Moscow’s leverage was Azerbaijan’s six-year war with Armenian separatists, who have captured a full fifth of the country and shattered its stability. Without Russian military assistance, diplomats believe, Azerbaijan stands no chance of defeating the separatists. ““The Azeris knew they were not in a position to resist [Moscow],’’ says the diplomat. Aliyev’s concession is a stunning achievement for Moscow, which has been working hard to regain superpower status. Russia has already won border accords with Armenia, Georgia and all five Central Asian republics. The addition of Azerbaijan gives the Russians a vital listening post into the Middle East. Having conceded so much, Aliyev wonders whether the Russians will finally help him – or make more demands. Says one Western diplomat: ““The Russians think they can push further.''
