Blog Highlights

Vladimir Putin, the living legend, may be visiting Armenia - October, 2012

It is being reported that Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin - the living legend - is expected to travel to Armenia an official visit in the coming weeks. The last time the great leader of the Russian Federation traveled to Armenia was back in 2005. The trip back then was very brief and barely noticed. It was widely thought at the time that the trip's purpose was to ensure Armenia's political allegiance to Moscow. Having finally crushed Russia's Western-backed oligarchy and defeated the Western-backed Islamic insurgency ravaging the Caucasus by the early years of the new millennium, Putin's 2005 visit to Armenia was coming at a pivotal time in history when Moscow was just beginning to get off its knees and reasserting itself in regional politics. It certainly feels like that was a very long time ago. Times have certainly changed and this time around the trip and its geopolitical implications will be a quite different.

Yerevan does not need to be convinced of Russia's crucial role in the region anymore. The Great Czar of Eurasia will be in Armenia to build on the foundations he laid back in 2005. Putin will be in Armenia to bolster the small, landlocked and blockaded nation's political standing in the south Caucasus and to further cement bilateral relations between the two former Soviet nations. I hope to see powerful political symbolism to be on display during the historic visit. Naturally, I also expect Washington to bring out many of its street whores to spread fear, hate and disinformation. I can hear our Captain America's now - "Armenia is losing its independence"... "Armenia is being taken over by Russia"... "Armenia is being forced back into the Soviet Union"..."Armenia is a dirty Russian province"... "Armenia is being enslaved by Putin"...

Regardless of what our Western-led self-destructive peasantry will say or do, the Armenian nation will be deeply honored to host an illustrious leader like Vladimir Putin on Armenian soil. Although many millions of people around the world today have begun recognizing his crucially important role on the international stage, Putin's true greatness will be recognized only after he departs this world, when future generations look back and rationally assess the turbulent times we are currently living in. Men like Putin come about very rarely. In fact, pivotal leaders like him appear during times of great upheaval. The great leader of the Russian Federation was indeed born under a very bright star.

Coming on the heals of the unprecedented CSTO military exercises in Armenia, Vladimir Putin's appearance in Yerevan will be another very powerful message to Turks, Azeris and Western officials alike. In the aftermath of his historic visit, I hope to see deeper cooperation and collaboration between Yerevan and Mosow in all realms, be it business, military, political, financial, cultural or tourism. Moreover, I'm also hopeful that his visit will serve to boost President Serj Sargsyan's ratings. In short, I expect to see a few breakthrough developments. Interestingly, one such breakthrough has already been revealed.

Current Gazprombank vice president and former Yerevan mayor Karen Karapetyan will be accompanying the President of the Russian Federation.

When Karen Karapetyan prematurely vacated his short-lived position as mayor of Yerevan to assume a high level position in the Russian Federation, there were some rumors that Moscow was temporarily pulling him out of the political muck in Yerevan to groom him for the Armenian presidency. It is now being reported that Yerevan is preparing to offer Karapetyan a position as Prime Minister. Apparently, this is due to happen after the next presidential elections in Armenia in which President Serj Sargsyan is expected to win another five year term. If this report holds true, there is a very good chance that Karapetyan will be a presidential candidate in 2018.

Karen Karapetyan is an ideal manifestation of today's Armenia and Armenia's Soviet past. He is an example of a person that has drawn the best from both worlds. The man is well-educated, professional, wealthy, has stage appearance and, very importantly, he has very good connections in Moscow. He is an excellent example of what Armenian-Russian relations can be and should be. He is definitely not one of Armenia's 1990s era derived criminally-inclined-chobans-in-Armani-suits, nor is he one of Washington's many whores infesting the streets of Yerevan today. In my opinion, Karen Karapetyan would make an great president in Armenia. If he is in fact being groomed for the Armenian presidency, and I can only pray that he is, this means Moscow is taking Armenia's security and long-term political stability very seriously indeed. Putin's state visit and Karapetyan's reappearance within the political scene in Armenia are in my view some of the best political developments that have come out of Armenia in recent years. I'm very glad that Moscow is finally making its presence felt in the south Caucasus.

After a long period when Moscow's dealings with Yerevan were more-or-less confined to behind-the-scenes negotiations, we are now seeing Moscow get noticeably proactive - and public - inside Armenia of late. Although it seems a bit awkward, we are indeed seeing Western-style Public Relations (PR) coming from the Russian camp recently. Perhaps having learned dearly from the methods with which the political West sometimes gets things done around the world (i.e. before Western leaders resort to blackmail, sanctions, terrorism or war when things don't go their way), Moscow has clearly begun using an effective tool known as "Soft Power" as a means of promoting and projecting its political agenda as well. But Moscow has a very long way to go before it can truly compete with the West in this regard.

Since the rise and fall of Bolshevism and National Socialism, the Anglo-American-Zionist global order has managed to monopolize the PR market, and it has been exploiting it with deadly effect around the world ever since. In a sense, the political West became a "global leader" more-or-less by default. And by a psy-ops assault they conquered the hearts&minds of humanity. Several generations have now lived and died under a global "reality" crafted by Western officials. Nevertheless, what Kremlin officials have begun doing in recent times is a good beginning.

For much of the past twenty years Moscow executed politics in Armenia via traditional/conventional methods - disregarding the base and simply dealing directly with high level state officials and using strong arm tactics when need be. Such an approach is of course a lot less complicated and a lot less costly for Russian officials. However, such an approach also left a serious void. Because the top leadership in Yerevan were essentially spoken for, Western interests simply began working on the rest of Armenia, the bottom half if you will. Exploiting the services of an army of operatives, NGOs, Think Tanks, aid agencies, various USAID funded programs and western-style television programing, Washington began its efforts to hijack the fledgling nation from the bottom up. Therefore, Moscow's most serious flaw in Armenia had been its severe lack of PR in the country.
 
It could also be said that Kremlin officials, pressed with a multitude of serious problem throughout the Russian Federation, took Armenia somewhat for granted. After all, Kremlin officials were confidant that Armenians have historically been pro-Russia. After all, the Kremlin knew that Armenia is surrounded by enemies. Therefore, as far as Kremlin officials were concerned, where was Armenia to go? Needless to say, this flaw in approach (although understandable in the light of serious problems Russia faced during the past two decades) was exploited by others. The void created by the absence of Russian PR and soft power in Armenia was ostensibly filled by Washington and friends.

From television programming to the young republic's educational system, from aid agencies to news outlets, Western propaganda soon began permeating Armenian society. The youth, particularly those who did not live during Soviet times were most susceptible to the corrosive aspects of Western Globalism. To put it as briefly as possible, with the void that Russia had left in Armenia, Armenians simply woke one day to see that: Washington had built the world's second largest US embassy in Yerevan; English had begun replacing Russian as the second language in the country; and most of the nation's opposition leaders, rights advocates, political activists and independent journalists were on Western payrolls...

Having already lost Georgia and Azerbaijan, the Kremlin's indifference or inability to cultivate its playing field in Armenia could have in fact cost Russia the entire south Caucasus, and may have even cost Armenia its independence. Although much of the danger posed to Armenia by the West and its allies in the region has been dissipated in the years following Russia's bloody pummeling of Georgia in 2008, significant threats still remain.

The mental/psychological conditioning of the masses through Western-controlled aid agencies, information media and entertainment indistry, for instance, continues to pose a serious problem. For instance, the conditioning of Armenians in particular have been so thorough that despite how well Russia provided for or protected our small, poor, landlocked and blockaded nation surrounded by hostiles in the south Caucasus, Armenians (diasporans in particular) found ways to be suspicious of Russians and to bad-mouth Moscow. And despite how terribly Armenia was treated by the West, Armenians always found ways to compliment Washington and make convenient excuses for its anti-Armenian policies.


Seeing a nation that sustains you as an enemy and seeing an enemy that wants you destroyed as a friend is essentially what Western propaganda and psy-ops has been all about.

As Russian officials were scrambling to save their nation from literally falling apart, the immense power of propaganda was basically neglected by Moscow - to its detriment. Nevertheless, despite the West's massive and highly refined propaganda machine that for decades created alternative realities and stupefied and zombified masses of people around the world, the veil is now slowly lifting as more-and-more of us mortals see the bloodthirsty demon well hidden behind the humanitarian mask. The political West is in decline and reptiles in places such as Washington, Wall Street, London and Tel Aviv are worried about losing their iron grip over humanity. This is essentially the reason why the world today is standing dangerously close to a Third World War.

In this regard, Vladimir Putin's rise to power in the Russian Federation a little over twelve years ago was God sent; perhaps literally. Some point to the Stock Market crash and some point to the Housing Market crash to explain Washington's descent. In my humble opinion, the West began its historic decline when President Vladimir Putin took office in Moscow.

