Editorial

IRAN: CHALLENGE OR PROVOCATION?

The violations of Azerbaijan's air frontiers by Iranian air force jets are the number one talking point in the Azeri society. Actions of Iranian politicians and military men have created regret and social indignation because many in Azerbaijan still consider Iran to be a fraternal nation.

There are also those further exacerbating the misunderstanding between the two countries. Azeri MOD's refusal to provide official information about the intrusions has led to further distortion of figures.

In the meantime, it is a fact that the Iranian military simply challenge Azerbaijan. Opposition parties and newspapers blame the authorities for inaction and failure to punish the trespassers although Baku has sent a note to Iran following the July 23 incident, while the commander of Azerbaijan's air force General Rail Rzayev said a few days ago that all aircraft trespassing the state border would be shot down.

Indeed, Azerbaijan can shoot down the Iranian intruders, but it won't, exercising restraint. What is the use in taking the lives of young Iranian pilots at a time when the planet needs peace? Meanwhile, Iran's establishment keeps provoking Azerbaijan for reasons abstruse. Does it want to create another hotbed in the Caspian despite the already existing hostilities with the Gulf nations? Anyhow, these questions will be answered soon.

Yet, the Azerbaijan people believe that Iran will not resort to bloodshed and common sense will eventually win. We wish it were so.