Category: Azer News

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current head of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has come under renewed scrutiny after a video resurfaced in which he downplays the risks posed by infectious diseases, using a controversial personal anecdote, AzerNEWS reports.

In the video, RFK Jr. says he is ‘not scared of a germ,’ claiming that he ‘used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats,’ before adding that he is aware the disease in question could potentially kill him. The remarks, delivered in a casual tone, have triggered criticism given his current role as the top US health official responsible for overseeing public health policy, disease prevention, and crisis response.

Public health experts and commentators argue that such statements risk trivializing the seriousness of infectious diseases and could undermine public trust in health guidance, particularly at a time when clear communication from authorities is considered critical. Critics note that personal risk tolerance should not be conflated with public health messaging, especially from an official tasked with protecting vulnerable populations.

Supporters of RFK Jr. counter that the comments were informal and taken out of context, emphasizing his broader skepticism toward what he has described in the past as exaggerated public health fears. Nonetheless, the video has reignited debate over whether his rhetoric aligns with the responsibilities of leading HHS, an institution central to managing disease outbreaks, vaccination programs, and national health emergencies.

The World Uncertainty Index (WUI) has reached an unprecedented peak, surpassing levels previously recorded during some of the most turbulent events in modern history, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Iraq War, the 2008 global financial crisis, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which compiles the index, this spike signals that global uncertainty has reached a historical high, reflecting widespread instability across political, economic, and social spheres.

The WUI measures the frequency of the term ‘uncertainty’ in country reports, providing a unique lens to quantify how unpredictable or volatile conditions are perceived globally.

The more often the word “uncertainty” is mentioned in EIU country reports, the higher the country’s uncertainty index.

Higher uncertainty generally translates into lower investment, slower economic growth, and increased financial volatility.

Last year, the WTI hit its ATH of 106,862.2 during Q3 and remained only slightly below 100,000 during Q4.

The global tariff tensions, geopolitical conflicts in Eastern Europe, West Asia, and Latin America, the weakening dollar, and the threat to the Federal Reserve’s independence during the Donald Trump administration are the primary factors behind the uncertainty.

U.S. market rallying amid record ‘uncertainty’

But it might seem strange why a metric indicating uncertainty has been hitting record highs while nearly all the major market indicators are performing exceedingly well on the charts.

Whether it’s the NASDAQ Composite (above 24,000 points), the Nasdaq 100 (above 26,000 points), or the S and P 500 (above 7,000 points), nearly every market benchmark has been hitting new record highs.

Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index-an index of the value of the USD relative to a basket of foreign currencies-is at its lowest point at around 95.

So, the U.S. market is rallying higher while the general public is losing faith in the fiat currency.

The dollar debasement has driven traders to flock to precious metals like gold and silver. Gold surpassed $5,500 per ounce and silver surpassed $100 per ounce to hit new record prices recently.

But unlike precious metals, Bitcoin (BTC) has failed to leverage the dollar debasement trade of late.

The billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, Jim Ratcliffe, has apologised for ‘offending some people’ after claiming that the United Kingdom had been ‘colonised by immigrants,’ while insisting that immigration should remain a subject of open public debate, AzerNEWS reports.

Ratcliffe’s comments drew criticism from Keir Starmer, who described the remarks as ‘offensive and wrong.’ Fan groups and anti-racism organisations also condemned the language used by the Manchester United co-owner.

‘I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern,’ Ratcliffe said in a statement. ‘But it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.’

Manchester United did not directly comment on Ratcliffe’s remarks, but said the club ‘prides itself’ on being ‘inclusive.’

Ratcliffe made the original comments during an interview with Sky News, saying: ‘You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?’

He also claimed that the UK population had increased by 12 million over the past five years. However, figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the population rose by around 2.7 million, from 66.7 million to 69.4 million, over that period.

The controversy highlights the sensitivity of the immigration debate in the UK, as well as the scrutiny faced by high-profile business figures involved in major sports institutions.

The European Union is proud to support Azerbaijani municipalities that have joined the Covenant of Mayors through training, methodological guidance, dedicated technical assistance, best-practice sharing, networking and awareness-raising activities, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundžic said at an event held in Nakhchivan on the Covenant of Mayors – Eastern Partnership initiative.

