Summer 1997 (5.2) Page 33     U.S. Law Hinders Development "The [Clinton] Administration strongly opposes Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act because its restrictions impede the United States government's ability to implement more effectively our development assistance program in Azerbaijan and thereby slows the advancement of U.S. interests in a strategically significant region." Thomas A. Dine, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau of Europe and the Newly Independent States (NIS), speaking before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriation's Subcommitte on Foreign Operations on May 6, 1997. Editor's Note: Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, passed by the U.S. congress in 1992, singles out Azerbaijan as the only former Soviet republic (of 15) that is barred from receiving U.S. aid directly to its government. Don't Box Iran In "The U.S. Administration's policy toward the Caspian region is strongly affected by its Middle East policy, specifically the 'dual containment' of Iraq and Iran. Some observers would point out that the unintended result of this policy toward Iran is to give Russia more leverage over the independent states of Central Asia and the Caucasus by blocking export routes towards the south. Thus, our policy toward Iran contradicts our policy toward encourging independence for the states in the Caspian region." Dick Cheney, in his keynote address at the U.S. - in Washington, D.C., on February 18, 1997. Cheney was formerly U.S. Secretary of Defense (1989-1993) and now presides over the Halliburton Company. Boost Culture, Not Cash "The notion that getting money into the hands of a poor population is the best way to ensure that its children will not live in poverty continues to influence much Western thinking about how to overcome the economic difficulties of post-communist countries. But those who want to help should give more attention to cultural issues than to cash. In the long run, culture is likely to trump cash in the struggle for a better future." Paul Goble, Assistant Director of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, in a broadcast analysis on April 30, 1997.   Azerbaijan - Soaring Eagle "The soul of our people is pained and crying because 'our eagle' [the shape of Azerbaijan on a map] is desperately trying to survive the countless attacks targeting our bird. But never forget that an eagle is the king of all birds. A day will come when our eagle will be healed, and then we will soar high with dignity, power and grace." Natalya Ahmadova, Baku recipient of a U.S. Freedom Support scholarship, studying at La Porte High School in La Porte, TX.   The Caucasus - Where is it? "Where the Caucasus should be classified has been a puzzle since the dissolution of the USSR. Should we see it as a part of Europe or Asia, the Middle East or the former USSR? In fact, however, the Caucasus is a region between regions, one which both reflects and affects the political, economic and cultural currents in the areas which surround it. This means that what happens in the Cuacasus has an effect on Russia, Turkey, Iran and Iraq, as well as other neighboring states." John J. Maresca, former U.S. Mediator on the Armenia - Azerbaijan conflict, speaking at the U.S. - Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce Trade conference in Washington, D.C., on February 18, 1997. From Azerbaijan International (5.2) Summer 1997. © Azerbaijan International 1997. All rights reserved. Back to Index AI 5.2 (Summer 1997) AI Home | Magazine Choice | Topics | Store | Contact us