WSJ: Trump has a "golden opportunity" to achieve peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is being presented with a unique opportunity to shape global diplomacy by mediating a historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This development follows months of quiet negotiations between the two South Caucasus nations, which have been locked in a decades-long conflict over Karabakh, resulting in two wars and significant humanitarian suffering.

According to an opinion piece by The Wall Street Journal, a peace deal is now within reach, with groundwork already laid by the Biden administration. However, the piece argues that a decisive and personal intervention by Mr. Trump could be the pivotal factor in securing a lasting resolution.

The proposed deal would require Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to finalize their agreements under Washington’s auspices. Analysts suggest that Mr. Trump, with his reputation for unconventional diplomacy, could host both leaders at the White House for a summit aimed at ending hostilities.

“Trump has an opportunity to achieve a diplomatic victory that serves U.S. strategic interests while reducing Russia’s influence in the region,” the article states. By supporting Armenia’s shift away from Moscow and encouraging Azerbaijan to reciprocate peace overtures, the U.S. could stabilize a region crucial to global trade and energy supply.

The South Caucasus holds significant geopolitical importance as part of the Middle Corridor, a trade route connecting Europe to Central Asia. Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan would unlock opportunities for economic development, facilitate energy cooperation, and provide U.S. allies access to critical resources, including rare-earth metals.

Moreover, a successful peace initiative would enhance relations with NATO ally Türkiye. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed support for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and promised to open Türkiye’s border with Armenia upon the signing of a treaty.

By Vugar Khalilov