As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking at the event, the ambassador underscored the critical role cities play in delivering concrete climate and energy results, encouraging more Azerbaijani municipalities to join what she described as Europe’s largest movement of local governments committed to combating climate change and ensuring a better future for citizens. She noted that nearly 12,000 local authorities have already voluntarily committed to the EU’s vision of a climate-neutral, resilient and just future.

The Covenant of Mayors – Eastern Partnership is funded by the European Union and supports local and regional authorities in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in developing and implementing sustainable energy and climate policies.

In Azerbaijan, the first municipality to join the initiative was Icherisheher in 2012. It was later followed by Ganja, Quzanli, Horadiz, Khirdalan, Mingachevir, Shamakhi, Sheki and Yevlakh, which have since become active participants in the program. The national coordinator of the initiative in Azerbaijan is the Ministry of Energy.

The Covenant of Mayors – Eastern Partnership is part of the broader Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, the world’s largest alliance of cities committed to climate leadership. The global initiative brings together more than 13,500 cities and local governments across six continents and 147 countries, representing over 1.2 billion people.

Russia has decided to begin negotiations with Armenia on the restoration of two railway sections that would reconnect Armenia’s rail network with the railway systems of Azerbaijan and Trkiye, opening new regional transport routes, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking to journalists, Overchuk stated that the decision was taken at the request of the Armenian side. According to him, the planned works concern railway sections near the Armenian village of Yeraskh, which would link up with Azerbaijani railways, and near the settlement of Akhuryan, connecting Armenia to Trkiye’s railway network.

The total length of the railway segments to be restored is estimated at approximately 1.6 kilometers and 12.4 kilometers. Overchuk said that upcoming negotiations between Moscow and Yerevan will focus on determining the technical, financial, and other practical aspects of implementing the project.

He noted that restoring these railway lines would allow Russia to establish direct rail connections with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as with Trkiye and Iran. According to Overchuk, this would give Russia rail access to Mediterranean ports via Nakhchivan and Trkiye, and to ports in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean through Iran.

Overchuk stressed that Russia continues to work toward unblocking economic and transport links in the South Caucasus, including the restoration of previously destroyed infrastructure. ‘Strengthening transport and logistics links in the Caucasus is of critical importance for the peoples of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Trkiye and Russia in terms of peace, stability and economic well-being,’ he said, expressing hope for constructive regional cooperation.

The deputy prime minister also recalled that last year, for the first time since 1991, railway traffic between Russia and Armenia was restored through the territories of Azerbaijan and Georgia. He said the reopening of this route created more competitive conditions for Russian exports to reach foreign markets and contributed to the expansion of mutual trade.

Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted a creative evening dedicated to the People’s Writer, Honored Journalist, publicist, and socio-political figure, recipient of state orders and international awards, Elmira Akhundova, AzerNEWS reports.

The event was organized jointly by the museum and the Centralized Library System (CLS) of the Yasamal district. The event became a notable cultural event in the life of the capital.

For two hours, the event, designed in the format of a “Lecture in the Museum,” turned into a lively and engaging interactive narrative.

Literary readings, recollections, and stories about the writer’s creative path were seamlessly interwoven with dialogue with the audience and musical performances by young talents, favorite compositions of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

The evening was hosted by Latifa Mammadova, PhD in History, member of the Azerbaijan Union of Journalists, and director of the CLS of Yasamal district.

Speaking about the long and productive career of the writer, she noted that among the heroes of Elmira Akhundova’s works, who is known for her biographical research and journalism, are the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and his wife, the prominent scientist Zarifa Aliyeva, President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, People’s Writers Imran Gasimov, Ismail Shikhly, Mirza Ibrahimov, Natik Rasulzade, and Anar, poet-journalist Tahir Aslanli, world-renowned writer Olzhas Suleimenov, photojournalist and Honored Cultural Worker Farid Khayrulin, KVN team captain Anar Mammadkhanli, creator of the first and largest miniature book museum in the world Zarifa Salakhova, and other notable figures. A special place in her work is occupied by artistic translations into Russian of works by Azerbaijani classics and contemporary authors.

However, the central figure of Elmira Akhundova’s extensive research and books has always been the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, with whom she had the opportunity to communicate personally, accompany on foreign trips, and witness his intense and selfless work for the benefit of the Azerbaijani people.

