It is twenty years since the end of Moscow’s domination over the Caucasus and Central Asia, but a bitter legacy of the Soviet era is ‘frozen conflicts’ that erupt for various reasons. For two weeks there has been a new wave of fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has serious destabilising potential in the South Caucasus. Although the clashes between troops have temporarily halted with a truce, the death of dozens of soldiers and civilians from both sides has caused serious concern among neighbouring countries and regional and outside powers. Azerbaijan’s wealth comes from oil reserves, the trade in which is riddled with corruption. 0.2% of Azerbaijan is Christian, with government persecution increasing. But despite harassment the Church is growing. Pray for the government to build structures that produce lasting benefits for the nation, and pray they will accept Christian values. See also: