I find the policies of governments like Azerbaijan’s very similar to the treatment and status of Palestinians (Muslims and Christians ALIKE) living in the West Bank and Israel. For example, Palestinians throughout the West Bank have different ID’s than Palestinians living in Jerusalem. Those living throughout the West Bank are not allowed into Jerusalem without a permit (which is extremely hard to obtain). Israel is systematically trying to manipulate the demographics of Jerusalem so as to keep the Jewish population of Jerusalem a distinct majority. Not only are the Muslim quarters under-served and unprivileged in Jerusalem, but Israel does not allow Palestinians to visit their Islamic and Christian holy sites and strictly regulates their presence EVEN within East Jerusalem.
It’s really sad to see a Muslim majority country like Azerbaijan have to go through the same intolerant policies as the apartheid regime of Israel…
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gZC4UH8tocJx0_Hj80uJ_CpTueww
By Emil Guliyev – 1 day ago
BAKU (AFP) — Nearly 20 years after it broke from the atheist Soviet Union, Azerbaijan is seeing a deep religious revival, its ancient capital Baku dotted with new mosques and the Muslim call to prayer echoing through city streets.
Designated by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference as 2009′s “Capital of Islamic Culture,” Baku is this year embracing its Muslim heritage with a year’s worth of concerts, festivals and conferences.
But amid the celebrations, some are accusing the government of seeking to re-impose Soviet-era religious controls and are raising alarm about the forced closures of several mosques.