In the context of the rapidly changing geopolitical map of the South Caucasus, where progress has been noted in peaceful settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the issue of repealing an outdated legislative act has once again emerged in the United States. This refers to the 907th Amendment to the “Freedom Support Act”, which has limited direct American assistance to Azerbaijan since 1992 and today has become a serious obstacle to Washington’s strategic interests in the region.
The South Caucasus has always been a crossroads of civilizations and trade routes, and today its significance has only increased. Azerbaijan, located on the Caspian Sea coast, plays a special role in this region. The country is not only a gateway to the resource-rich Central Asia through the so-called Middle Corridor, but has also established itself as an independent and pro-Western player successfully resisting pressure from Russia and Iran.
For the United States, ignoring the strategic value of such a partner is an unaffordable luxury. Baku demonstrates the ability to maintain a balance of power, building pragmatic relationships while simultaneously protecting its sovereignty from larger and more aggressive neighbors.
The crisis in Ukraine clearly demonstrated Europe’s dependence on Russian energy resources. In these conditions, Azerbaijan has become one of the key elements of European energy security. The Southern Gas Corridor launched by the country ensures the supply of Caspian gas to Southern Europe bypassing Russia.
Moreover, oil from Kazakhstan and other goods from Central Asia are increasingly being supplied to world markets through Azerbaijan’s territory. This strengthens not only the economies of US allies but also contributes to the global goal of reducing Moscow’s and Tehran’s influence on energy markets.
Azerbaijan’s foreign policy largely coincides with US interests. The country is a secular state with a Muslim majority, which creates an ideological contrast with the theocratic regime in Iran. Tehran sees this as a threat, especially considering the millions of Azerbaijanis in northwestern Iran.
Baku has also developed close partnership with Israel for many years in defense, energy, and technology sectors, covering a significant part of its oil needs. Azerbaijan’s support for the “Abraham Accords” aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Muslim countries is an important symbolic and practical step towards peace in the region.
Adopted against the backdrop of the 1990s conflict, the 907th Amendment has completely lost its relevance today. Azerbaijan is not only not an aggressor but is actively offering Armenia peace and the opening of trade corridors. Maintaining this legislative restriction looks not only like an insult to a country cooperating with the US and its allies but also directly harms American interests.
Moreover, Washington’s indecisiveness opens doors for its main geopolitical competitor — China. Beijing is already actively investing in Azerbaijan’s infrastructure within the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. The US refusal of close cooperation, including in the military sphere, forces Baku to seek other partners.
Thus, the final repeal of the 907th Amendment is not so much an encouragement to Baku as a pragmatic step necessary to protect and promote long-term US interests in one of the world’s most important regions.