I dare any well informed and/or rational individual to imagine where Armenia would be today had Russia been pushed out of Armenia in the 1990s. I dare any well informed and/or rational individual to imagine where the entire Caucasus would be today had Russia been defeated there. I dare any well informed and/or rational individual to imagine how much worst the situations in the places such as Syria, Lebanon and Iran would have been had Russia been eliminated from the global stage. Russia's resurgence as a global power not only saved Armenia by stopping the Caucasus from turning into a Western-financed playground for Turks, Azeris and Islamists, it also saved the world from the clutches of the Anglo-American-Zionist global menace.

A good look at Moscow's brilliant political maneuverings in recent years can be observed in the paranoid rantings of a self-hating Iranian named Amir Taheri and in the diatribe by the infamous Heritage Foundation. The New York Post article titled "Putin's Power Plays" and The Foundry's "Obama’s “Reset” with Russia: A Long Retreat" are featured at the bottom of this page. Please read them. But, as always, I need to caution the reader that such works need to be read between-the-lines because they are written by Washingtonian presstitutes.

And a good look at the Russian PR taking place in Armenia lately is the Pravda article titled "Russia protects Armenia from Western influence" posted towards the bottom of this page. Armenian news has been saturated lately by coverage of various developments pertaining to Russian-Armenian relations. The Pravda article may be a form of Russian psy-ops coming ahead of the great leader's visit to Armenia. Having finally rid Russia of its Western parasites (e.g. Jewish oligarchs, IMF, homosexual activists, USAID, Pussy Riot, NED, Radio Liberty, etc), Vladimir Putin may be planning on doing similar things in Armenia. In the big picture, Vartan Oskanian's prosecution should be looked at under this light. As Russia grows in strength and the West retreats from the Caucasus, we can expect other misbehaving operatives such as Raffi Hovanissian to eventually be chased out of Armenia as well.

Armenia's only hope for progress and survival in the south Caucasus lies with closer integration with the Russian Federation. Armenia's most important diaspora is the Russian-Armenian diaspora. The only hope the Caucasus has for peace and stability is Pax Russicana. I have always maintained that if law and order was to ever descend upon Armenia it would have to come by the way of Moscow. I have always maintained that the only way Armenia would enjoy some semblance of a normal statehood is by the way of men such as Karen Karapetyan. Having taken some twenty years to get its act in order, a resurgent Moscow is now strongly invested in Armenia and it is displaying it for the world to see. Vladimir Putin's visit to Armenia promises to herald a new age in the south Caucasus.

Arevordi
October, 2012

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Vladimir Putin to Visit Armenia

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The Armenian Time reported that the Russian President Putin's visit to Armenia will perhaps take place at the end of October or at the beginning of November. Putin's visit to Armenia was initially planned in September, during the CSTO exercises. The Russian ambassador to Armenia said a few days after the exercise that Putin's visit to Armenia is still due. Now the visit will be either at the end of October or at the beginning of November. According to the sources of the newspaper, the Russian delegation to visit Armenia is being formed by the ex-mayor of Yerevan Karen Karapetyan, the vice-president of Gazprombank. During the visit, Karen Karapetyan's appointment as prime minister of Armenia will be discussed. Governmental sources report that the prime minister will be replaced only after the presidential elections. Otherwise only in case no agreement is reached with Prosperous Armenia on this matter. In other words, if Serzh Sargsyan does not get PAP's support for his nomination, he will have to change the prime minister before the elections. Then, Karen Karapetyan will need crisp and clear guarantees that he will keep his office even after the presidential elections. Yesterday, Russian media reported that Vladimir Putin's visit to Turkey was postponed. It was planned to be held on October 14-15, while the Russian president meant to leave from Ankara to Baku. According to Russian media, yesterday, Putin and Erdogan spoke on the phone and Putin proposed to postpone his visit until November. This means that the Russian president decided to respect the parity and hold regional visits to Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia in November, the paper writes.

Source: http://www.armtown.com/news/en/lra/20121011/27692/

Putin Politics: Russian president’s expected visit likely to influence decisions in Yerevan

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Several Armenian media, citing their sources, report the visit to Armenia by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was originally said to have been scheduled for mid-September, will take place in late October or early November.

The Russian leader’s visit was first announced in the summer by the director of the CIS Institute Konstantin Zatulin, who said that Putin will attend Collective Security Treaty Organization exercises in Armenia held in September. The Kremlin had neither denied nor confirmed that information, leaving Armenian experts guessing afterwards why Putin did not come to Armenia.

Now the discussion is centered around the entourage of President Putin on his possible visit to Armenia as well as what he will actually be bringing to Armenia. The price of natural gas remains high on the agenda of Armenian-Russian talks.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov said recently that his country was asked to join the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and offered as a “reward” a reduction of natural gas prices down to $160 per cubic meter. Otherwise, the price of this fuel would fluctuate around $440. Azarov said that Russia could thus lose its largest buyer of gas; he did not agree that his country should join the Customs Union.

One should assume that the same proposal will be made to Armenia. Armenia’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan acknowledged that the negotiations on the gas price with Russia are still continuing. And experts believe that Russia will offer to maintain or even reduce prices for Armenia if the latter agrees to integrate with the Eurasian Community, a new integration process in the post-Soviet space initiated by the Russian president and expected to get its flesh and bones by 2015.

Another issue that is almost certainly going to be discussed during Putin’s likely Yerevan meetings will be the upcoming elections in Armenia. Soon it will be the stage of nomination of candidates for president in Armenia, and the Kremlin has not yet expressed its preference on the candidates. In Armenia, the guessing game is around whether Putin will extend his support to the incumbent president, Serzh Sargsyan, or will back Robert Kocharyan, the former president.

The Haykakan Zhamanak daily writes that Putin will bring with him to Armenia Karen Karapetyan, a former mayor of Yerevan and ex-CEO of ArmRosgazprom, a Russian-Armenian joint venture distributing natural gas in Armenia. At present, Karapetyan is deputy manager of Gazprombank in Moscow. The Russia-connected top manager is tipped as a possible prime minister in Armenia, and the paper assumes it is the prime minister’s post and not that of president that Putin will be talking about during his visit to Armenia.

However, there is still one remarkable circumstance that could change everything. On October 10 Putin unexpectedly canceled his visit to Turkey, which was originally scheduled for October 14-15. The very next day Turkey intercepted a Syrian civilian aircraft operating a flight from Moscow to Damascus. Turkish air force jets made the Syrian plane land to be searched. Ankara insists component parts for prohibited weapons were found on board the civil aircraft.

Experts rushed to describe the incident as a sign of damaged relations between Turkey and Russia, which have been developing quite incrementally of late. The possible reason for the souring relations is the escalating situation around Syria and Turkey’s possible invasion of this embattled country. In Yerevan there has been a traditional concern that well-developing Russo-Turkish relations could come at the expense of Armenia. In particular, Russia, on the initiative of Turkey, could insist on the return of some territories around Karabakh to Azerbaijan, it does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh, has not contributed to the opening of an airport in Stepanakert, and so on.

The Turkish factor may also be crucial in what Putin offers to Armenia. In particular, Russia may want to strengthen its military base in Armenia that guards the border with Turkey. Whether the allied relations between Yerevan and Moscow grow in the future will also depend on the further course of the Russia-Turkey row.

If things around Syria develop according to their recent scenario, Turkey is likely to invade the Middle Eastern country, which will ultimately damage its ties with Moscow and create a new international situation for Yerevan.

Source: http://armenianow.com/commentary/analysis/40344/armenia_russia_president_vladimir_putin_visit

Armenia has become object of battle between US and Russia – opposition member

The Civilitas Foundation founder, former FM, and Prosperous Armenia Party MP Vartan Oskanian’s prosecution was permitted by the United States itself, Karabakh Committee member Ashot Manucharyan stated during a press conference on Thursday. He noted that he does not believe the US ambassador is unable to prevent a persecution against a person in Armenia. “That is, they are not against [it] for the most part. Armenia has become an object of battle between the US and Russia, and the primary lever to dominate over Armenia is the presidential chair. Today, Russia is infuriated because they are attempting to snatch its influence in Armenia away from it, and, under such condition, the Russian side is capable of many things,” Manucharyan said.

According to him, this is why the US is trying to weaken and neutralize Russia’s main weapon with such small strikes. “Armenia’s ruling ‘regime’ begins persecuting a protected man, who is the second person of the Prosperous Armenia Party. At that time the party’s first person disappears while its remaining members, who used to hold state positions and make money unlawfully, begin contemplating as to what they would do with them if they are launching such actions against a man who is protected to such [high] level. Thus, the entire ‘Russian system’ is being neutralized by the actions against Oskanian,” he noted.

And in response to the query as to whether Oskanian’s nomination for next year’s presidential elections is real, Ashot Manucharyan said it would be better to pose this question to the Russian and US ambassadors because, according to him, they are the ones who decide which role is preferred for Oskanian to play: a presidential candidate, or a distressed prisoner?As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, the National Security Service (NSS) Department of Investigation has brought formal charges Monday against Vartan Oskanian.

To note, on October 2 the National Assembly voted—by 64 ballots for, six against, and with one invalid vote—in favor of Prosecutor General’s petition to include Vartan Oskanian as a defendant in a criminal lawsuit. A total of 71 MPs participated in the voting. On May 25 NSS Department of Investigation had filed a criminal lawsuit on charges of money laundering with respect to The Civilitas Foundation.

