What Was Artsakh Needed For? What Are Azerbaijanis Complaining About?

Iranian analyst Vardan Voskanyan writes: “Azerbaijani users on social media are complaining about the deterioration of the socio-economic situation in their country, particularly in connection with the rising prices of food and fuel. However, this would not be so remarkable if the issue of Artsakh were not frequently raised in this context. Average complaining Azerbaijanis are asking the question, ‘What was Artsakh needed for if our living standards have not improved, but rather deteriorated?’

I believe that in some time, a sadly familiar generalized sentiment among Azerbaijani society will begin to emerge, one that follows the pattern of ‘Let’s give up Karabakh so we can live better,’ alongside which Armenia should instill the mindset of ‘Let’s bring back Artsakh so we can live better.’

You might ask, why? Because, for instance, regarding electricity and grain, it should at least be clear to us that the regions now occupied from Artsakh significantly contributed to our quality of life in these areas.”