Hijab Ban in Azerbaijani Schools; Mr. Momeni, What Are You Praising in Baku?

As the Azerbaijani government pursues hijab restrictions in schools while expanding its strategic relations with the Zionist regime, the praise by Iran's Interior Minister for friendly ties with Baku raises questions about the attention Iran's diplomatic apparatus pays to these approaches.

According to Ambassador Arjan, the restriction of hijab in Azerbaijan schools is not a marginal issue. This approach has also provoked protests among a part of the Muslim community of this country. Why, in a country with a majority of Muslims, the religious clothing of students should become an obstacle for their presence in the classroom? Is it possible to ignore such an issue and only talk about friendly relations?

Baku and strategic partnership with the Zionist regime

The problem is not only hijab. The government of Azerbaijan has expanded its relations with the Zionist regime in the fields of energy, defense and security; Cooperations that are especially important for Iran, considering the security considerations of the region. Therefore, evaluating Baku's politics without considering these relations and at the same time the religious restrictions inside this country presents an incomplete picture of the reality.

Mr. Momeni; Neighboring does not mean ignoring

Iskander Momeni, the Minister of Interior of Iran, met with the senior officials of Azerbaijan during his trip to Baku and expressed his pleasure to be in this country as "Azerbaijan is a friend and brother". The principle of conversation with the neighbor is not a problem; Relations with neighbors are the priority of Iran's foreign policy. But is diplomacy only limited to visits and compliments? In addition to emphasizing friendship, Iranian officials are expected to have a clear stance on the restriction of hijab and security cooperation with the Zionist regime.

Friendship with the neighbor, without ignoring the differences

Iran cannot and should not ignore the importance of the relationship with Azerbaijan; But maintaining this relationship should not lead to silence about important issues. If religious identity and Shiite ties are important in Iran's relations with its neighbors, the restriction of hijab in Azerbaijan's schools cannot be considered unimportant. Mr. Momeni should clarify how these considerations will be pursued in addition to expressing friendship with Baku; Because neighborly diplomacy does not mean compliments, but rather a frank discussion about differences.