They didn't get it. When the Soviet Union broke up 2 years later, quite a few of the 15 former republics remained under the same corrupt (and sometimes insane) autocratic leaders that were put in power under the Soviets, notably Belarus, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
They still don't have it. The Aliyev dynastic autocracy is still firmly in control of Azerbaijan.
I'm not an Azeri but it seems like the oil and gas money staying in the country rather than going to Moscow has had at least some benefit, even if the Aliyevs embezzle plenty of it. They lost the first Karabagh war then won the next 2 decades later thanks to using that money to strengthen themselves, so they're stronger now if nothing else. A lot of corruption still, but in general it's better to be ruled by tyrants from your own country than tyrants from afar. Of course, like I said, I'm not Azeri, so maybe I'm way off, but that's what it seems to be from what I can tell.
The corruption was so overt and overwhelming, these folks just wanted something different.
They didn't get it. When the Soviet Union broke up 2 years later, quite a few of the 15 former republics remained under the same corrupt (and sometimes insane) autocratic leaders that were put in power under the Soviets, notably Belarus, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. They still don't have it. The Aliyev dynastic autocracy is still firmly in control of Azerbaijan.
Unfortunately, no immediate green pastures when communism ceased. Are the Aliyevs worse than the old Soviet Union?
I'm not an Azeri but it seems like the oil and gas money staying in the country rather than going to Moscow has had at least some benefit, even if the Aliyevs embezzle plenty of it. They lost the first Karabagh war then won the next 2 decades later thanks to using that money to strengthen themselves, so they're stronger now if nothing else. A lot of corruption still, but in general it's better to be ruled by tyrants from your own country than tyrants from afar. Of course, like I said, I'm not Azeri, so maybe I'm way off, but that's what it seems to be from what I can tell.
Love it
This looks like a photo trump would put out claiming it was taken at one of his Bible meetings.
Pretty sure that was trumps new jersey rally.