-Karabakh from the global agenda, hailing Azerbaijan's victory as a source of Turkish pride. On the other hand, he envisions establishing a land corridor connecting Azerbaijan, its Nakhichevan exclave, and Turkey, thus uniting Azerbaijan and facilitating territorial continuity between Turkey and Turkish-speaking Central Asian republics. This ambitious plan, known as the Zangezur corridor, faces opposition from Armenia and Iran, with control over it potentially becoming a contentious aspect of the regional conflict.
In the past few years, tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran have remained high due to various factors. These include Iran's perceived pro-Armenian stance in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan's security partnership with Israel, and violent incidents like the attack on Azerbaijan's Tehran embassy in January 2023. Iran also opposes the Zangezur Corridor project, as it would disrupt its land border trade with Armenia. This conflict could reshape the geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus, an area intersected by crucial oil and gas pipelines. Iran has warned that any attempts to change the political landscape or international borders in the Caucasus or Karabakh region could lead it to abandon its neutral stance and respond directly.
Israel closely monitors the region due to its robust political and military alliance with Azerbaijan, which included the provision of crucial assets like attack drones and satellite data during the 2020 war against Armenia, significantly contributing to Baku's victory. This unique diplomatic and military partnership with Azerbaijan, the closest Israel has had with a Muslim nation, serves as a means to strengthen Israel's stance against Iran in the event of a potential confrontation.
Read more on Carniege Middle East Center.
More than 100 killed in Iraq wedding fire
A devastating fire erupted at a wedding in Qaraqosh, northern Iraq, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 113 lives, with another 150 individuals sustaining injuries. The blaze was ignited by fireworks, rapidly engulfing the wedding hall within two minutes. The hall owner, who fled the town, has been apprehended, along with thirteen others, according to local reports. The wedding had a crowd of over 1,000 attendees. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani swiftly established a committee investigating the incident.
Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque During Yom Kippur Holiday
On the eve of the Yom Kippur religious holiday, approximately 400 Jewish radicals, escorted by Israeli forces, swiftly entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, led by former Knesset member Rabbi Yehudah Glick. Despite the long-standing status quo agreement that limits prayer to Muslims at the site, these settlers conducted rituals and prayers near the Bab Al-Rahma prayer hall. They celebrated with dancing and singing at Al-Aqsa's gates. This event resulted in the closure of over 2,000 local Palestinian businesses in and around the Old City on Yom Kippur. Al-Aqsa holds immense significance as the third holiest place in Islam, while Jews regard it as their most sacred site, believing it to be the location of their ancient temples. There are differing views among Jewish extremists, with some aiming to replace the mosque with a third temple, while others advocate for shared access between Jews and Muslims.
Saudi Arabia Takes Significant Step in Advancing Its Emerging Nuclear Power Program
Saudi Arabia is committing to a nuclear energy program and stricter oversight by atomic inspectors to bolster its global influence. This move will activate its existing nuclear reactor, making it the second Arab nation with such a program. Concerns have arisen due to Saudi Arabia's nuclear intentions, notably in response to Iran's actions. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's leadership, the kingdom has sought to enhance its global role, leveraging diplomatic ties with Western and Eastern powers. Riyadh is also seeking concessions from the U.S. to advance a normalization deal with Israel, generating mixed reactions.
US Senator Menendez Pleads Not Guilty Pleas in Bribery-Related Case Involving Egyptian Government
Amid calls from fellow Senate Democrats to resign, Sen. Bob Menendez pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged bribery conspiracy involving gold bars, cash, a luxury car, and sensitive information passed to the Egyptian government. He faces three counts, accused of taking bribes to influence Egypt's military aid, interfering in a state prosecutor's investigation, and impacting the federal prosecution of a co-defendant. Menendez's wife, Nadine Menendez, and co-defendants, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibe, also pleaded not guilty. Federal agents discovered nearly $500,000 in cash at Menendez's home. The indictment alleges Menendez used his political power for Egyptian officials' benefit, receiving bribes in the form of a luxury car for his wife. Menendez had faced previous corruption charges in 2015, resulting in a mistrial and partial acquittal.
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About me
My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.
Check out my work at dariosabaghi.com.
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Cover photo | Credits: Raimond Spekking - peacenews.com