Senior fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Andrey Areshev said there are pro-western and Islamist oppositions in Azerbaijan, while the latter is stronger and presents more challenges to the government.

Even the presence of gas and oil does not save Azerbaijan from social and economic problems, which are common for the post-Soviet countries, Areshev told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

“The West has become active in Azerbaijan with respect to Iran, since Azerbaijan, as a neighboring country, may play some role in case of an attack on Iran,” he said. Areshev also pointed to the intensified criticism addressed to the authorities.

“The experience of western democracy indicates that it is related to certain interests, while human rights and other matters are mere rhetoric. The factor of Nabucco also plays a role, but the most important thing is Iran. The experience shows that a pro-American regime does not guarantee maintenance of power, what is proved by the example of Hosni Mubarak. Further aggravation of protests is possible in Azerbaijan and Central Asia, but the current authorities have enough resources to keep power,” said Andrey Areshev.