The former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan is celebrating the first flow of oil from the Caspian Sea for decades.

BBC: Oil flows from the Caspian Sea

Azeris have a history of tensions with the central government over their close cultural ties to Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan and occasional separatist movements.

WSJ: Iranians Call Quake Effort Inadequate

President Bush is playing host today to the leader of the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, in what some say is a litmus test of the president's so-called freedom agenda.

NPR: Azerbaijan President Visits Washington