The U.S. relationship with Azerbaijan is normally described as being comprised of three parts: Energy, security, and human rights. Azerbaijan is rich in oil and natural gas. Since the 1990s, it has grown into a notable exporter of oil, which is making Azerbaijan a relatively and notably wealthy country. Now, with the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan has the potential to play a key role in helping to provide the European Union with sources of natural gas that is not controlled by Russia. The Azerbaijani Government has been a source of irreplaceable support for the United States and NATO operations in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan is a key link in the northern distribution network which supplies and carries troops battling in Afghanistan.