ISRAELI - AZERBAIJANI ALLIANCE AND IRAN Part 1

EXPANDING AND IMPROVING TIES WITH AZERBAIJAN: ISRAEL’S NEWLY ADOPTED STRATEGY TOWARD NON - ARAB MUSLIM STATES

By Mahir Khalifa-zadeh

 

This analysis article discusses cooperation between ISRAEL and the Republic of AZERBAIJAN in order to neutralize foreign threats and ensure regional security. Expanding and improving ties with AZERBAIJAN has been part of ISRAEL’S newly adopted strategy toward non-Arab Muslim states. Also addressed is IRAN’S attitude towards AZERBAIJAN and the political and ideological opposition between the two mainly Shi’a-populated countries. Highlighted is the cooperation’s strategic importance for improving security and defense capabilities for both ISRAEL and AZERBAIJAN. Last, U.S. priorities in the SOUTH CAUCASUS are viewed in the context of the ISRAELI-AZERBAIJANI alliance.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Historic sources and research confirm that Jews of both Persian (also known as Caucasian Mountain Jews) as well as Ashkenazi origin have lived in AZERBAIJAN for centuries. Background Information: Joanna Sloame, “The Virtual Jewish History Tour: Azerbaijan,” American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, The Jewish Virtual Library, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Azerbaijan.html.

The presence of Persian Jews in AZERBAIJAN can be traced back over 2,000 years, to even before the fifth century. Historically, AZERBAIJAN has been very welcoming toward the Jews. During the periods of both the RUSSIAN and SOVIET empires AZERBAIJAN had no anti-Semitic traditions. In the nineteenth century, under the RUSSIAN Empire, Jews of Ashkenazi descent began to settle in AZERBAIJAN. Others arrived during World War II to escape the Nazis. Background Information: Aryeh Tepper, “The Azeri Exception,” Jewish Ideas Daily, October 29, 2010, http://www.jewishideasdaily.com/content/module/2010/10/29/main-feature/1/the-azeri-exception.

Many famous Jews were born and have studied in AZERBAIJAN, including scientist of modern physics and Nobel Prize Laureate Lev Landau. Born in Baku, AZERBAIJAN, in 1908, he enrolled in Baku State University in 1922. Background Information: Lev Davidovich Landau, MacTutor History of Mathematics, University of St Andrews, Scotland, http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Landau_Lev.html; “The Nobel Prize in Physics 1962: Lev Landau,” Nobelprize.org, http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1962/landau.html.

During the nineteenth century, Baku became a center for the Zionist movement in the RUSSIAN Empire. The first branch of Hovevei Zion (“Lovers of Zion”) was established in Baku in 1891, and in 1910, the first choir synagogue opened in the city. Background Information: “History of Jews in Azerbaijan,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Azerbaijan.

Even earlier, in 1883, oil companies owned by the Rothschild family (of Jewish origin) entered the scene in Baku, followed by Rockefeller’s gigantic Standard Oil Company. Background Information: Audrey L. Altstadt, The Azerbaijani Turks: Power and Identity Under Russian Rule (Hoover Institution Press, 1992), p. 22, http://ebookee.org/The-Azerbaijani-Turks-Power-and-Identity-Under-Russian-Rule_776519.html#3wBsPMWYsEpAcHCu.99

 

Thus, the Jews lived in peace and friendship with local AZERIS and had successful businesses in the country.

During the period of the AZERBAIJAN Democratic Republic (ADR, 1918-1920)–which formulated key ideological, political, and security priorities for independent AZERBAIJAN–the Jewish Popular University was established (1919) and Yiddish- and Hebrew-language periodicals were published. Moreover, Dr. Yevsey Gindes, an ASHKENAZI Jew, served as Minister of Health in ADR’s cabinet under the first prime minister, Fatali Khan Khoyski.

Jews continued to arrive and settle in AZERBAIJAN during the SOVIET period as well. The Jews in SOVIET AZERBAIJAN were not exposed to the widespread discrimination that was typical in other parts of the USSR. Thus, the ASHKENAZI Jews formed a significant part of the intellectual and technocratic elites in SOVIET AZERBAIJAN. Background Information: Alexander Murinson, Jews in Azerbaijan: a History Spanning Three Millennia, Vision of Azerbaijan, http://www.visions.az/history,112/.