Source: http://news.am/eng/news/124470.html

"Soft power" of Russia in Armenia

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The presence of Russophobic sentiment in Armenia is already not a secret. The secret for the majority of Armenian society, including its Russophobic part, is the real causes of these trends in the country, which is considered an age-old partner and friend of the Russian people. It should be recognized that there is still some discontent with individual elements of Russian policy in Armenia and in the South Caucasus, as well as with the policies of any other country. However, in the case of Russia, these elements are artificially inflated and heated by the forces of pro-Western orientation. These forces are mainly funded by USAid and similar institutions, government organizations and political forces. However, it is believed that the presence of anti-Russian sentiment in Armenia is being heated at the official level...

Another catalyst of increasing Russophobia in Armenia was the statement by the governor of Krasnodar Territory Alexander Tkachev on establishing a "Cossack police" in the region. Tkachev substantiated the emergence of such a new structure in such a way: Stavropol isn't coping with the role of a filter "sifting Caucasians from Kubans." Some overseas-funded Armenian information resources of appropriate orientation immediately came to the paradoxical conclusion that the Cossack police would actually be engaged in the forcible deportation of the Caucasian peoples and, first of all, for some reason, the Armenians from Krasnodar Territory. In reality, only a mad man could imagine that the Cossack police would clean out Armenians from Krasnodar Territory and primarily from Sochi, where the number of Armenians amounts to about half the population. There is no need to be a genius to understand that the implementation of xenophobic attitudes in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Russia would do harm to its federal structure. However, somebody in Armenia does not want to understand it by continuing to disturb the minds of citizens, mostly living on transfers, which certainly do not come from overseas.

The reason for the talk "about the imminent loss of Armenia's independence," was the idea of ​​Vladimir Putin of the creation of the Eurasian Union. The idea led to intense discourse in post-Soviet space - some felt nostalgia and hope, others felt fear. In general, it seems that any idea of ​​integration with Russia will be welcomed in Armenia, traditionally and rightly considered to be a pro-Russian country. However, there are people who see the Eurasian Union and even its forerunner, the Customs Union, as a direct threat to the independence of Armenia. For some reason they do not see such a threat in the opening of the border, initiated by the U. S., with those who committed the genocide of the Armenians. Thus the main reproach against Russia remains its alleged lack of interest in a just settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 

However, these criticisms of Moscow sound not only in Yerevan but also in Baku. And if the Armenians accuse Moscow of selling weapons to Azerbaijan, the peak of which was the sale of an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system in 2010, Baku is unhappy that Russia not only supplies weaponry to Armenia but makes a discount. These pro-Western Armenians somehow do not see this, as well as they do not want to see Russian efforts to reach a compromise in the Karabakh conflict. Moscow has a military base in Gyumri and supplies Armenia, as a CSTO member, weapons at domestic prices. The majority of Armenians are sincerely and deeply grateful for this. However, there are people complaining that Yerevan bears all the expenses for the maintenance of the Russian 102nd military base, according to the intergovernmental agreement for a period of 49 years. The same people, oblivious to the fact that the stay of the Russian base in Armenia fits the interests of Armenia, because it protects its external borders, and Russia is spending huge amounts of money on it, demand the withdrawal of the base as a "threat to the sovereignty of Armenia."

Today some politicians in Yerevan, having forgotten our history, including the latest, and their own conscience, do not want to remember the indisputable fact that it was the terrible cries of Moscow that stopped an imminent Turkish invasion of Armenia. And there is no doubt that the Kremlin today is interested in preserving the independence of Armenia, while the U.S. and the West, in the best case, can locate "peacekeepers" on the front line in Karabakh, which is certainly more likely to look in the direction of the south, that is, to Iran, than to engage in the preservation of peace in the South Caucasus. Not only Russia, but also any other state, and the U.S. in the first place, determining its priorities in a given region, is guided by its own national interests, and only after that - the interests of "brotherly states". And this is quite normal and accepted by people who have at least a remote idea about politics. However, given that a large part of the population has no idea of ​​this, opponents of Russian influence in Armenia managed to exploit even a military parade dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic, which took place a year ago in Yerevan. The passage of Russian troops from Gyumri under a Russian flag caused rejection on the part of pro-American youth. Russian participation in the parade of the Armenian army was seen not as a political move to a certain direction, but as another manifestation of the "imperial ambitions" of Russia. Moreover, the protest meeting against the participation of Russian troops in the parade was dismissed by police only the next day.

The economy is also widely discussed. Recently, there were a lot of discussions in the media on the question of negotiations between Russia and Armenia on the increase in the price of natural gas supplied by Russia. According to replicated pro-Western media reports, from October 1, 2012, Russia plans to raise the price of gas from 180 to 280 dollars per thousand cubic meters. And from January 1, 2013, Russia will set the price of gas at about 380 dollars. Despite the lack of official statements related to the increase of the price of Russian gas for Armenia both from Yerevan and from Moscow, the very prospect of higher prices for the Armenian economy, which is not in the best position, also boosts the injection of anti-Russian sentiment in the country. It should not be forgotten that, even in case of a price of 380 dollars, the population of the country today with the price of about 180 dollars gets the gas at a price of 132 drams, that is, taking into account maintenance fees, it is up to 400-420 dollars per thousand cubic meters. In these conditions, pro-Western Armenians should have accused not Russia but their own government or "Armrosgazprom" for such pricing.

One of the first factors which the anti-Russian forces in Armenia adopted was a project of the "debt-for-enterprises", realized during Robert Kocharyan's presidency, when in exchange for repayment of the Armenian foreign debt of 100 million dollars Russia received several businesses and the Hrazdan thermal power plant, which produced almost half of the country's electricity. The fact of the transaction did not shock anyone, because the above-mentioned companies were idle. However, Armenia hoped that the companies which the Russians got would make money, but most of them remained idle. After that some forces asked the following question: why, for example, did Moscow write off a hundred times more debt of $10 billion to Syria, but it did not write off the Armenian debt?

Many do not like the excessive influence of Moscow on local domestic life. However, geopolitics and economics just do not leave other options in Armenia, which, however, does not prevent the largely pro-Western opposition with no dividend on the proximity to Moscow from always looking around in search of other strategic partners. This could be considered a problem of the Armenian opposition. However, the problem is mostly still a Russian one, because Moscow has traditionally worked with the current government of the important countries, not maintaining contact with the opposition, as the West does.

As a result, this breach is used by geopolitical rivals of Russia, driving a wedge between Yerevan and Moscow.  From the point of view of the history of Armenian-Russian relations, Armenia may be an important strategic area for Russia only when the authorities are weak, because with a strong government Armenia will seek more independence, and this is not beneficial for Russia. However, the same can be said about the West. There is a version according to which President Putin is trying to increase the importance of Armenia, exchanging Serzh Sargsyan for Robert Kocharyan, who is not sufficiently popular in Armenia. Against this background, the preferred and non-alternative candidate for the U.S. is Serzh Sargsyan who has reportedly already started a "renovation" of Armenia. In this version, the anti-Russian wave rises in Armenia with the participation of official structures. Thus, by simulating the growth of anti-Russian sentiment, the ruling force tends to gain time and not to give the pro-Western opposition a chance in the domestic political struggle.

In general, there has always been anti-Russian sentiment within the statistical error in Armenia. But if in the first years of independence they were local in nature, not appearing in the media, and in general people were quite pro-Russian, nowadays the situation is different. The rejection of Russian policy in the Caucasus did not emerge suddenly; it proceeded step by step, at least in the last 10 years. However, people who are trying to drive a wedge in Armenian-Russian relations do not represent the whole Armenian people. Even recent Gallup polls show that three-quarters of the population of Armenia still view Russia positively. Unfortunately, there is no merit on the part of the Russian embassy in this case, since its public diplomacy activities, if they exist, are extremely subtle. However, the recent upheavals and increased funding of "Rossotrudnichestvo" demonstrate that Moscow is also seriously thinking about the effect and potential use of "soft power", at least in the countries of the CIS. For Armenia, not interested in becoming a second Georgia, this is very handy.

Source: http://vestnikkavkaza.net/articles/politics/32430.html

Tigran Sargsyan: Time to think about closer inter-regional cooperation between Armenia and Russia

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The second Armenian-Russian inter-regional forum kicked off in Yerevan today. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and the Russian co-chair of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission Maxim Sokolov. Welcoming the participants of the forum, the Prime Minister voiced hope that the it will promote the development of economic and humanitarian ties between the two countries and elaboration of new initiatives.

“The relations between Armenia and Russia are of strategic nature. Political and economic dialogue has been established on all levels of state governance. Time has come for closer inter-regional cooperation,” Tigran Sargsyan said.

“I think we have much to learn from each other. The dialogue between the regional authorities of the two countries can suggest the mechanisms that will contribute to the development of regions. We must think about the development of inter-regional cooperation in different directions. We must not only maintain, but also reinforce the bilateral information space, consider the creation of the database of the supply and demand of the regional markets, present corresponding business programs,” he added.

