Poverty, repression in shadow of Azerbaijan's shiny new skyline Azerbaijan has developed rapidly since 1995, from the crisis following the break-up of the USSR to a rate close to or exceeding 10% for ten years. From 2004 to 2008, the growth even exploded, exceeding 30% against the backdrop of soaring oil prices. However, government critics counter that Azerbaijan's glitzy facades financed by petrodollars mask widespread poverty, social inequality and political repressions in the oil-rich nation ruled with an iron fist by the Aliyev dynasty for a quarter of century. IMAGES of capital Baku and SOUNDBITES of members of the opposition, former political prisoners, an analyst and a Baku resident.