Samir Alakbarov

I think amongst all the references from the West probably this is the most “balanced” view of the problem, at least the Azerbaijani side of the problem is also shown. The Black Garden is not an exception, the author tries to stay ”balanced” and selectively presents facts which make the situation look complicated and in a way justifies the Armenian aggression. Luckily I have read this book after Russian invasion of Ukraine. We all witnessed the unity in the Western politics towards Russian aggression as they stood behind Ukraine which is of course a clear victim. Unfortunately, the principles of territorial integrity applied in case of Russia-Ukraine war never applied for the case of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Armenia invaded and occupied nearly 15% of Azerbaijans internationally recognized territory, expelled more than 700,000 ethnic Azerbaijanis from their homes and destroyed the cities and regions of Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, similar to the narrative of Thomas de W., the entire collective West never blamed and imposed any sanctions against Armenia the actions of which is the same as Russian invasion of Ukraine. Instead this clear reality is presented rather as a “complicated” issue and both sides presented as equal.