Speaking about the proportionate development of regions, the Prime Minister said one of the priorities of the Armenian government is the development of regional infrastructures – roads, water supply systems, logistic and educational centers.

“We are making efforts to have the quality of life in rural regions correspond to that in urban areas. For that purpose we have started implementing a special programs to create regional development programs. A Techno Park has been established in Gyumri, the next will be opened in Vanadzor, a financial and educational center is being constructed in Dilijan,” the Prime Minister said.

The forum features representatives of central and regional authorities, NGOs and business circles of the two countries.


The Russian-Armenian joint Tourism Campaign will contribute to the development of the field of tourism in Armenia. As reported by the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia Ara Petrosyan at the press conference held on September 27, the Tourism Campaign, to be held from September 30 to October 9, aimed at revealing the new tourism resources of Armenia.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the efforts of the state of keeping Armenia in the tourism focus. "The country works to create favorable environment for the development of the field of tourism", - stated Ara Petrosyan, as reported by Armenpress. According to him, the International Tourism Conference to be held on October 18-19 in Armenia will as well contribute to the growth of interest in the field.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko highly evaluated the tourism potential of Armenia, emphasizing the importance of the Campaign. "It is a very good and important start for the inflow of tourists to Armenia. The scientists and aspirants, involved in the Campaign, will contribute to the increase in the recognition of Armenia", - said the Ambassador. Vyacheslav Kovalenko highlighted as well the high level of interest of the journalists towards the Campaign.

The Director of the Armenian Tourism Institute Robert Minasyan stated about the attractiveness of Armenia for tourists. "Our main objective is to create a united tourism zone between Armenia and Russia", - said Robert Minasyan. The Armenian-Russian Scientific Tourism Campaign is to be held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Armenia and Russia. The Campaign will launch from the city of Yerevan and will involve Gyumri, Dilijan, Sevan, Goris, Kapan, Meghri, Oshakan and Etchmiadzin cities. The diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation have been established on April 3 1992.

Source: http://armenpress.am/eng/news/694429/armenian-russian-tourism-campaign-to-reveal-new-tourism-resources-of-armenia.html

Armenia and Russia are activating cultural cooperation

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Armenia and Russia will continue cooperation in cultural spheres for future. On October 12 in the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia was signed “The Program for Cooperation of Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia and Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for 2012-2015”, that aims the regulation of Armenian-Russian cultural relation for the period mentioned.

As reports “Armenpress” the document was signed by Minister of Culture of the Republic of Armenia Hasmik Poghosyan and Deputy Minister of Culture of Russian Federation Andrey Bousigin. The program of cooperation includes 18 articles regulating Armenian-Russian relations in a number of cultural spheres. As Minister of Culture of the Republic of Armenia mentioned this is a clear program of activities. In accordance with the program the sides will support the exchange of soloists and collectives, international festivals and contests in both countries. This will help to make favorable conditions for cooperation in the spheres of fine arts, stage craft, cinematography, libraries and museums, design, amateur talent activities, circus, objects of historical and cultural heritage and national craft.

Minister of Culture of the Republic of Armenia said: “Notwithstanding, one thing is of an extraordinary importance for me, that both sides will continue supporting qualification and requalification procedures of the cadres”. Minister of Culture of Russian Federation stressed good relations between Armenian and Russian nations and administrative bodies and the importance of development of the cooperation between our countries.

Source: http://armenpress.am/eng/news/696068/armenia-and-russia-are-activating-cultural-cooperation.html

Armenian-Russian humanitarian center to be established in Armenia

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Armenian National Security Council Secretary Arthur Baghdasaryan, who is in Moscow on a working visit, on Tuesday met with Russian Federation (RF) Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev.  Following their private talk, meeting of the Armenian and RF security councils’ representatives was held, during which they exchanged views on the current situation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) zone as well as on regional and international security. As a result of the talks, Baghdasaryan and Patrushev signed a protocol, whereby the arrangements were specified. 

On the same day, Arthur Baghdasaryan met with Vladimir Puchkov, the RF Minister of Emergency Situations. As a result of this meeting, the parties signed the protocol on the intentions to establish a joint humanitarian center in Armenia. Also, the Armenian National Security Council Secretary got together with CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha. This meting was followed by a roundtable discussion under the theme “The Republic of Armenia’s activities within the framework of the CSTO,” during which the attendees examined the interaction as well as the avenues to improve the organization’s activities. As a result of the meeting with Bordyuzha and the aforesaid roundtable, a protocol with several arrangements was signed.

In addition, Arthur Baghdasaryan met with Sergei Ivanov, the Chief of Staff of the RF Presidential Administration. The interlocutors discussed the military partnership between Armenia and Russia, and reflected on the implementation of the arrangements that were made during Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s and RF President Vladimir Putin’s last meeting.


Putin: Armenia remains Russia’s reliable ally

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Armenia has been and remains Russia’s reliable ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote in his message of greeting to the participants and guests of the second convention of the World Armenian Congress (WAC) that kicked off in Yerevan earlier today. “Russians and Armenians have been united by ties of friendship, mutual respect and spiritual affinity for many a century now,” said the Russian leader, according to the Voice of Russia quoting the press agency TASS. “Bilateral relations have been successfully developing on the basis of good traditions and have reached the level of strategic partnership.”The Russian president reportedly wished the delegates “from the bottom of his heart” fruitful work and success, and wished the fraternal people of Armenia well-being and prosperity. The WAC, founded in 2003, is an organization led by affluent Russian-Armenian businessman Ara Abrahamyan. Its declared objective is to strengthen relations between Armenia and its worldwide Diaspora.


Russia will supply gas to Armenia on a privileged cost

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Russia will supply gas to Armenia on a privileged cost that will be rather cheap. As “Armenpress” reports, this was announced by the minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia Armen Movsisyan at the end of the session of intergovernmental committee, but he refused to tell what exact price he meant. The minister mentioned the following: “We are still negotiating about the price for gas. There will be special privileged price for Armenia, but the precise cost will be clear only after the end of the negotiations. Unlike other countries we will buy gas for very cheap prices.” According to him after the final cost is fixed the government will start thinking about subsidizing needy classes. Current gas price for Armenia is 180 USD for 1000 cubic metre. Speaking about the new energy station Movsisyan mentioned that presently they are working on the development of new financial schemes.

Source: http://armenpress.am/eng/news/696138/russia-will-supply-gas-to-armenia-on-a-privileged-cost.html

Gazprombank vice president may become candidate for president of Armenia

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Karen Karapetyan, former Mayor of Yerevan and First Vice President of Gazprombank, may become a candidate for President of Armenia in 2013, News Armenia reports. Prosperous Armenia and the Armenian National Congress may for a consensus around the official. Russia may also encourage Karapetyan to go ahead. Karen Karapetyan resigned as the Yerevan Mayor on October 28, 2011, staying in office less than a year. He used to be the Director General of ArmRosgazprom, the monopolist of gas distribution in Armenia.

Source: http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/politics/30513.html

Early Endorsement: Russian-Armenian tycoon backs Sargsyan’s reelection

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A Kremlin-friendly businessman leading the largest Armenian community organization in Russia on Monday voiced support for President Serzh Sargsyan’s plans to win a second term in office in an upcoming presidential election. Ara Abrahamyan said the governing body of his Moscow-based World Armenian Congress (WAC) officially endorsed Sargsyan’s reelection at a weekend meeting in Yerevan.

“We have no other [presidential] candidates yet. Nobody has nominated [their candidacy,]” he told RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) during a WAC congress in Yerevan. Asked whether he and his group have considered backing an opposition candidate, Abrahamyan said, “You can’t become president in two months. You need a serious preparation for becoming president.”

The tycoon added that the WAC decided to endorse the incumbent president in recognition of his policy on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, pursuit of greater international recognition of the 1915 Armenian genocide and efforts to bolster Armenia’s ties with its worldwide Diaspora. He admitted that many Armenians are dissatisfied with their government’s socioeconomic track record but said Sargsyan does not have a “magic wand” to rapidly improve their plight.

Incidentally, Sargsyan attended and delivered a speech at the WAC congress on Monday. He again stressed the Diaspora’s importance to the country. The WAC was set up in 2003 as an offshoot of Abrahamyan’s Union of Armenians of Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally attended the WAP’s founding congress in Moscow to indicate his support for the Armenian-born tycoon’s attempt to create a global pan-Armenian structure.

The Armenian government’s reaction to the initiative was less than enthusiastic, with then President Robert Kocharyan openly expressing misgivings about the idea of putting all major Diaspora communities under a single umbrella structure. Leading Armenian organizations in the United States and Western Europe have also viewed the WAC with suspicion.

Abrahamyan announced on Monday that the WAC has decided to move its headquarters from Moscow to Yerevan in order to end Diaspora allegations that the group is furthering the Kremlin’s agenda. 

