Armenia-Russia agreement is a clear warning against any Azeri attempt to regain the Nagorno-Karabakh: Ariel Cohen

While extending its military reach, Moscow is simultaneously trying to assume the role of primary mediator in the territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. But that does not mean it is intent on resolving the conflict, Ariel Cohen, senior research fellow in Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Energy Policy at the Heritage Foundation, said in a recent article published in The Wall Street Journal.

Speaking about the recent developments in the region, Ariel Cohen mentions that while the Obama administration praises soft power, Russia still stands belligerent.

"In the past two years it has built five military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Later this month, during President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to Yerevan, Moscow will provide military guarantees to Armenia, assuming a 'joint' responsibility to protect the country's borders against Azerbaijan and Turkey. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has prepared a draft protocol for President Medvedev's signature that would commit Russia's troops at its military base near the Armenian city of Gyumri to the country's defense and sell advanced weapons to Yerevan. Baku and Ankara must be livid," explained he.

According to Cohen, Russia's pledge to defend Armenia, puts Azerbaijan in an untenable situation. It's a clear warning against any Azeri attempt to regain the Nagorno-Karabakh region or the seven adjacent regions currently under Armenian rule.

"The subtext is clear as well: Azerbaijan should scale back cooperation with the West or face the consequences."