Forbes Argues for Repeal of Section 907 on Azerbaijan

The influential American publication Forbes has published an article asserting that Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, adopted amidst the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, has lost its relevance today and hinders the advancement of U.S. interests in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. In August 2025, President Trump already suspended the resolution's application, and now, according to the publication, arguments are being made to permanently abandon this provision.

The article describes Azerbaijan as a country of strategic importance for Washington, serving as "the West's gateway to the energy-rich Central Asia via the Middle Corridor," which connects Eurasia with Europe and the Middle East.

According to Forbes, Azerbaijan has become a truly independent player in the region, simultaneously resisting pressure from the Russian Federation and Iran, maintaining a secular, pro-Western course despite its Shia majority, and serving as a vital energy artery for Europe.

The close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel is particularly emphasized. It is noted that Azerbaijan supplies a significant portion of Israel's oil and actively collaborates in the defense sector, especially concerning the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, the publication states that Baku has recently expressed its willingness to support the Abraham Accords.

Although Azerbaijan is not an Arab state, its potential participation in the process of normalizing relations with Israel is viewed as an important symbolic step that could positively influence the perception of this initiative in the Muslim world. Against this backdrop, according to Forbes, it is necessary to revise outdated legislative norms like Section 907, which impede the deepening of cooperation with important regional partners.