09946

06/15/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09946

AZERBAIJAN & U.S. VS. TERRORISM

The people of Azerbaijan and the American people face the same enemy: terrorism.

In the first week of June, the Azerbaijan government accused Islamic extremists of provoking violence in the vicinity of the capital, Baku. Villagers were incited to take up arms and attack police officers with gasoline bombs. An opposition group, the Union of Pro-Azerbaijan Forces, said the situation was aggravated by propaganda at a local mosque in favor of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and the Islamic revolution in Iran.

The Azerbaijan government has committed itself to the global anti-terror coalition led by the United States. Authorities in Baku have reportedly extradited Muslim extremist Abdel-Rahman Fakhry Abul-Alaa (PRON: ABDEL RAHKHMAN FAHKHREE ABOOL-ALAH-AH) to Egypt. Abul-Alaa will face trial for supporting terrorism against Israel and for conspiring to assassinate Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.

On September 12^th, the day after the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by the al-Qaida terrorist network, Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliyev said, "Terror is a global crime recognizing no boundaries and is against all human values. Although the U.S. is the target now, such a terrible tragedy may afflict all countries and peoples."

Islamic leaders in Azerbaijan joined in supporting the United States. A leading journalist, Farhad Mammadov, said that the U.S. had to respond immediately and strongly. Azeri media warned of the threat of terrorism against big countries and small countries alike. In March 2002, Azerbaijan and the U.S. conducted their first bilateral defense consultations. The two nations agreed to work together on air-space management, maritime border security, and other matters.

Countries like Azerbaijan need assistance in finding their way to stability, order, and prosperity. The United States and Azerbaijan are already cooperating in many areas. Bordering on Iran, Azerbaijan is a key partner of the United States in the global war on terrorism. Small nations can play a large role in helping to defend civilization.