"Vestnik Kavkaza"
Today Azerbaijan is celebrating 23 years of its independence. The challenges faced by the country and its achievements are discussed not only in Baku, but also in the capitals of its partners. The chairman of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation on the harmonization of interethnic and interfaith relations, the deputy chairman of the RPORS Scientific Council, Iosif Diskin, believes that Azerbaijan, unlike many other post-Soviet states, has managed to build a complete state system. "Azerbaijan demonstrates that, with the help of strong will, national unity, understanding of the national mission and a genuine national leader, a stable state can be built."
Diskin also believes that the country has managed to develop a diversified system of international relations: "Azerbaijan has not lost its old friends, it has gained new friends in the world and built a multilateral system of international relations, a rather complex system of international security."
Diskin believes that Azerbaijan's merit is that it remains one of the few secular countries in the region. This aspect creates new challenges for Baku: "Azerbaijan is a beacon of secularism in the Middle East, which is experiencing an Islamic renaissance. There are colorful events taking place all around which did not fully bypass Azerbaijan. Research shows that the influence of Islam has grown in the past years among the lower strata, in the streets of Azerbaijan. The shopfronts of Azerbaijan in the center can compete with Manhattan and Dubai. But the well-being of the population is perceived differently. "
Diskin urged to remember that a big deal between the United States and Iran is ahead. It will largely change the geopolitical situation and have its effect on Azerbaijan: "The active Muslims of Iran, whose capabilities will be enhanced if a deal with the United States is made, will be tempted to use their soft power in relations on Azerbaijani streets. In this sense, secular Azerbaijan for Russia is a friend, a brother and a great neighbor. Therefore, one of the priority national interests for Russia should be the preservation of the secular course of Azerbaijani statehood."