POLITICAL DYNAMICS IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS AND IRAN’S PRIORITIES IN THE REGION

The RUSSO-GEORGIAN War of 2008 shifted SOUTH CAUCASUS politics significantly and created a new political atmosphere in this part of the world. As a result of the war, a completely new strategic situation emerged in the region. Background Information: Krzysztof Strachota and Wojciech Gorecki, “The Southern Caucasus and Central Asia After the Russian-Georgian War: the Geopolitical Consequences,” Center for Eastern Studies (CES) Commentary, No. 10, September 24, 2008, http://www.osw.waw.pl/sites/default/files/commentary_10.pdf.

Prior to the war, since 1994, when AZERBAIJAN signed the “Contract of the Century” (agreement with a consortium of international oil companies for the exploration and exploitation of three offshore oil fields in the country), the strategic situation in the SOUTH CAUCASUS could be characterized as a period of large-scale Western penetration. The UNITED STATES, the EUROPEAN UNION, and TURKEY, began to play a significant role in SOUTH CAUCASIAN affairs, which had traditionally been orchestrated by IRAN and RUSSIA.

Moreover, several strategic programs were launched by the Clinton administration (and continued under the Bush administration) and the EU. These included Partnership for Peace, the Silk Road Strategy Act, Caspian Watch, the EU’s Eastern Partnership, and others. The goal of these programs was to strengthen the Western presence and minimize both IRANIAN and RUSSIAN influence in this very sensitive part of the world. Unlike ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN and GEORGIA slowly began to drift toward NATO membership. In addition, SOUTH CAUCASIAN countries, particularly AZERBAIJAN and GEORGIA, started to develop strong ties with the State of ISRAEL.

Background Information: AZERBAIJAN'S ISRAEL DIPLOMACY TESTS IRAN http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.com.ar/2013/05/israel-azerbaijan-and-iran.html and ISRAEL’S IRAN “WARMONGERING RHETORIC’S” ARE DECEIVING TACTICS FOR A GREATER CAUSE http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.com.ar/2012/10/israel-azerbaijan-and-kazakhstan_6.html

In the meantime, IRAN, as a key regional player, reacted very concerned about the WEST’S “aggressive advance” into the traditionally IRANIAN and RUSSIAN sphere of influence. IRAN’S hostility toward the UNITED STATES and ISRAEL pushed Tehran to stop or limit WESTERN penetration as well as ISRAEL’S cooperation with AZERBAIJAN and GEORGIA. IRAN welcomed the RUSSO- GEORGIAN war of 2008, which it saw as a brilliant opportunity to reverse the region’s strategic atmosphere from pro-WESTERN to a much more pro-RUSSIAN atmosphere –hence a more pro-IRANIAN one also.

RUSSIA NEEDS IRAN’S COOPERATION IN ORDER TO STRATEGICALLY SECURE THE SOUTH CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA

IRAN considers RUSSIA to be a key ally in resisting the UNITED STATES. Tehran prefers to be under RUSSIA’S strategic umbrella and cooperates with Moscow on global and regional levels. Tehran supports the strengthening of RUSSIA’S influence in the SOUTH CAUCASUS and CENTRAL ASIA for strategic reasons. Background Information: Mahir Khalifa-Zadeh, “Iran and the South Caucasus: A Struggle for Influence,” Journal of Central Asia and Caucasus, Vol. 12, No. 1 (2011), http://www.ca-c.org/journal/2011-01-eng/05.shtml.

In face of possible U.S. and/or ISRAELI military options to stop the IRANIAN nuclear program, IRAN hopes RUSSIA’S dominance in the SOUTH CAUCASUS and CENTRAL ASIA would prevent the UNITED STATES or NATO from deploying military bases in close proximity to the IRANIAN border.

At the same time, RUSSIA also needs IRAN’S cooperation in order to secure both the SOUTH CAUCASUS and CENTRAL ASIA under Moscow, or under shared IRANIAN control. 

IRAN’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS CAN THUS BE IDENTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

To counter and reduce U.S. influence;

1. To oppose U.S., NATO, and EU initiatives and long-term objectives;
2. To prevent the deployment of U.S./NATO troops;
3. To block both GEORGIA and AZERBAIJAN from moving toward NATO/EU membership;
4. To minimize ISRAEL’S influence and cooperation with SOUTH CAUCASIAN countries;
5. To align the security order with IRAN’S strategic interests;
6. To control CASPIAN energy resources and transportation routes;
7. To contain the rising influence of TURKEY and the TURKEY-AZERBAIJANI alliance;
8. To prolong the TURKISH-ARMENIAN hostility;
9. To oppose the TURKEY-GEORGIA-AZERBAIJAN triangle of strategic cooperation;
10. To ensure RUSSIA’S dominance and the current status-quo; and
11. To support RUSSIA’S leading role in the CASPIAN-CAUCASUS region.

Background Information: COMPLEX STRATEGIC ENERGY GAMES IN A GEOSTRATEGIC “MINEFIELD” http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2012/07/turkey-and-russia.html

Last, it is beneficial for IRAN to maintain the current status-quo and to support RUSSIA’S dominance in the region. In this case, IRAN is able to ensure its paramount strategic goal: to limit or decrease U.S. influence and prevent AMERICAN attempts to redesign the region’s political landscape in order to secure Washington’s dominance.

IRAN’S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

Notwithstanding, IRAN and AZERBAIJAN are both Shi’i Muslim countries and have a common historical and cultural heritage. History as well as ideological and political factors have shaped relations between the two countries and have influenced the policies of the Islamic Republic of IRAN toward the Republic of AZERBAIJAN. IRAN was among the first countries to recognize AZERBAIJAN’S return to independence in 1991, establishing diplomatic relations with Baku in March 22, 1992. Since the SOVIET disintegration, however, the unstable and complicated IRANIAN-AZERBAIJANI relationship has demonstrated Tehran’s discomfort with AZERBAIJAN’S existence as an independent and secular state. In addition, Tehran resents Baku’s strategic relations with IRAN’S key enemies–the UNITED STATES and ISRAEL. It is clear from the actions of the IRANIAN government that it considers AZERBAIJAN a direct challenge or threat to its security and political future. This key point in Tehran’s calculations towards AZERBAIJAN has deep historical roots.

HISTORICAL FACTORS

From ancient times, the AZERI TURKS and AZERBAIJAN were both heart and part of the PERSIAN EMPIRE. AZERI TURK dynasties like the Ghaznavids, Safavids, Qajars, and others played a key role in expanding and defending the PERSIAN EMPIRE, and the AZERBAIJANI city of Tabriz served as capital of the Empire for centuries. Several IRANIAN shahs, in fact, are of AZERI TURK origin. Background Information: Shapour Ghasemi, “Safavid Empire 1502 – 1736, History of Iran,” Iran Chamber Society, September 24, 2012, http://www.iranchamber.com/history/safavids/safavids.php; Ben Madadi, “Origins of Azeri Turks,” Iranian.com, January 27, 2008, http://www.iranian.com/main/2008/origins-azeri-turks-0.

It was only in the nineteenth century with the 1828 Treaty of TURKMENCHAY that Imperial RUSSIA gained control of part of the PERSIAN EMPIRE, the then semi-independent northern AZERBAIJANI khanates. These territories became the nucleus for the modern republics of AZERBAIJAN and ARMENIA. 

The PERSIAN EMPIRE officially renounced its claim to the northern AZERBAIJANI khanates, leading to the division of AZERBAIJAN into two: NORTHERN AZERBAIJAN or RUSSIAN (SOVIET) AZERBAIJAN and SOUTHERN AZERBAIJAN or IRANIAN AZERBAIJAN. Since the SOVIET UNION’S collapse, this history has created an illusion among IRANIANS that Tehran’s government has the right to take AZERBAIJAN back under its control, to intervene in AZERBAIJANI politics, and to manipulate AZERBAIJAN’S future in accordance with IRAN’S interests. Baku’s assertion of independence and its clear unwillingness to be reincorporated into IRAN has made for a rocky relationship with Teheran.

POLITICAL FACTORS

On May 28, 1918, following the collapse of the RUSSIAN EMPIRE, AZERBAIJAN declared its independence and identified itself as the AZERBAIJAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC (ADR, 1918-1920). Background Information: U.S. Department of State, “Azerbaijan,” Background Note: Azerbaijan, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2909.htm.

IRAN attempted to reincorporate AZERBAIJAN, but the ADR government refused and established relations with the Entente governments in order to secure its independence. The AZERBAIJAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC adapted a secular and political system based on the principles of WESTERN-style democracy and established a multi-party parliament. ADR was thus the first WESTERN-style state in the Muslim world. It declared equal rights to all citizens, including ethnic minorities, men, and women, and granted AZERBAIJANI women the right to vote.

