Azerbaijani political elite welcomes possible US troop deployments

Azerbaijani experts would welcome the possible deployment of US troops in Azerbaijan, the Zerkalo newspaper reports in Baku. According to the paper, the 'Programme for tracking security in the Caucasus', a non-governmental organisation, held an expert poll to establish attitudes to the possible deployment of US military units in Azerbaijan. The poll featured 92 respondents, including 24 members of parliament and 10 party leaders.

61 of those polled reacted positively to the possible deployment of US military units in Azerbaijan, with only 28 having a negative reaction. In answer to the question of whether a US presence would increase security in Azerbaijan, 60 gave a positive response and 32 a negative response.

90 of those questioned thought that the purpose of a US presence would be to isolate Russia from the Caucasus, and 87 thought that it would also be to put pressure on Iran. 62 respondents believe that the arrival of US troops would help to liberate Azerbaijani territory occupied by Karabakh fighters. In contrast, 28 people said that it would have a negative impact on efforts to resolve the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. 28 experts suggested that the presence of US troops would have a negative effect on the country's internal situation, while 46 said that it would have no effect on the internal situation, and 18 thought that it would have a positive effect.