Source:  http://armenianow.com/news/politics/40393/armenia_russian_tycoon_ara_abrahamyan_elections2013_president_serzh_sargsyan


Russia’s Defense Minister Hails ‘Strategic’ Ties With Armenia
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Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov emphasized the “strategic significance” of his country’s relations with Armenia after meeting Armenian leaders and watching military exercises held by the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) near Yerevan on Wednesday. Serdyukov joined President Serzh Sarkisian as well as his Armenian and Belarusian counterparts in monitoring the concluding phase of the five-day maneuvers held at the Armenian army’s Marshal Bagramian training ground. Kazakhstan’s top army general also arrived in Armenia on the occasion.

They looked on as about 2,000 soldiers from Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan simulated a joint operation against imaginary “illegal armed formations” invading a CSTO member state. The CSTO troops were backed up by tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, helicopter gunships and warplanes firing live rounds. The drills also involved unmanned aircraft designed and manufactured in Armenia. The Krunk drones were first demonstrated by the Armenian military during a September 2011 parade in Yerevan.

Serdyukov praised the course of the war games when he held talks with Sarkisian later in the day. The Armenian president’s press office said they also discussed Russian-Armenian military ties and security “challenges” facing the region. Serdyukov said Russian-Armenian relations are currently “at the highest level” and are strategically important to both nations after a separate meeting with Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian. The meeting focused on what the two men called a “reorganization” of Russian troops stationed in Armenia.

“We have had quite good meetings today during which we discussed a broad range of issues related to the 102nd Russian military base stationed in Armenia and its reorganization taking place within the framework of a reform of Russia’s Armed Forces,” Serdyukov told journalists. “We are transferring about 10 facilities to the Armenian side,” he said without elaborating. “We also discussed the issue of material-technical supplies to the base and our relationships in that regard.”

The Russian minister appeared to refer to a redeployment of Russian army units in Armenia, which began in early 2011. In an apparently related development, the Russian military announced in June that it will double this year the number of its soldiers serving at the Soviet-era base headquartered in Gyumri on a contractual basis. It is still not clear if the total number of its military personnel will change as a result.

The Russian base is believed to have between 4,000 and 5,000 troops. It is equipped with hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles and artillery systems as well as sophisticated S-300 surface-to-air missiles and a squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets. A Russian-Armenian agreement signed in 2010 extended the Russian military presence in the South Caucasus nation by 24 years, until 2044, and upgraded its security mission. It also committed the Russians to helping the Armenian military obtain “modern and compatible weaponry and (special) military hardware.”

Source: http://asbarez.com/105552/russia%E2%80%99s-defense-minister-hails-%E2%80%98strategic%E2%80%99-ties-with-armenia-2/


Russia protects Armenia from Western influence

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The deployment of the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri remains the subject of heated debate. Some believe that that the Russian base guarantees security for Armenia, while some are convinced that the base threatens the sovereignty of the country. Pravda.Ru talked to the Vice President of the Academy of Geopolitical Issues Konstantin Sivkov to get some clarity on the situation.

"Turkey has an overwhelming military superiority in the region, and Russia is unlikely to be able (in military terms) to stop the advance of the Turkish troops. However, in case of an attack on Armenia, Turkey would declare a war on Russia as well. The 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri has more of a geopolitical significance rather than military. Do you agree with this statement?"

"Any military base located outside of Russia is a guarantee that in the event of military action against any such country, Russia will enter the conflict on the side of that country. Otherwise, there would be no military bases deployed there. This is clear. If Turkey attacks Armenia, it will be treated as an attack on Russia. Russia would fight on Armenia's side with all its might. If necessary, Russia could use nuclear weapons against Turkey, both tactical, and if need be, strategic. This is defined in the military doctrine of the Russian Federation. Armenia is fully protected with the Russian umbrella of both conventional forces as well as strategic nuclear forces."

"Russia spent a significant amount of money on Gabala radar station (RS) in Azerbaijan, as well as its military bases in Central Asia. There are sales of Russian weapons, including the offensive ones, to Azerbaijan. Currently, Armenia and Azerbaijan have the same sore issue - Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Why is Armenia not charging rent for the Russian base?"

"This is because Russia and Armenia are allies. They have no commercial relationship like the one between Azerbaijan and Russia. Russia will not fight for Azerbaijan, but will fight for Armenia. Armenia is part of the overall defense of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Armenia cannot maintain effective means of defense because it's quite expensive. The presence in the country of the Russian Federation base equipped with anti-aircraft missile systems S-300 and MiG-29 and able to provide a reliable defense against threats to Armenia of a certain scale, that is, something that can be fought off with their own forces and resources. In case of a more serious threat, additional forces and air defense and fighter aircraft may be redeployed there.

"The question of who needs the base more - Russia or Armenia - often turns into a pointless debate about dependence. Given the strained relations between Turkey and Armenia, the Karabakh conflict and open support that Ankara provides to Baku in this conflict, the 102nd Russian base plays an important role in ensuring the safety of Armenia. However, the U.S. has reasons behind the encouragement of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations with the help of Zurich protocols. The goal is to eliminate Armenia's interest in the presence of a Russian military base on its territory. What do you think about it?"

"The Russian military base in Armenia is not just for defense from Turkey. As I mentioned earlier, at the moment there is only one front - the conflict with Azerbaijan. To some extent, NATO military may present some risk for Armenia. The presence of the Russian military base in Armenia is equally convenient for both sides. Russia wants to push the frontiers of air capture as far from its borders as possible. In turn, Armenia is interested in protecting its sovereignty. The presence of the Russian military base in Armenia implies protection of the interests of this country. If some Armenians serve in the Russian army, the base is a natural element of the economic system in Armenia and aids in the consolidation and development of the economy of the country.

"Do you think the presence of the Russian military base in Armenia is a threat to its sovereignty?"

"This position is likely shared by Dashnak Armenian nationalists who in the beginning of the last century called for sovereignty and independence of Armenia. But such a small country like Armenia cannot exist without the patronage of major powers. If Russia leaves Armenia, the United States will come back. This is the only possible solution. The mere presence of the Russian military base is a guarantee of the sovereignty of Armenia. Moreover, the composition and size of the military base, and its primary task of defense, rule out the possibility of any significant impact on the internal political life of Armenia. Fighter jets can in no way affect the political life of this country."



Defense Ministry: Russian missiles' deployment in Armenia

Russia is installing an advanced anti-aircraft missile system in its southern military region in reaction to Turkey’s deployment of a NATO missile system, Press TV reported citing the Turkish daily Hurriyet.Russian Col. Igor Gorbul said the army will complete the installation of S-400 anti-aircraft missiles by the end of this year. Gorbul also stated that the new missiles can destroy ultra-stratospheric and ballistic missiles and all types of airplanes. NATO’s missile system has been established in Turkey’s East Anatolia region. The Hurriyet report comes several days after Turkish fighter jets forced a Syrian passenger plane heading to Damascus from Moscow to land in the capital Ankara.


A military expert did not rule out the possibility for deployment of Russia’s S-400 missiles in Armenia. “Deployment of Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft missiles in Armenia seems quite logical, considering current developments in Iran, as well as military partnership between Yerevan and Moscow,” David Jamalyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.


Armenia’s Defense Ministry commented on the possibility for deployment of Russia’s S-400 missiles in Armenia. Considering the lack of Russia’s land frontier with Turkey, it cannot be ruled out that the missiles will be deployed in the territory of Armenia, where Russia’s 102nd military base is stationed. As the Ministry’s spokesman Artsrun Hovhannesyan told PanARMENIAN.Net “noting can be ruled out at the moment. With rearmament of the Russian military base in progress, renewal of anti-aircraft missile system might also be expected. However, we’re not sure as to the specific systems to be deployed.”

Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/128443/Defense_Ministry_Russias_S400_missiles_deployment_in_Armenia_not_excluded


Obama’s “Reset” with Russia: A Long Retreat

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The disgraceful firing of Radio Liberty’s loyal Moscow staff on September 20 and 21 is the latest chapter in the Obama’s Administration’s Russia policy retreat, also known as the “reset.” Forty-one dedicated and professional reporters with deep knowledge of Russia—and in particular its human rights record—have been given their marching papers by theU.S.government. Allegedly, this is because Russian media law is changing on November 10 to restrict AM broadcasting. But those who follow the Obama Administration’s Russiapolicy will see a familiar pattern. As the Russian government and media get more aggressive and more anti-American, theU.S. meekly retreats.

