Washington briefing: Author: Azerbaijan, Israel “betrayed, pained” by Turkey

by Yelena Osipova

Published: Friday December 04, 2009

Alexander Murinson, right, speaking at the SETA Foundation on Nov. 24.
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Turkey's rapprochement with Armenia has caused feelings of resentment in Azerbaijan, while its leaders' criticism of the Jewish state is "very painful for Israel to sustain," said Alexander Murinson, a scholar who discussed his Ph.D. thesis titled "Turkey's Entente with Israel and Azerbaijan in the post-Cold War era," at the SETA Foundation on November 24. (See Turkey's Entente with Israel and Azerbaijan: State Identity and Security in the Middle East and Caucasus.)

Mr. Murinson discussed the "axis of convenience" between Azerbaijan, Israel, and Turkey, in light of the "perception of a common threat" in the region. Turkey was, until recently, the "apex of this triangular relationship," while the United States provided crucial overall support.

He concluded that Azerbaijanis "feel extremely betrayed by Turkey" following the signing of the Turkish-Armenian protocols. By moving away from a strong and unconditional support of the Azerbaijani side, Turkey significantly changes the Karabakh resolution dynamic, he explained.

At the same time, there was "a lot of hope" in Israel-Azerbaijan relations, Mr. Murinson said and suggested that while the American Jewish lobby may pull back on its support for Turkey, it could continue to champion Azerbaijan's interests.

Israel recently emerged as one of the main arms suppliers to Azerbaijan.