Unexpected Alliances
Karabakh, Gaza and the Consequences
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The security situation in Northwest Asia is undergoing dynamic change. The latest Karabakh war and the attack on Israel carried out by Hamas are both an expression and consequence of this. The South Caucasus and the Levant seem far apart, but are part of the same security nexus. Against all logic of cultural affinity, Azerbaijan and Israel have been working closely together for a long time, while Iran has become an important partner for Armenia. Ankara is Baku’s main ally, but after a phase of rapprochement, Turkey is once again positioning itself against Israel. Russia has given up its role as Armenia’s protector, downgraded its relations with Israel, and is working ever more closely with Iran in the name of the struggle against the United States. The conflict between Azerbaijan and Iran has the potential to escalate.
(Osteuropa 12/2023, pp. 7–16)