While the new Russian media law certainly does make the work of broadcasting more challenging, it is also a fact that Radio Liberty’s mission—to broadcast the truth and promote democracy—fits ill with President Obama’s accommodationist Russia policy. The “reset” policy was of course launched by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with the presentation of a large red button to Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov during her first year in office. This silly gimmick proved prophetic of the ineptitude of the policy it symbolizes. Under the “reset,” American national interests and those of its friends and allies have endured one setback vis-à-vis Russia after another:
  • First to fall by the wayside was the ballistic missile defense system agreed to under President Bush with the governments ofPoland and theCzech Republic.
  • Second was the U.S.nuclear stockpile, which the Obama Administration voluntarily cut in the process of the New START negotiations withRussia.
  • Then followed the withdrawal of U.S.support for NATO membership action plans for Georgia and Ukraine, which had been standing policy under the Bush Administration.
  • Last spring, President Obama promised then-President Dmitry Medvedev (and was caught by an open microphone), “After my election I will have more flexibility” to negotiate nuclear cuts.
    • On September 20 and 21, the staff of Radio Liberty inMoscow was decimated.
    • On October 1, the offices of USAID inMoscow were closed without a peep of protests due to pressure from the Russian government, which accused theU.S. of domestic political interference.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty director Steven Korn attempted to defend the firings in an op-ed in yesterday’s Moscow Times. “This is not a calamity,” he wrote, which certainly is not the view of the fired journalists. “On the contrary, we see this as an opportunity to improve and strengthen Radio Svoboda and to accelerate our plans to move to digital platforms.” This simply does not pass the smell test, especially as the entire digital team of theMoscow office was among those fired. U.S.national interests abroad, including our security interests, continue to be compromised by the Obama Administration, andRussiais but one example. The worst part is that it is being done intentionally.

Source: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/10/17/obamas-reset-with-russia-a-long-retreat/

Putin’s Power Plays

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Russia this week signed a contract to export $4.2 billion of weapons to Iraq — which is of special interest for two reasons. First, it is the largest arms-export deal since Putin became the effective ruler of Russia in 1999. Second, it marks Russia’s return as a top supplier of weapons to Iraq — a position lost in 2003 with the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, after Putin had opposed the liberation of Iraq and tried to help Saddam cling to power. Nor is Russia’s dramatic return to Iraq confined to the arms bazaar. Russian energy companies are also making a comeback, seeking a share of Iraq’s massive oil reserves while US companies play reluctant debutante.

His take on Obama’s ‘reset’ button? Putin, here clowning at a Moscow meeting, is helping fill the power vacuum left by US global withdrawal. Oil and gas play a key role in Putin’s strategy for restoring Russia’s position as a major power, if not a superpower as in the days of the Soviet Union. The European Union, China and Japan heavily depend on energy imports from the Caspian Basin and the Persian Gulf, not to mention Russia itself. By establishing itself as the principal player in that vital region, Russia would have a crucial card to play in any future big-power contest. To that end, Russia is strengthening ties with the Islamic Republic in Iran and helping the beleaguered Assad regime in Syria.

Westward, Russia has regained much of its lost influence in Ukraine, a vital link in gas transit to European markets. Over the past four years, pro-Russian parties in Ukraine have won control of most levers of power. The pro-West opposition leader, former Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko, has ended up in prison. Putin has worked hard these past four years to recapture positions that Russia lost when the Soviet empire disintegrated. Despite occasional hitches, the despotic regime of President Alexander Loukachenko in Belorussia is now effectively in the Russian orbit. (Putin has even proposed a pan-Slavic Union of Russia, Belorussia and Ukraine.)

Southward, Putin invaded Georgia, annexing 20 percent of its territory in the two enclaves of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And this month a pro-Moscow coalition led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire linked to the euphemistically labeled “Russian business elite,” won the presidency, replacing the pro-American Mikheil Saakashvili. South of Georgia, Putin (with Iranian help) has managed to bully tiny Armenia back into the fold. He is now raising pressure on Azerbaijan, which (thanks to links with Turkey) still pursues a pro-West policy. Moscow is also making a comeback in Central Asia. Last month, the Russian army orchestrated a series of military exercises with units from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Russia has held similar exercises with China and Kazakhstan, ostensibly as part of a counterinsurgency strategy.

Everywhere, Russian advances have been facilitated by what is perceived in the region as a strategic retreat by the United States under President Obama. Ukraine and Georgia have all but abandoned their efforts to join the European Union and/or NATO. The Central Asian republics have frozen joint projects with NATO that date to the 1990s. And Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have terminated accords that let the US use facilities there to supply NATO forces in Afghanistan — increasing American dependence on problematic routes through Russia and Pakistan. The perceived “American retreat” started with the Obama administration’s rather comical “reset” offer in 2009. Criticizing President George W. Bush’s “cowboy diplomacy,” the Obama administration abandoned the missile-defense project slated to be sited in Poland and the Czech Republic. Putin said he appreciated the move — but offered no concessions in return. 

Instead, he saw it as a signal to intensify Russian efforts to force the United States out of positions gained in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia since the end of the Cold War. In the years since, signs of an American retreat have multiplied. In Iraq, Obama gave the impression that his sole wish was to walk away and shut the door behind him. Much of the influence that the US had gained by liberating Iraq and fighting to help it create a new political system has evaporated. Intent on depicting Iraq as a nightmare that is best forgotten, Obama has even excluded Iraq from Arab-American efforts to reshape the region in the wake of the Arab Spring upheavals. Putin is no doubt watching the US presidential campaign with keen interest. A second Obama term would offer the Russian strongman four more years to complete his grand imperial design to force Russia’s near and far neighbors into line by bribing, bullying and, when necessary, invading them.

Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/putin_power_plays_9KbwWUGck9WIDXCgMx5apM

32 comments:

  1. With regard to ‘soft power’, Russia faces significant limitations in any effort to seek influence on the basis of the attractiveness of its identity or its ideational/normative agenda, partly because it has yet to develop a widely shared domestic consensus on values and identity and therefore has little to export, and partly because its internal difficulties and its vulnerability to criticism in terms of international human rights and governance norms push it towards a profoundly conservative definition of sovereignty and the rights of states within their domestic jurisdictions.

    The West is doing everything trying to prevent Russia from forming a stable country, or a national identity. Within this framework, one can understand why the West has been fiercely supporting Pussy Riot, while at the same time ignoring its own violations for example with regards to Julian Assange. They want to break Russian unity, and since the Russian Orthodox Church can bring some sort of unity within the country, they will attack the Church by using the lowest and weakest forms of humans within the society.

    Keeping this in mind, and while Russia is rebuilding itself, we, Armenians, should take the initiative of promoting Russian-Armenian relations within Armenian society. We should not wait until the Russians are strong enough, until the Russians have fully reorganized themselves, and until the Russians have rebuilt a strong identity or ideational/normative agenda to promote their interests in the region using soft power, which is the reason why they usually resort to their only means, which is “hard” power.

    And we should do even beyond convincing our own population of Russia’s importance, for that is only of minor importance. We should convince the top echelons of Russian society and politics of Armenia’s major importance, and if they are already convinced, convince them even more, so to exploit as much economic and military support as we can. Now we have the opportunity, and it would be a waste if we did not use this.

    Thank you again Arevordi for bringing to attention topics that really matter.

    A thing that Western-funded and brainwashed lowlives ofcourse will not do, as they will only talk on topics such as the rights of gays, transgenders, of women who should have the right to have sex with multiple men and of ways we should kiss every ass of any Westerner who visits Armenia, all things that are very "important" for modern-day Armenia.

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  2. The time has come for pro-Russian Armenians to start thinking on the "how to do" rather on the "what to do" when we talk about Armenia and its future with Russia. I am sure though that the most active forces must be the Armenians in Armenia and in Russia. The Middle Eastern communities(+ Cyprus and Greece) are more pro-Russian than the other communities in my opinion(although various western agents infiltrate their media from time to time), so they should not be neglected either. It could be a good start if these communities started to seriously collaborate with each other and establish direct relations with the Kremlin.

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  3. George Trofimoff makes several excellent points. Here is one positive and unique step we can take to improve Russian-Armenian relations. Seeing as how the Western-governed Baltic states and Georgia target Russian memorials, cemeteries and other cultural sites, I think Armenia should UNDO a small bit of the damage the jewish bolsheviks have done by resurrecting the Saint Nikolai Cathedral in Yerevan, which was dynamited in 1931.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nikolai_Cathedral,_Yerevan

    Below is a copy of an email conversation between Arevordi and I:

    Arevordi: I hope they resurrect the Nikolai church in Yerevan.

    Me: I hope so too, there have been some movements towards undoing some of the damage the Bolsheviks did to the Churches in Armenia just as in Russia. Rebuilding St. Nikolai would actually be a great idea for a gift to the Russian state and people on behalf of Armenia. It would be great to jump start a mass movement in Armenia to rebuild St. Nikolai. Such a step would be a massive counter-blow to western attacks against the Russia-Armenia alliance, as well as their callas attacks against Orthodox Christianity. Excellent idea, Arevagal!

    I can already see the lragir, armenianow and co. headlines: "Armenian Government Funds Elaborate Russian Complex in Yerevan as villages starve and Earthquake Victims still live in railroad box cars", "US Places Armenia at Top of Islamic Terror List, Warns on Iran, Software Piracy, Human Trafficking to turkey and discrimination of sexual and religious minorities" and some op eds like "Debt for Assets 2012: Sovereignty for KGB Churches".