The series of fundamental publications dedicated to Heydar Aliyev reveals not only the greatness of the historical figure but also the depth of his inner world and high moral qualities. For Elmira Akhundova, he was not only an outstanding statesman but a symbol of the era – an embodiment of strategic thinking, unyielding will, and genuine service to the homeland, a moral guide and guiding star in her creative understanding of history.

Warm words were spoken by honorary guests, People’s Writer Natig Rasulzade, People’s Artist Alexandra Nikushina, and other representatives of the intelligentsia, who emphasized Elmira Akhundova’s significant contribution to the development of modern literature and journalism.

During the evening, a video dedicated to her work and a virtual photo album prepared from the writer’s personal archive were shown.

At the end of the event, Elmira Akhundova gifted her books to the participants.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

The first quarterfinalists of the Azerbaijan Chess Championship have been determined, AzerNEWS reports citing Azerbaijan Chess Federation.

The results of the two games played in the Round of 16 have secured places in the next stage for Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Eltaj Safarli, Aydin Suleymanli, Riad Samadov, Ahmad Ahmadzada, and Mahammad Muradli.

The winners of the Rauf Mammadov-Shiroglan Talibov and Khagan Ahmad-Nijat Abasov matchups will be decided in tie-break games scheduled to take place today.

In the women’s competition, Ulviyya Fataliyeva, Gunay Mammadzada, Khanim Balajayeva, Gulnar Mammadova, Turkan Mammadyarova, Ayan Allahverdiyeva, and Sabina Ibrahimova have advanced to the quarterfinals.

The outcome of the Govhar Beydullayeva-Narmin Abdinova encounter will also be settled in a tie-break.

The Azerbaijan Chess Championship will conclude on February 22. All games begin daily at 15:00.

Founded in 1926, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF) has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s strong chess tradition.

The ACF organizes national and international tournaments, provides training programs, and supports the growth of chess at all levels, from school children to grandmasters.

The Federation is also responsible for the success of its national teams, which have consistently performed well in prestigious competitions such as the Chess Olympiad and the World Chess Championship.

Recent disclosures from the State Security Service have shed light on a series of shadowy activities involving former Presidential Administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev, ex-Deputy Prime Minister Abbas Abbasov, opposition politician Ali Karimli, and their network, AzerNEWS reports, citing Milli.az.

These individuals are accused of orchestrating actions that undermine Azerbaijan’s statehood. According to the investigation, their network aligned with the interests of foreign intelligence agencies, aiming to disrupt public and political stability and foment conflict within the country.

Ramiz Mehdiyev, long a powerful figure in Azerbaijan’s political landscape, has once again become the focus of public and political scrutiny. His ideological stance over the years often mirrored broader regional geopolitical narratives. Mehdiyev’s statements promoted skepticism toward Western institutions, framed Euro-Atlantic integration as a risk, and advanced the concept of ‘sovereign democracy.’

This approach appeared to align with the political rhetoric of certain regional powers, illustrating a phenomenon recognized in political science and international security studies as ‘cognitive alignment.’ This term refers to an individual’s positions aligning with external political strategies, even in the absence of direct ties to foreign influence centers.

Evidence including phone calls, voice recordings, and video material exposes the depth of the network’s operations. Recordings of Mehdiyev and his associates, including Qanimat Zahid, and videos detailing Fuad Gahramanli’s dealings with foreign entities, leave little doubt about the network’s intentions. For a country like Azerbaijan, located in a geopolitically sensitive region, ideological and informational lines are directly linked to state security.

The network, coordinated chiefly by Mehdiyev, mobilized various political, informational, and public resources. Its primary objectives included creating social tension, eroding trust in state institutions, and undermining Azerbaijan’s international reputation. In modern times, political struggle extends beyond traditional arenas and increasingly takes the form of information warfare.

During the lead-up to the 44-day Patriotic War, attempts were made across social media and other platforms to sow pessimism about Azerbaijan’s military prospects. Moreover, Ali Karimli, chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP), reportedly instructed party member Fuad Gahramanli to seize the National Assembly and AZTV administrative buildings.

On the night of July 14-15, 2020, during a public rally in support of the Azerbaijani army, these traitorous elements pursued ulterior motives. They attempted to redirect the crowd to storm the National Assembly and subsequently capture AZTV. Eyewitnesses recall the sudden shift in slogans and confusion during the rally. Many citizens were unaware of the intentions behind these actions. Subsequent investigations revealed that the orders came from the Karimli-Mehdiyev duo, exploiting public support for the military for their own purposes.

Today, those who betrayed their nation await justice behind iron bars, serving as a stark reminder of the perils that clandestine networks pose to Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.

In the drafty halls of the Bayerischer Hof, the “Bayerischer Hof” of the mind has always been more important than the physical suite. Since its 1963 inception under Willy Brandt, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) has functioned as a high-altitude barometer for the geopolitical climate. If the 2025 gathering was a study in the choreographed friction of a multipolar world, the 2026 iteration suggests the stage itself is beginning to splinter.

We have entered what some analysts gloomily describe as the ‘wrecking ball’ era of diplomacy. It is a period defined less by the careful preservation of institutional norms and more by a “disruptive line” that prioritises upending the status quo over reforming it. With the transatlantic relationship in a state of flux and the guardrails of international law looking increasingly thin, the focus has shifted from managing power to surviving its fragmentation.

Perhaps, we may be in a sensitive period where a global war could occur, even for the smallest reasons.

The World Uncertainty Index (WUI) has hit an all-time high, climbing above levels seen during the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, and even the COVID-19 pandemic. By its own measure, the world has never been this uncertain. The WUI tracks how often the word ‘uncertainty’ appears in country reports published by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The 2026 agenda highlights several urgent focus areas:

Strategic Competition: The erosion of international norms amidst rising global instability.

Technological Threats: The dual-edged sword of Artificial Intelligence, cyber risks, and defence innovations.

European Defence: The shifting landscape of transatlantic relations and its impact on continental security.

Systemic Fragility: A move away from institutional cooperation toward a more fragmented, hyper-competitive international environment.

Azerbaijan’s voice in Munich

Within this turbulent landscape, Azerbaijan has secured a significant position. President Ilham Aliyev’s participation has become a staple of the conference, where he consistently presents a distinct responsibility-based leadership model founded on peace, humanism, and justice.

Azerbaijan is increasingly framed as a rare specimen of a state that has successfully transmuted military-political outcomes into a durable peace agenda predicated on international law. By moving away from the rhetoric of war toward a platform of dialogue, Baku is attempting to lead by diplomatic example. Perhaps most pragmatically, the government is positioning the country as a vital hub for transport, energy, and logistics. The goal is to “monetise” regional peace, turning geopolitical stability into tangible economic value that binds the South Caucasus to the wider world.

In a world increasingly defined by “wrecking ball” diplomacy, Azerbaijan is betting that its blend of military resolve and economic integration will prove a more durable model than the institutional drift seen elsewhere.

The MSC has historically provided a unique “off-the-record” environment for high-stakes mediation. This was evident in 2023, when President Aliyev served as a keynote speaker for the plenary session “Moving Mountains? Building Security in the South Caucasus,” moderated by MSC Chairman Christoph Heusgen.

Following the 44-day war, Azerbaijan has pivoted from the rhetoric of war to a platform of development. Rather than pursuing revanchism, Baku has strategically chosen regional cooperation, as evidenced by various bilateral meetings with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan held on the sidelines of the conference.

As the 2026 conference progresses, President Aliyev is scheduled for another round of high-level bilateral meetings and a focal panel session. In an era defined by the “wrecking ball” of disruption, Azerbaijan’s efforts to establish a new geopolitical reality in the South Caucasus, one rooted in economic integration rather than conflict, offer a rare case study in stabilising a volatile region.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Munich on February 13, AzerNEWS reports.

During the meeting, Nechirvan Barzani’s visits to Azerbaijan and his meetings with the President of Azerbaijan were fondly recalled. The sides noted that these contacts create favorable opportunities for discussing prospects for cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev and Nechirvan Barzani exchanged views on the development of relations in the economic, trade, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, and discussed issues of mutual interest.

President Ilham Aliyev invited Nechirvan Barzani to visit Azerbaijan. The President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq gratefully accepted the invitation.