Talking Around the Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

Diplomatic talks over the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute are proceeding apace. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Baku on July 12 to meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Elmar Mammadyarov, to discuss the country's conflict with Armenia over the contentious territory. After the talks, Lavrov said the negotiations are closer to success than before but would not disclose details. Mammadyarov echoed Lavrov's comments, saying the negotiations had reached a new intensity, while offering few specifics. It is a good sign, but without details -- and especially without action -- skepticism about the prospects for a long-term solution is warranted....