Today’s Republic of AZERBAIJAN is a successor of ADR and shares its political and ideological values. It is a secular and pro-WESTERN nation in the SOUTH CAUCASUS. The country’s political development has very much differed from that of the Islamic Republic of IRAN, though they both have predominantly Shi’i populations. In the eyes of the government and the mullahs in Tehran, this is unacceptable.

IDEOLOGICAL FACTORS –

IRAN’S AZERI TURK SAFAVID DYNASTY OFFICIALLY CONVERTED IRAN FROM SUNNI TO SHI’I AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY

AZERBAIJAN’S secular and WESTERN-style statehood is based on an ideology that totally contradicts that of IRAN. Tehran’s mullah government considers Shi’ism a unique ideology and a powerful force to unite the nation. The IRANIAN government has thus strengthened Shi’i ideology and suppressed the identities of the ethnic minorities in the country, including AZERI TURKS (IRANIAN AZERIS). 

It has also attempted to eliminate independent AZERBAIJAN’S ideological and political impact. Interestingly, IRAN’S AZERI TURK Safavid dynasty officially converted IRAN from Sunni to Shi’i at the beginning of the sixteenth century. Shah Ismail Safavid, an AZERI TURK and founder of the Safavid dynasty, is an important historical figure both in IRAN and in AZERBAIJAN. Background Information: “History of Azerbaijan,” Explore Azerbaijan, http://exploreazerbaijan.com/?page_id=57; Ghasemi, “Safavid Empire.”

While IRAN follows the Shi’i ideology, AZERBAIJAN has adopted a Kemalist ideology. AZERBAIJANI nationalism is based on the ADR’s ideological and political values as well as on AZERI TURK or TURKISH identity. Thus, despite its common historical heritage with IRAN, the Republic of AZERBAIJAN had close ties with Kemalist TURKEY and shared the late AZERBAIJANI President Heydar Aliyev’s “one nation, two states” ideology and strategy with the TURKISH Republic. Background Information: Saban Kardas, “Turkey and Azerbaijan: One Nation-Two States?” Eurasia Daily Monitor, Vol. 6, No. 193, October 21, 2009, http://www.jamestown.org/programs/edm/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=35630&cHash=560416055f.

KEMALIST IDEOLOGY VERSUS IRAN’S ATTEMPTS TO STRENGTHEN SHI’I IDEOLOGY IN AZERBAIJAN

Even after the coming to power of an Islamist-oriented, post-Kemalist government in TURKEY, this relationship continues and it supports AZERBAIJAN’S sense of identity. On the other hand, the AZERBAIJANI government considers nationalism and Kemalist ideology as well as the “one nation, two states” strategy as powerful tools to contain IRAN’S attempts to strengthen Shi’i ideology in AZERBAIJAN, which has created a major ideological gap and opposition between the two countries.

IRAN CONCERNED THAT AZERBAIJAN’S SUCCESS AS A SECULAR STATE COULD INSPIRE OR IGNITE IRANIAN AZERIS TO TOPPLE THE CURRENT REGIME IN IRAN

Last, Tehran’s hostility toward AZERBAIJAN is deeply rooted in the history. The fundamental and most influential factor in Tehran’s relations with Baku is that of two “divided” AZERBAIJANS. IRAN fears IRANIAN AZERIS may establish their own AZERBAIJANI state–as occurred in the early twentieth century,

Background Information: Nasib L. Nassibli, “Azerbaijan- Iran Relations: Challenges and Prospects,” Event Report, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/12750/azerbaijan_iran_relations.html.

–or will become part of the Republic of AZERBAIJAN. The mullah regime in Tehran is greatly concerned that AZERBAIJAN’S success as a secular state could inspire or ignite IRANIAN AZERIS to bring about the downfall of the current regime in IRAN. These fears are exacerbated by the possibility of the WEST using IRANIAN AZERIS against Tehran. The AZERBAIJANI republic is thus a major factor in IRAN’S long-term strategy and the AZERI national liberation movement in IRAN has become an element of global politics. In this context, IRAN has thus adopted an aggressive stance toward the neighboring republic. Background Information: Nasib Nasibzade, “The Azeri Question in Iran: A Crucial Issue for Iran’s Future,” Caspian Crossroads, Winter 1998, http://www.azeri.dk/en/articles/The%20Azeri%20Question%20in%20Iran.pdf; “Rohrabacher Introduces Resolution Supporting Right of Azeri Self Determination,” Congressman Dana Rohrbacher website, September 12, 2012, http://rohrabacher.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bills-112hconres137ih.pdf.