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  4. @ George

    You have brought up a very important topic. Since the rise and fall of Bolshevism and National Socialism, the West has cleverly positioned itself to become the policemen of the world and in the process it has also distorted the notion of "democracy" to serve as the true religion of our times - headed by the Papacy in Washington of course. As a result of this, the West has held unprecedented power/influence over the cultural, financial, economic and political life of the world for at least a century. But times are changing as the humanitarian mask worn by the political West is slowly coming off. In the absence of a real pan-national ideology in the Russian Federation today, Moscow for now needs to figure out an effective way to ride the growing wave of anti-Americanism around the world as a way to reattain some of its lost reputation. However, while rallying nations against Western aggression is effective in the short term, it is not necessarily healthy or sustainable in the long term. Russia, as do all self-respecting nations, needs a natural/genuine/homegrown ideological calling that is unique to its national culture and history.

    In my opinion, this could be a religious/cultural one based on the greater region's shared Christian Orthodox heritage, or something along the lines of Pan-Slavism or helping humanity resist the menace of Globalism. As we know, one of the intents of Globalism is to hinder the growth of any ideological movement that promotes God, country and family. In my opinion, Russia needs to center itself within its Orthodox heritage, rally beleaguered nations around the world against the Anglo-American-Zionist alliance, offer the world an alternative reserve currency and trade zone and finds ways to help nations fight Globalism, Islamic radicalism, Zionism and Pan-Turkism.

    I realize that all this is easier said than done, but Moscow is definitely on the right track; I just hope it does not get derailed.

    As you implied, we can't simply sit back and wait for Moscow to do this or that with regards to Russian-Armenian relations. There are some things Russians won't or can't do for us. There are certain things we need to do ourselves. We Armenians also need to come to our good senses (i.e recognize the reality that Russia is Armenia's alpha and the omega of the Caucasus) and get fully active inside Russia's centers of power. Russia's existence as a friendly Eurasian superpower is a historic opportunity for our homeland in the south Caucasus. We need to put an end to our counterproductive flirtations with the political West and fully embark on a - pan-national - effort to harness the Russian Federation's capabilities and use it to break Armenia free of her current mountainous prison.

    Men like Karen Karapetyan, Ara Abrahamyan and Arthur Chilingarov give me hope in this regard.

    This also needs to be said: who is in power in Moscow is just as important to Armenians as it is to Russians. Therefore, I hope to see the Christian/Slavic component of the Russian Federation to grow in power.

    Anyway, thank you for reading this blog and thank you for your excellent comments and suggestions.

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  5. @ Svetia

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I fully agree with the spirit of your comments.

    Yes, Armenian communities in the Middle East need to begin collaborating with Russian officials. Those communities can become excellent tools/assets for the Kremlin, very similar to how various Jewish communities have been assets for Western powers. However, this collaboration first needs to begin in Armenia and in the Russian-Armenian community.

    To become a natural partner of an emerging superpower like Russia you have to embrace it from its beginning and from within. To do this you first need to formulate a pan-national agenda; you need to include this agenda in carrying out national policy; you need to have significant numbers of your compatriots living within its lands; you need to embrace its culture; you need to have access to its highest offices; and you need to help its officials see real value in supporting you.

    We currently have in place most of the aforementioned prerequisites in the Russian Federation, with the notable exception of the pan-national agenda. If approached correctly, with some vision and effort, Armenia can be to Russia in the south Caucasus what Israel is to the West in the Middle East and Armenians can be in Russia what Jews are in America.

    Before we can do this, however, we first need to put aside our diasporan mentalities, end our political illiteracy, our Western fetishes, curb our emotional handicaps and learn how to embrace Russia and understand Moscow's geostrategic implications for our small, poor, landlocked, remote and blockaded homeland surrounded by hostile nations in the south Caucasus.

    What's more, in my opinion, the Russian-Armenian community is by-far the most important and the most successful Armenian diaspora in the world. In fact, in the big picture, they put the American-Armenian community to shame. Armenians are well represented in all layers of Russian society, including the very top. But who is working on cultivating this historic opportunity? The Russian-Armenian diaspora can be Armenia's greatest political and financial asset/tool, yet its potential for Armenia remains largely unrecognized and Russian-Armenians get looked down upon by the rest of the Armenian diaspora.

    For example: Business tycoon Ara Abrahamyan, arguably the Armenian diaspora's most important person has more-or-less been ignored by the American-Armenian community every time he has traveled to the US with the hopes of creating a pan-national political front. Ara Abrahamyan is the manifestation of what we want done. Instead of fully embracing him, however, he remains an obscure figure within the rest of the Armenian diaspora.

    Concerning Middle Eastern Armenian:

    Being pro-Russian in certain political matters does not necessarily mean Armenian communities of the Middle East have an affinity towards Russia/Russians, appreciate the Russian-Armenia community or are willing to actively collaborate with them. To tell you the truth, I don't think that the ARF (the most influential diasporan organization in places such as Greece, Lebanon, Iran and Syria) is ready to curb its many Washingtonian agents, cut their ties with the Western world and begin including Russians and/or Russian-Armenians in their closed door meetings; which is essentially what is required to effectively collaborate with the Kremlin.

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  6. Arevordi jan,

    If you noticed I said "I am sure though that the most active forces must be the Armenians in Armenia and in Russia." The Russian-Armenian community should be the one who MUST tell Armenia what to do, just like how we are seeing with Ara Abrahamyan's visit to Yerevan. The main lobbying will be done by successful Armenian millionaires, as well as many intellectuals, as well as many cultural people. We must work on a cultural policy(this is another topic). The smaller Middle Eastern communities must become "a tool/asset for the Kremlin" like you said.

    Concerning the ARF: Not ALL of the ARFers are Western agents. If we look carefully, there is an internal conflict within the ARF, Yerevan's Geraguyn Marmin vs. the USA's Kentronakan Komite. The ARF is based on being decentralized, not having one head which controls the entire party when it. The party could be on different sides geographically (USA's branch pro-Western, Armenia's branch pro-Russian) but follow the same goal, which is to them "Hay Tad" and "Miatsial Hayastan".

    Also, For Lebanon and Syria I have no doubt that the ARF follows a policy that is more pro-Russian then western. In Syria, the ARF supports Assad's regime 100%. If they did, they would have been aligning themselves with the so-called "free syrian army" or at the very least would have stayed completely neutral. And in Lebanon, the Beirut's Committee has already begun establishing ties with Moscow's community. An Armenian newspaper in Nizhny Novgorod called "Kamurj" has been for months translating many articles from Beirut's Aztag Daily into Russian and publishing them there. There are small collaborations taking place between the communities. And there is also a reason that the ARF in Lebanon cannot easily change its position regarding regional geopolitics; many members of the Central Committee are the "representatives" of Yerevan's Geraguyn Marmin. You are right in saying "Being pro-Russian in certain political matters does not necessarily mean Armenian communities of the Middle East understand the value of Russia or the Russian-Armenia community or that they are willing to actively collaborate with them". Currently the average Lebanese-Armenian is unaware of geopolitics and Russia's importance, but one thing is for sure is that Beirut's and Aleppo's ARFs take their orders from Yerevan, which in their turn collaborate with Moscow. I do not the believe that the ARF in Yerevan is truly against the current Sargsyan regime. There are family ties between Vahan Hovannisyan and Sargsyan. Also, recently the ARF youth held a protest against NATO's representative who visited Yerevan regarding the Safarov case. These are just some points that show, in my opinion, that part of the ARF is still under indirect Russian influence, but not quite enough, as they remain vulnerable to the western agents within the party.


    http://www.aztagdaily.com/archives/75466

    http://www.aztagdaily.com/archives/69082

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  7. @Svetia

    Thank you for sharing this information with me. I really appreciate it. Again, I'd like to say that I agree with the overall spirit of your comments. I am encouraged to see that young Armenians such as yourself are beginning to grasp geopolitical nuances that many older Armenians, regardless of education or wealth, are incapable of seeing these days.

    It is very encouraging indeed to hear that meaningful collaboration is beginning to take place. Although it's a bit hard to believe, I also hope you are right about ARF branches in Beirut and Aleppo taking their orders from Yerevan. And I do realize that ARF representatives in Armenia are somewhat rational when it comes to strategic political matters such as Russian-Armenian relations. I did not, however, like they way they reacted in the aftermath of Levon Petrosian's coup back in early 2008 and I did not like the way they reacted to the protocols.

    Regarding ARF branches in the Middle East: I have to admit I don't have enough current information about them to have a strong opinion on the matter. My perspective on the ARF is primarily based on my observation of them in the United States. Aside from hosting some wonderful individuals such as Aram Hamparian in its ranks, the party in the US is fast becoming a serious liability for Armenia. Reading their two primary news organs - Armenian Weekly and Asbarez - is enough to understand what I mean. It sometimes seems as if the ARF in the US is more concerned about gay-rights in Armenia than about Armenia itself. They recently held several "Leftist" conventions in several US cities. Of course the main purpose of their gatherings was to attack the Armenian state for not being liberal enough, democratic enough, socialistic enough, gay-friendly enough, etc.

    And yes, I have noticed conflict between the Armenian and US branches of the ARF in recent years. This is a positive sign. I hope the conflict deepens to the point where the US branch actually breaks off.

