Courting Armenian interests for election gains, ignoring Azerbaijan's pain Pallone’s lobbyist playbook

On September 2, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited Kalbajar, a district that endured over 27 years of Armenian occupation. It was occupied in April 1993. This occupation was significantly facilitated by the unjust stance of the United States at the time.

In Azerbaijan, the memory of the US Congress passing the discriminatory 907th amendment remains vivid. This amendment imposed sanctions on Azerbaijan, condemning the victim of occupation rather than the aggressor. The decision came in a year marked by the Armenian invasion of Shusha and the genocide in Khojaly, which further deepened Azerbaijan’s grievance.

The 44-day war and subsequent anti-terrorist operation in Karabakh ultimately restored Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yet, this achievement was accomplished in spite of, rather than thanks to, the American political stance. Over the years, the U.S. government and many American congressmen failed to propose sanctions against Armenia or address the occupation adequately. Notably, in 2014, Pico Rivera and Kalbajar, then under Armenian control, were declared sister cities — a gesture that further fueled resentment.

These historical events have shaped Azerbaijan’s perception of American politics, creating a legacy of distrust rather than admiration for the so-called "American dream."

Frank Pallone, Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus in the U.S. Congress, is viewed as emblematic of this complex legacy. He has once again embraced the dubious role of supporting Armenia's aggressive policies against Azerbaijan. He continues to indulge Armenian fantasies rooted in territorial claims over Azerbaijan.

Frank Pallone has once again resurrected the illusory notion of "Artsakh," marking the anniversary of its so-called proclamation with a message that only fuels historical grievances. His remarks, which celebrate the self-declared independence of a region that ignited decades of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, come at a time when some in Armenia still fantasize about renewed hostilities with Azerbaijan.

Pallone has audaciously claimed that "Artsakh will return as an independent state and will be part of Armenia," and has called for sanctions against Baku while advocating for military aid to Armenia. This stance supports a country that has occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territory for nearly three decades, defying resolutions from the UN Security Council and General Assembly.

This is hardly surprising from Pallone, who previously spearheaded a resolution to recognize the independence of the "NKR," despite its lack of international recognition, including by Armenia itself. During the 44-day war, he also pushed for US sanctions against Azerbaijan. Although both initiatives failed, Pallone continues to support Armenian revanchism and territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

One prominent supporter of Armenia and Armenian separatism has already faced public disgrace: Senator Robert Menendez. In mid-July, Menendez was found guilty of corruption, including charges of obstruction of justice, extortion, and fraud. Like Pallone, Menendez is a Democrat with longstanding ties to the Armenian Diaspora in the United States.

Pallone's pro-Armenian stance is also driven by clear motives. With the U.S. House of Representatives elections scheduled for November 5, 2024, Pallone is making a concerted effort to curry favour with affluent Armenian Americans. However, in his pursuit of personal gain, he is contributing to a highly negative perception of the U.S. in Azerbaijan — a sentiment already strained by America's historically unjust stance in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.