IRANIAN PRIORITIES VIS-À-VIS AZERBAIJAN

Tensions between Baku and Tehran are manifest in more than one area, though in particular in foreign policy and security issues. To counteract the strong RUSSIAN and IRANIAN opposition, AZERBAIJAN has maintained strategic relations with the UNITED STATES, the EUROPEAN UNION, NATO, and ISRAEL. Moreover, Baku continues to espouse a pro-WESTERN strategy, despite direct calls from Tehran to end its cooperation with the “Great Satan” (UNITED STATES) and “Small Satan” (ISRAEL). Background Information: Nick O’Malley, “’Great Satan’ Backs ‘Small Satan’: Obama Reaffirms Stance Against Iran,” The Sydney Morning Herald, March 6, 2012, http://www.smh.com.au/world/great-satan-backs-small-satan-obama-reaffirms-stance-against-iran-20120306-1uf46.html.

Tehran’s official propaganda declares ISRAEL as a main enemy of the Islamic world. AZERBAIJANI policy, however, differs.

Background Information:  AIRSTRIKE UNLIKELY http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2012/06/israel-iran-syria.html ARE IRAN AND ISRAEL REALLY ARCHENEMIES, OR IS IT JUST A FACADE?  http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/05/iran-and-israel-real-archenemies.html IRAN SOFTENS TUNE ON ISRAEL http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.com.ar/2013/05/iran-and-israel-improvement-in.html

It does not view ISRAEL as an enemy and considers it a friendly country, in which Muslims and Jews can live in peace and friendship. At the same time, AZERBAIJAN has developed close ties with TURKEY, IRAN’S rival in the Islamic world. Baku and Ankara cooperate and operate as a strong alliance on the global and regional levels, which has angered Iran. Thus, AZERBAIJAN’S independence and its secular and democratic nature of power as well as its pro-WESTERN government are strong exacerbating factors for IRAN’S policymakers. In light of this, 

IRAN’S KEY PRIORITIES TOWARDS AZERBAIJAN CAN BE IDENTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

1. To spread the IRANIAN Islamic Revolution’s ideas to AZERBAIJAN;
2. To  intensify Shi’i ideology propaganda and expand the Islamic network;
3. To destabilize the political situation in AZERBAIJAN in an attempt to establish a pro-Islamic or Shi’i regime;
4. To damage or discredit AZERBAIJAN’S independence, as well as its secular and democratic nature;
5. To intensify intelligence activity and expand its espionage network;
6. To limit and minimize AZERBAIJAN’S influence on IRANIAN AZERIS;
7. To support the separatism of local ethnic groups (Talish, Lesgi, and others);
8. To halt ISRAEL’S cooperation with AZERBAIJAN and GEORGIA;
9. To minimize U.S. influence and curtail Azerbaijan’s bid for EU/NATO membership;
10. To damage AZERBAIJAN’S international image and pro-Western foreign policy;
11. To contain AZERBAIJAN’S rise to regional power;
12. To exert constant pressure on and intimidate AZERBAIJAN to use military force;
13. To provide assistance to AZERBAIJAN’S regional rival–ARMENIA–to maintain the balance between the two countries, and to keep AZERBAIJAN engaged in war with ARMENIA;
14. To support RUSSIA’S “cosmetic” attempts to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
15. To preserve AZERBAIJAN under RUSSIA’S dominance.

Last, as tensions between IRAN and both the UNITED STATES and ISRAEL has grown, IRAN has increased pressure and threats to use military force against AZERBAIJAN. Background Information: “Commander Urges Azerbaijan to Respect Islamic Rules,” Arabs Today (UK), August 10, 2011,http://www.arabstoday.net/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21867:commander-urges-azerbaijan-to-respect-islamic-rules-&catid=43:arab-world

 In face of America’s military option to stop the IRANIAN nuclear program, IRAN has attempted to keep AZERBAIJAN outside of the anti-IRANIAN alliance. There is also an ideological dimension to IRAN’S desire to secure AZERBAIJAN’S neutrality. As the second largest Shi’i country in the world, if AZERBAIJAN were to become a member of an anti-IRAN alliance, this would significantly decrease the mullah’s ideological defense that only the Shi’a can fight against enemies and stop “crusaders” and Jews.

Part 2 will follow in due course