For Azerbaijan, the year has been rich in attacks from various Western activists. As with the past several years, 2024 was characterized by the ongoing battle against malicious slanderers, instigators, and provocateurs. Interestingly, many of these hired agents happen to be citizens of Western countries. Let’s set aside the French for now and talk about the Americans. These self-proclaimed champions of rights and freedoms are no less zealous than their French counterparts in meddling in matters that do not concern them.
European nations and their aging, rusted political locomotive — the United States — remain restless. These foreign politicos cannot stomach the peace, stability, and order in Azerbaijan. Having significantly strengthened its political stance, achieved victory over occupiers, and subdued a pitiful band of cowardly separatists, Azerbaijan irks Western leaders who seek to impose their rules here. Baku refuses to bow to the so-called patrons of democratic values, understanding well that these values are worth little. If they cannot adhere to their own proclaimed principles, why should others follow them? After all, their version of democracy is clearly dysfunctional — and there are countless examples to prove it.
The United States, posing as the birthplace of democracy, equality, and justice, openly distorts the fundamental principles of what it claims to be a civilized society. Devout American liberals, with their fierce rhetoric about freedom, aggressively promote the ideals of a “free society” abroad while blatantly disregarding these same principles at home.
Can the U.S. officials, who endlessly preach about rights and freedoms, explain what is happening with the rule of law in their own country? Why, for instance, has President Biden — the benevolent patriarch of democracy — decided to exempt his son from criminal liability? Hunter Biden, accused of illegal possession of firearms and violations of tax laws, has walked away unscathed. What can one say? Joe Biden, the elder statesman of democracy, is indeed a man of great compassion.
His compassion may be vast, but his vision is evidently narrow. And he’s not alone in this. Biden’s actions might be excusable as the antics of an old man who sometimes greets his reflection in the mirror. But why is no one else concerned about his blatant abuse of power and disregard for justice? Instead, they are fixated on Azerbaijan.
Take, for example, the U.S. State Department handing out awards. To whom? Naturally, to individuals they believe are champions of democracy, freedom of speech, and other convenient American ideals. One such recipient was Sevinc Vagifgizi, editor-in-chief of Abzas Media, recognized for her fight against corruption. The U.S. government seems deeply troubled by corruption and rights violations in Azerbaijan but shows little concern for the same issues at home. Has anyone heard the conclusion to the Pentagon’s notorious embezzlement case? Neither have we — though we’d certainly like to.
According to a Pentagon inspector general report, the U.S. allocated approximately $183 billion to Ukraine since February 2022. Yet, Ukrainian President Zelensky admitted that, at best, half of it reached Kyiv. Meanwhile, prosecutors are investigating over 50 criminal cases related to aid sent to Ukraine, involving corruption, procurement fraud, theft, misallocation of funds, and more. Yet, no charges have been brought.
It would seem there is ample reason for legal action, but Washington is preoccupied with more pressing matters — such as the case of journalist Sevinc Vagifgizi. Why? Perhaps because her activities are funded by the U.S.? Could it be that her funding is so significant that her case outweighs the billions missing from the Pentagon?
Let us be clear: if Washington is playing a serious game against Azerbaijan, it is gravely mistaken. Azerbaijani society will not bow to those who finance the destruction of lives in other nations. These games won’t work with us. Azerbaijan is not Georgia. Here, robust mechanisms are in place to counter external interference, and such provocations will continue to be firmly suppressed.
