Vladimir Solovyov, one of the leading figures of the propaganda machine of Rashism, stated, "If Azerbaijan decides to fight for Derbent, we can carry out a 'special military operation' together with Iran" — this statement is not a sign of Russia's strength, but rather of its weakness and helplessness.
In this statement, Solovyov did not express that Derbent does not belong to Azerbaijan. If Derbent were not a part of Greater Azerbaijan, Solovyov would have mocked this, which would have been our strongest response. However, Solovyov cannot do that. While he loves to take a historical excursion to prove that Ukrainian cities are "ancient Russian" cities, he does not do the same for Derbent. Azerbaijan's esteemed historians have repeatedly written fundamental scientific works proving that Derbent is an ancient Azerbaijani city. However, none of these have elicited a reaction from Russia’s propaganda machine.
The second noteworthy point in Solovyov's hysteria is his mention of a "special military operation" together with Iran. Solovyov's hysteria is a result of Russia’s weakness as well as the transformation of the Derbent issue into a rightful cause for both southern and northern Azerbaijanis. The Russian intelligence, which provides Solovyov with information and data, is undoubtedly aware of Southern Azerbaijan’s ownership of the Derbent cause. Just as the slogan of Southern Azerbaijan's national identity struggle, "Tabriz, Baku, Ankara — where are we, where are the Persians," has transformed into "Tabriz, Baku, Derbent — where are we, where are the Persians," which delights us and turns into a nightmare for the Russians.
The Russians have known for a long time that Northern Azerbaijan alone does not have the strength to free Derbent from Russian occupation. However, if the 50-million-strong Azerbaijani people rise to fight for Derbent, Russia cannot keep Derbent under occupation. I am even certain that Russia would hesitate to wage war against Azerbaijan. They know well in Moscow that although Ukraine's resistance is heroic, it does not and cannot incite a war of peoples against Russia. However, a struggle between the 50 million Azerbaijanis and Russia could ignite a war of peoples against Moscow.
The Russian colonialism that Solovyov represents can only defeat Azerbaijan when acting together with Persian chauvinism. Now, Solovyov is calling on Moscow to act together with the Persians. Yet, he forgets that Azerbaijan is no longer alone. Even the not fully formed "Caspian Security" Alliance, which is in the process of founding, is strong enough to defeat the Russo-Persian duo in the Caucasus. The very near future will prove this!
Our duty is to accelerate the organization of the "Derbent Alliance," which has become a nightmare for Russia!
Today is the day to unite in the "Derbent Alliance"!
Xaqani Jafarli,
political scientist
