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12 October 2016

By Anakhanum Idayatova – Trend

There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton would be dramatically more effective than Donald Trump in building stronger relations between the US and Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza, former US assistant secretary for South Caucasus and former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, told Trend Oct. 12.

He said that Clinton would be advancing the strategic interests the US and its NATO allies share with the countries of the South Caucasus.

Bryza, who worked under Hillary Clinton when she served as US Secretary of State in 2009-2013, added that Clinton understands the full range of strategic factors governing the South Caucasus.

Hillary Clinton also possesses the intellectual skills and curiosity to formulate and pursue a strategy that secures US interests in this vitally important region, Bryza noted.

None of the above mentioned is true in the case of Donald Trump, who lacks knowledge, curiosity, and experience with regard to the complexities of the South Caucasus, Bryza said.

Trump even admitted during the second debate Oct. 9 that he knows nothing about Russia, Bryza added.

He expressed fear that Trump’s presidency would lead to an escalation of tensions in the South Caucasus, and in many other regions, as Moscow takes advantage of a self-focused, non-strategic, inexperienced US president who behaves like a high school buffoon.

Bryza went on to add that Trump’s victory may negatively affect Russia-US relations.

The 58th quadrennial US presidential election will take place November 8, 2016.

Businessman and reality television personality Donald Trump became the Republican Party's presidential nominee on July 19, 2016, after defeating US Senator from Texas Ted Cruz, Governor of Ohio John Kasich, US Senator from Florida Marco Rubio and other candidates in the Republican primary election.

Former Secretary of State and US Senator from New York Hillary Clinton became the Democratic Party's presidential nominee on July 26, 2016, after defeating US Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders. Clinton is the first female presidential candidate nominated by a major political party.