Anti-Azerbaijan Campaign Links President Aliyev to Israel

An extensive online campaign is targeting Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, portraying him as an enemy of Islam and a pawn of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This campaign has emerged against the backdrop of recent hijab protests within Azerbaijan. It is widely believed that elements from Turkey, Iran, and Russia are behind the operation.

The internal tensions in Azerbaijan began last month when the government introduced new regulations prohibiting students from attending school in attire that deviates from the official uniform or is inconsistent with the secular nature of state education. While the regulations did not explicitly mention the hijab, reports followed indicating that female students and teachers wearing Islamic headscarves were denied entry to schools.

Despite the hijab issue being an internal Azerbaijani matter, conspiracy theories have surfaced online, suggesting that Azerbaijan's close relationship with Israel influenced the government's decision to implement these regulations. Concurrently, cartoons mocking President Aliyev have been circulated, employing classic antisemitic stereotypes like a long nose. These caricatures depict Aliyev as acting on behalf of Prime Minister Netanyahu and attempting to undermine Islam. One cartoon shows Aliyev on his knees, led by a leash held by Netanyahu.

According to assessments, Turkish, Iranian, and Russian entities are orchestrating this campaign. Although Turkey is a significant ally of Azerbaijan, elements within President Justice and Development Party have criticized the new regulations. Erdogan himself also made remarks at the UN last month criticizing restrictions on hijab-wearing in schools, which were perceived in Azerbaijan as a veiled reference to their actions.

Iran and Azerbaijan have a long-standing history of tension regarding the relationship between Jerusalem and Baku, with Iranian sources alleging Israel uses Azerbaijani territory for operations against Iran. The hijab law is seen by some as another opportunity for Iran to convey a message against Azerbaijan's ties with Israel. Russia is the third party involved, with tensions stemming from Azerbaijan's regional ambitions in the Caucasus and Baku's neutral stance on the Ukraine war. It is speculated that Russia aims to destabilize President Aliyev's standing within Azerbaijan and curb his international influence.