The latest move by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee against Azerbaijan raises a question that Washington should be asking itself: is Congress helping to consolidate peace in the South Caucasus, or is it allowing domestic lobbying politics to reopen a conflict that the region is finally trying to leave behind?

On 22 July, the committee adopted an Armenian National Committee of America-backed amendment calling for the "immediate and unconditional release of Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan". The vote was bipartisan, 44 to seven, and was championed by Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman with the support of Republican committee chairman Brian Mast. The measure is part of a wider campaign by ANCA and allied organisations that has pushed the issue of Armenian detainees to the centre of congressional debate.

There is nothing unusual about a diaspora organisation lobbying Congress. This is a normal part of American political life. ANCA openly campaigns on Capitol Hill, organises meetings with lawmakers, endorses candidates and mobilises supporters around elections. Its influence comes not only from lobbying but from its ability to organise politically active voters, shape congressional narratives and reward politicians who support its agenda. ANCA recently endorsed Congressman Mike Lawler for re-election, highlighting his record on........

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