In her article, international journalist and expert on Central Asia and the South Caucasus Derya Soysal has highlighted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emerged as a pivotal figure in fostering stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus, steering the region toward dialogue, economic collaboration, and long-term peace, The Caspian Post informs via EU Reporter.
According to the article, President Aliyev is increasingly becoming a global leader in terms of both domestic and foreign policy. A figure who has been able to write history, he seems to have engraved his name not only in the history of Azerbaijan, but also in that of the South Caucasus and the entire surrounding region. Since his accession to the presidency, President Aliyev has established himself as a visionary leader, guiding Azerbaijan toward an era of stability, prosperity, and international recognition. Nevertheless, it is especially since his victory in the Karabakh war that he inscribed his name in history with golden letters. Over the presidency of Aliyev, the record of his actions reveals a profound and lasting transformation of the country. Since then, he has been called the leader who changed history.
The great commander
President Aliyev is the great commander because he managed to rewrite history despite facing a whole lobby against him. During the occupation of Karabakh, many Western media outlets defended the occupier. Numerous social media platforms exerted psychological pressure on Azerbaijanis. Despite this, in 44 days he regained the entirety of the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia and was able to rewrite history.
The “Great Return” program (2022-2026) embodies the president’s determination to rebuild the liberated territories. Modern infrastructure, airports, roads, and power plants are being constructed-symbols of a promising future for these long-suffering regions.
The retaking of Karabakh was not only a victory over an opposing camp, it was a victory over an entire lobbying network spreading disinformation against Azerbaijan. Seizing control of Karabakh had long been a goal for President Aliyev. His father (Heydar Aliyev) had prepared him to wage this campaign, and from the very beginning of his presidency, Ilham Aliyev waited for the ideal moment to reclaim the lands occupied by Armenia.
President Aliyev succeeded in regaining the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia in exactly 44 days. The 44-day Second Karabakh War in 2020 became a defining moment-over 300 settlements were liberated from occupation. This was mainly due to the investments he had made in the army. This year, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are 107 years old.
Azerbaijan’s triumph in the 44-day Second Karabakh War is an extraordinary exception. Every strategic objective was achieved. Every occupied region was liberated.
Indeed, the modernization of the army has been a constant priority for President Aliyev. The military budget was increased fifteenfold, and more than 20 defense factories were created. These efforts culminated in victory in the Second Karabakh War in 2020, enabling Azerbaijan to restore its territorial integrity.
Azerbaijan focused on rebuilding its economy and undertook rapid and comprehensive efforts to strengthen its military. Defense development accelerated, with particular emphasis on improving logistical and technical capabilities, boosting troop morale, and enhancing combat readiness.
On May 22, 1998, President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree officially recognizing June 26 as Armed Forces Day. The following year, another milestone was achieved with the establishment of a military academy to support advanced officer training.
President Ilham Aliyev, upon assuming office, continued and expanded upon the strategic vision laid out by the national leader. Azerbaijan’s growing economic capacity enabled the modernization of its armed forces, the procurement of advanced weaponry, and the forging of defense partnerships with NATO and other countries. Significant attention has been devoted to developing military infrastructure and improving combat training.
The modernization of the Armed Forces remains one of the core priorities of President Aliyev’s national policy.
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