I have put a considerable amount of thought into writing this post. Before I start I want to emphasis that these are my personal opinions from a somewhat narrow perspective. I fully understand that politics is complex and convoluted. My opinions are based on the 9 months I have spent in Azerbaijan, and the few books I’ve read about the history, economics, and politics to help me learn more about this country.
My initial intention for this blog was to post a few funny stories, and pictures to placate friends and family at home. In my experience most people at home lose interest soon after I’ve told a few quirky stories about cultural peculiarity from my travels. But it seems unfair to present only the humorous incidents and frustrating incidents that I try to turn into comical incidents, mostly for my own sanity.
A lot has happened in Azerbaijan over the last 9 months.
***A brief timeline***
October 2008 – Presidential Elections without any major political opponents.
January 2009 – Azerbaijan ban foreign radio (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7805109.stm)
March 2009 – Constitutional Referendum, which removed the two-term limit on presidency of AZ.
June 2009 – Changing legislation on NGOs (read the article below).
Just a side note: since I’ve been here there have also been changes with the visa laws and procedures.
I would also like to mention something else that’s been on my mind recently. This hits home, because it is happening right here in Lenkeran. Parviz Azimov, a polite, well-mannered young man, who has always greeted me with a smile, was expelled from Lenkeran State University (LSU). A few months ago, he wrote an article in our local newspaper about corruption and bribery within LSU. The article “Qapalı Otaqlarda Açıq Bazar” translated “Open Bazaar in Closed Rooms"; I find the title of the article rather clever! Parviz was a fourth year, final semester student at LSU. He is currently going through a trial that may allow him to get reinstated. I wish him the best of luck!
Talk about self-sacrifice!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment