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Why is Azerbaijan Fighting?

Jamie Dettmer

   The mounting death toll in and around Nagorno-Karabakh will make it
   harder for outside powers to persuade Armenia and Azerbaijan to stand
   down and return to the negotiating table, fear diplomats and analysts.

   Up to 1,000 people, including more than 60 civilians, are thought to
   have been killed so far in renewed fighting over the breakaway enclave,
   which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but
   controlled by ethnic Armenians. A ceasefire brokered Saturday by Moscow
   between the warring sides is only being partly observed, with both
   sides accusing the other of breaches.

   The heaviest fighting Monday appeared to be around Hadrut, just south
   of Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh's capital. But shelling has also been
   reported in other areas. Azerbaijan said a missile Saturday struck
   apartment buildings in the city of Ganja, killing nine people, just
   hours after the truce went into effect. Armenia denied responsibility
   for the barrage.

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