El-Sayed Opposes U.S. Aid to Azerbaijan, Backed by Armenian Group
Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed faces criticism over U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, endorsed by Armenian National Committee.
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American Armenian advocacy group has endorsed Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed after he condemned U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan. El-Sayed criticized the current administration for providing a “blank check for military aid to Azerbaijan in the face of ongoing atrocities,” which he called a “blatant violation of international law.” The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) supported El-Sayed, emphasizing the need for a champion for the Armenian community as Sen. Gary Peters retires.
El-Sayed’s Position on U.S. Aid to Azerbaijan
El-Sayed stated that if he beats his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, in the upcoming midterm elections, he would “stand up for the peace, dignity, security, and self-determination of the Armenian people.” His comments were shared by independent journalist and political analyst Danny Krikorian, who highlighted the historical context of U.S. aid to Azerbaijan.
Rogers, who previously voted to lift the U.S. aid ban to Azerbaijan in 2001, has not yet indicated whether he would support ending the current waiver. The Trump administration recently renewed the waiver, a move that did not require a vote in Congress. Presidents from both parties have used the waiver repeatedly, according to Krikorian.
El-Sayed’s Stance on Funding Foreign Militaries
El-Sayed’s list of countries whose militaries he has said the U.S. should not fund includes Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and now Azerbaijan. His position diverges from some progressive allies, such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who supported the 2019 House resolution affirming the Armenian Genocide. However, Rep. Ilhan Omar voted present, stating that genocide recognition should not be used as a political tool.
The ANCA’s endorsement underscores the growing political significance of Armenian issues in Michigan, as the state’s Armenian community seeks representation in the Senate.
Source: Daily Caller
