ARMENIA - Political tensions at home could endanger Nagorno Karabakh?

ARMENIA - Political tensions at home could endanger Nagorno Karabakh?

The nation of Armenia is very rich in culture and history, however, her recent history is blighted by the Armenian genocide of 1915. This event led to the massacre of more than 1 million Armenian Christians and other Christian ethnic groups also were slaughtered, for example the Assyrians and Syrian Orthodox believers. Therefore, her independence after the demise of the Soviet Union offered a fresh start, however, convulsions would soon erupt in Nagorno Karabakh, therefore, are recent events threatening this nation state?

Currently you have a very dangerous situation within the political structures of this nation and the recent election is dividing the people of Armenia. For supporters of Levon Ter-Petrosian do not believe the declared outcome and they demand to be heard. However, he, and the President, Serge Sarkisian, are calling on all sides to decrease tensions after many were killed.
Both the President,Serge Sarkisian, and Levon Ter-Petrosian understand that Armenia can not afford to turn against themselves. Because their co-religionists and co-Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh face danger. Therefore, both sides need to solve the current political crisis in order to maintain the status quo with Azerbaijan.

However, Azerbaijan and her key supporter, Turkey, sense a possible opportunity to re-take Nagorno Karabakh which lies within the nation of Azerbaijan. Also, times have changed because recent economic growth in Azerbaijan means that her armed forces have more state of the art equipment and her military build up continues. So the status quo may change in the near future if Armenia is faced by internal convulsions?

Once more the role of America is very murky because on the one hand, the pro-Armenian lobby is strong within America, however, on the other hand America is supporting Azerbaijan in the military field and energy sector. This policy is indeed murky because how can they protect Armenia when they are undermining this nation via Turkey and Azerbaijan? Also, given the sizeable ethnic Azeri community in northern Iran and her energy resources, then Armenia faces a serious threat via her American policy.

Despite the economic blockade by Tureky which is causing economic pain, the nation of Armenia continues to maintain very good relations with both the Russian Federation and Iran. Therefore, she is not isolated within the region but her economic future and political future remains threatened by hostile regional nations. So it is vital for the political leadership in Armenia to forge a national salvation government or to work together in order to reduce tensions within Armenia.

Recent events prove this because several people died in clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno Karabakh region. It could just be that Azerbaijan and Turkey are probing to see the capability of Armenia? Or it could just be another flare up which happens from time to time? But one thing is certain, if Armenia turns on herself then another war will break out in Nagorno Karabakh and maybe this time the result will be different because of internal divisions?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA