The recent events surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict reached a significant turning point on September 20, 2023. Azerbaijan announced that it had claimed full control of the region after local Armenian forces agreed to disarm and disband. This marked the end of a long-standing and complex standoff.
The roots of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be traced back to World War I, when the Ottomans, supported by Azeris, targeted ethnic Armenians in the South Caucasus. In 1920, the conflict escalated further, leading to the incorporation of Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 saw an outbreak of full-scale war, which continued until a ceasefire was brokered by Russia in 1994.
In 2020, Azerbaijan, under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership, launched a military offensive to reclaim Nagorno-Karabakh. This resulted in a six-week-long war with Armenia, where Azerbaijan, aided by Turkey, managed to regain control of 40% of the region. Although a ceasefire was negotiated by Russia, Azerbaijan's aspirations to secure the area did not wane.
Experts highlight that Turkey's involvement was crucial during the conflict. While Turkey denied any direct military engagement, their political and military support for Azerbaijan was evident. Conversely, Russia's limited role stemmed from its ongoing commitment to the war in Ukraine, which affected its relationship with Armenia.
The resolution of the conflict has triggered a significant mass exodus, with over 100,000 ethnic Armenians fleeing from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. This has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, which has further strained the region's economy. The situation highlights the intricate geopolitics of the South Caucasus and the challenges faced by its inhabitants.
Q1. What led to Azerbaijan's control over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023?
Answer: Azerbaijan claimed control after local Armenian forces agreed to disarm, marking the resolution of a long-standing conflict.
Q2. What historical events fueled the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Answer: The conflict originated during World War I and escalated in 1920 when Nagorno-Karabakh was incorporated into Azerbaijan, leading to tensions that persisted until the 1994 ceasefire.
Q3. How did the 2020 war affect the conflict's dynamics?
Answer: The 2020 war resulted in Azerbaijan reclaiming significant territory. The involvement of Turkey and the ceasefire brokered by Russia shifted the balance of power in the region.
Q4. What role did Turkey play in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Answer: Turkey provided political and military support to Azerbaijan, influencing the conflict's outcome, despite denying direct military involvement.
Q5. What are the consequences of the recent resolution for ethnic Armenians?
Answer: The resolution has led to a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and economic difficulties in the region.
Question 1: What event marked the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2023?
A) Agreement for peace
B) Local forces disbanding
C) International intervention
D) Economic sanctions
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which country supported Azerbaijan during the 2020 conflict?
A) Iran
B) Russia
C) Turkey
D) Georgia
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What was a significant consequence of the 2023 resolution on Nagorno-Karabakh?
A) Increase in tourism
B) Mass exodus of Armenians
C) Economic growth
D) Political stability
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: When was the ceasefire that ended the previous full-scale war over Nagorno-Karabakh brokered?
A) 1991
B) 1994
C) 2020
D) 2023
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What was the main reason for Azerbaijan's limited control in the region before 2020?
A) Lack of military resources
B) Russian support to Armenia
C) International laws
D) Domestic issues
Correct Answer: B
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