Aliyev is plucking petals between Biden and Trump. Azerbaijan’s President Hints at Preference for Trump Over Biden in U.S. Election Analysis

In a recent address at the Shusha Forum, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made notable comments that indirectly conveyed his preference for former President Donald Trump over current President Joe Biden. His detailed analysis of U.S. policies, coupled with criticism of Biden’s administration, offered a revealing look into Azerbaijan’s diplomatic stance as the U.S. election approaches.

Aliyev’s remarks began with a diplomatic nod to his long-standing interactions with American leaders. “We have known each other for decades. I am absolutely sure that you know perfectly well what preference I would make,” he said, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. While he did not explicitly name Trump, his comments were framed in a way that suggested a favorable view of the former president’s policies.

The Azerbaijani leader highlighted several key aspects of Trump’s presidency that he found advantageous. “One of the important messages that President Trump has voiced during the campaign, which is still underway, is that there were no wars under his administration. America did not start wars under him,” Aliyev stated. This observation underscored Trump’s approach to foreign policy, which Aliyev contrasted with the current administration’s actions.

Aliyev praised Trump’s stance on traditional values, a point of alignment with Azerbaijani cultural perspectives. “The absolute majority of the Azerbaijani people not only share this position, but actively promote it and put it into practice,” he added. This remark reflected a shared worldview between Trump’s policies and Azerbaijani values, further implying a favorable view of Trump’s presidency.

In contrast, Aliyev expressed significant dissatisfaction with President Biden’s administration. He criticized the Biden administration for re-imposing sanctions on Azerbaijan, stating, “Despite all those ups and downs, we always looked at this relationship as strategic and important… What did they do? They re-imposed sanctions on us.” This criticism highlighted a perceived betrayal, as Azerbaijan had been a supportive partner in various U.S. initiatives, including peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan.

 

Despite all those ups and downs, we always looked at this relationship as strategic and important and tried to be as helpful as we could, including our practical participation in so-called peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan. When it started, Azerbaijan was among the first non-NATO countries to join the operations and stayed there until the last month. The United States troops had already left—or perhaps a better word is fled or disappeared—and we were still there. We were at the airport with Turkish troops, the last to leave Afghanistan. That was our commitment to our partnership. When they needed us, for Afghanistan and for many other reasons, I remember how many times high representatives of the U.S. Transportation Command and the Department of Defense visited Azerbaijan and expressed gratitude for our help through what was called the Northern Distribution Network, which went through Azerbaijan and then across the Caspian to Central Asia, especially taking into account that the main route to Afghanistan through other locations was complicated. But after the mission in Afghanistan ended, what did they do? They re-imposed sanctions on us. They re-imposed sanction with the section 907 to the Freedom Support Act without any logic or explanation. That’s how they repaid us for being a good partner and friend. And what do you think the people of Azerbaijan can think about working with this administration? When they need you, you are the good guy, and they come and say good things. But when they don’t need you, they not only ignore you, they impose sanctions on you. For what? For restoring our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

 

Aliyev continued, “It is very disappointing, more disappointing where the vocabulary, which was used during different public events.” He was referring to the U.S. administration’s rhetoric and actions that he felt were unjust and detrimental to Azerbaijan’s interests. He described the current U.S. policy as a “one-sided approach,” and criticized the efforts to influence Armenian military buildup through the so-called European Peace Facility. “A very strange meeting between the US Secretary of State, the President of the European Commission, and the EU High Representative, and Mr. Pashinyan on April 5th in Brussels,” he noted, reflecting his frustration with perceived biased diplomatic efforts.

Aliyev also speculated on the motivations behind U.S. policies, suggesting that domestic political factors might be influencing Washington’s stance. “I think part of the anti-Azerbaijani actions was motivated by the campaign. They need Armenian voices. They need Armenian votes,” he said. This comment implied that Biden’s administration might be influenced by the need to cater to specific domestic constituencies, rather than focusing purely on strategic diplomacy.

While President Aliyev did not directly endorse Trump or explicitly criticize Biden by name, his remarks clearly indicated a preference for Trump’s policies.

 

I have already quoted President Trump, who called the Washington Post and the New York Times “fake news.” Can you imagine a newspaper like the Washington Post publishing dozens of editorials about Azerbaijan, calling me a dictator and a satrap?

His detailed critique of Biden’s administration and his praise for Trump’s approach provide insight into Azerbaijan’s perspective on the upcoming U.S. election. As the political landscape shifts in Washington, Aliyev’s comments underscore a desire for more favorable U.S. policies and a hopeful outlook for improved relations should Trump return to office.