American military analyst: Azerbaijan's role is a strategic one to U.S.

“The role of Azerbaijan to the US is mainly a strategic one, not only one of cooperation or international friendship”,  said military analyst Mathieu Deflem, Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina commenting on US Defense Minister Robert Gates’s current visit to Azerbaijan.

According to him, Azerbaijan because of its location is an ideal place for the US, not only in terms of Afghanistan, but also in terms of Iran. He said Azerbaijan is as well important as Russia's neighbor.

“Possibly also in relation to Russia, the US may wish to strengthen its position in the region. Further military advantages are of concern to the US government”- Mr. Deflem added.

Another military analyst, Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Political-Military Analysis at the Washington DC based Hudson Institute believes that there is not any worried about US-Azerbaijani relations. He says the concerns about US not paying enough attention to Azerbaijan vowed by the media are groundless.


/APA/