    Anyway, I never said "all" ARFers are Western agents. I simply said what you already know, that there are Western agents within the ARF. I am assuming the number of such agents to be significantly high because for much of the Cold War there was active collaboration taking place between the West and the ARF. These Western informants are a cancer within the party that can ruin any future meaningful collaboration between the ARF and Russia for instance.

    I hope to see closer and deeper cooperation and collaboration between Middle Eastern Armenians and Russians. I also hope to see closer and deeper cooperation and collaboration between Middle Eastern Armenians and Russian-Armenians. But this won't be easy because of significant cultural differences. Nevertheless, what's clear is that Armenia's salvation as a nation-state in the Caucasus is primarily dependent upon its good relations with the Russian Federation. This is key to Armenia's existence. The furthering and the deepening of this strategic alliance between Armenia and Russia has to be actively worked on by ALL patriotic Armenians.

    Those Armenian communities around the world that are willing to embrace this Russo-centric reality will be a benefit to Armenia, those that don't will become a problem.

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  8. @Arevordi

    The Middle Eastern Armenians' ARF completely differs from that of the United States. If the ARF in Aleppo hadn't supported Assad since the beginning of his rule, the Armenians would have lived as second class citizens. If the ARF in Lebanon had been in the 14 March Alliance (coalition of Sunnis, certain Maronite groups), it would have lost its popularity in the region and would have become a tool/asset of Ankara, just like how the Hunchak and Ramgavar parties now are sadly.

    If you have noticed, Aleppo Armenians are the most patriotic among the Diasporans when it comes to Armenia. Sure, there are many who have that "anti-hayastanci" gene within them, but many are getting convinced to repatriate and truly understand the importance of Armenia. One of my relatives settled there this summer with his family. Also, as a consequence of this conflict, they are understanding the importance of Russia and China, since those countries are protecting Syria in the UN. Same goes to a portion of the Lebanese-Armenian society as well.

    One thing I forgot to mention is that this year Armenian jewellers came from Moscow and established contact with Lebanese-Armenians from all regions of the country, they are planning a Pan-Armenian expo in Yerevan, here is the link: http://www.aztagdaily.com/archives/76637

    I guess we can call it a start as well.

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  9. ABout the protocols. In my opinion, the ARF should have reacted that way, because they pose themselves as a nationalist party etc. If they supported the protocols, in my opinion, they would have lost even more popularity.

    How did they react regarding March 1?

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  10. I also hope Svetia is correct about the ARF in the Arab world being Armenia focused rather than a tool of western globalism/imperialism. Arevordi is correct, here Los Angeles, the ARF branches are as poisonous for Armenia as the original Bolsheviks, attracting the same group of anarchists, neo-communists, and other nation-wrecking forces. I'm sorry I don't have more details, but about a year or so ago at some celebration for the AYF and/or ARF, AYF Chairman Vatche Tovmasssian gave or wanted to give a speech referring to the "criminal kleptocratic and oligarchic regime" running Yerevan, causing some dissent within the ARF ranks.

    Even good men like the ANCA's Aram Hamparian are surrounded by staffers who are "democracy" zombies, a few of whom I know are openly gay or on the verge of coming out. I'm friends with some of these people on facebook, and some insight into their beliefs and values would worry any true nationalist. And as much as I like and respect Hamparian, his activism seems to end with "official" Genocide Recognition/Reaffirmation, along with issues they consider less important like Permanent Normal Trade Relations and World Trade Organization membership for Armenia. Futile and meaningless for Armenia in the long-run.

    Anyway, the ARF would be repeating what it did during World War I and the Armenian Genocide by claiming leadership of the Armenians and then telling them to "fight for whatever side of the border you are on" rather than "do what you can for Armenia". And as for the Arab world branches, it would be interesting to expose the links they have to France, the "softer" western power to which Syria and Lebanon were delegated. I have nothing solid to base this on, I'm just curious at what we might find.

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  11. @ Svetia

    In the aftermath of the attempted coup d'etat by Levin Petrostein in 2008 the ARF publicly/officially announced that the election in question was illegal and in doing so they basically took Levin's side. I suppose the ARF was trying to play on the sentiments of the angry masses at the time.

    Pertaining to the protocols: What they essentially did was to pander to the diasporan street. Again, the ARF basically appealed to the sentiments of the ignorant "patriotic" masses in the diaspora by vociferously saying NO to opening Armenia's borders with Turkey.

    The protocols was/is a very cleaver game being played by Yerevan and Moscow, but for some strange reason a vast majority of Armenians are unable to see it. The protocols was primarily a Russo-Armenian power projection in the south Caucasus. It was also a tool with which to elevate Armenia’s geopolitical stature in the region. With Moscow covering Armenia’s back militarily and economically, Yerevan has been able to approach Ankara from a position of strength. Armenia's powerful stature in the south Caucasus as Russia's natural ally is basically why Abdullah Gul swallowed his Turkish pride and paid Yerevan a visit in autumn of 2008. This also explains why Ankara decided to omit mention of Artsakh from the protocols – although Artsakh was the reason why it had shutdown the border in the first place.

    At the very least, had it worked, all the Turkish goods that are currently coming to Armenia through Georgia and costing more for the Armenian consumer would have simply come directly through Armenian-Turkish border crossings, thereby costing less for the Armenian consumer. We only benefit Tbilisi by keeping the borders closed.

    We need to ponder the following: if opening of the Turkish border with Armenia would indeed prove disastrous for Armenia, as ARF types warn, Ankara would have ordered it opened a VERY long time ago. There has been nothing stopping Turks from going to Armenia and purchasing lands and businesses... Why haven't they done it? What made the ARF think that simply opening the Gyumri crossing between Armenia and Turkey Turks would flood into Armenia and takeover the economy?

    Ankara is more afraid of Russo-Armenian interests taking over eastern Anatolia.

    What the ARF did and continuous to do is self-serving fear-mongering simply to look popular in the eyes of our patriotic peasantry who does NOT understand politics.

    Anyway, the aforementioned two political flaws shows me that the ARF is not a serious political party with serious vision. It shows me that the ARF is simply a social club at only appeals to the psychology of the off-springs of genocide survivors from the Middle East.

    Having said that, I continue to see the ARF as the only political/social organization in the Armenian diaspora that has any potential.

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  12. @ Svetia

    I really appreciate the fact that you are rational and objective. I am also encouraged by your ability to engage in critical thinking. And I'm very impressed by your ability to admit mistakes (a very none-Armenian trait). In short, bravo. I really wish there were more of your kind within the ranks of the ARF. Thank you for reading this blog. If you have like-minded friends please introduce them to this place as well.

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  13. Hello, long time reader.

    There is a point in what Svetia says about ARF being forced to protest against the protocols. The ARF of Armenia knows very well that their followers in the Diaspora are not that educated when it comes to geopolitics. Had they not protested, the Diasporan Tashnagtsagans would have turned against the Hayastantsi Tashnagtsagans, thus initiating the disintegration of the party. This was the choice of lesser damage to the ARF. Sure, unfortunately psychological damage took place within many Armenians, but like I said there was no other choice.

    Nevertheless, I believe that the agents of the ARF in the US used this opportunity and started creating conflict among the ARF of the US and of Armenia. Now they want to divide themselves from Yerevan's ARF.

    P.S. what are your opinions on Harut Sassounian's idea of creating a Diaspora Organization? wouldn't that further create a gap between Armenia and the Diaspora?

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  14. Thank you for reading Anonymous.

    Regarding Harut Sassounian's proposal:

    It all depends on who puts it together; what will be its stated purpose; who will be its participates; and how will they be tied to the homeland. Many variables come to play. However, I'd be suspicious of any organization that is put together in the US. Even an organization with the best if intentions can be easily hijacked our Captain Americas.

    Here is something you should be thinking about instead:

    We seriously need to start moving away from "Diasporan" mentalities and "Western Armenian" mentalities (including the language). While these serve some short-term purposes, such as keeping certain diasporas alive (temporarily), it's not healthy for nationhood in the long-term for it creates serious cultural and physical divisions between Armenians living in Armenia and Armenians living outside Armenia. Thousands of years ago Chinese, Persian and Roman emperors understood that unity in language, faith and culture is absolutely essential for effective governance. It's unfortunate that our today's Armenians are still unable to understand this ancient wisdom. I don't care what anyone says, there has got to be ONE Armenian language (Eastern Armenian or Grabar), ONE Armenian church (Etchmiatsin) and ONE Armenian homeland (present day Armenia). If Western Armenia was to be liberated one day, it would only happen by a joint Russian-Armenian force from present day Armenia. Anything else, such as convincing Western powers to give us "Wilsonian Armenia" is childish fantasy.

    Moreover, let me throw this out at you:

    Decades of obsessing over genocide recognition has only gotten us large numbers of psychologically damaged compatriots with victim mentalities and emotional problems. Most diasporan Armenians today base their identity on being genocide victims/survivors. This is very unhealthy on many levels. We somehow need to figure out a way to remedy this problem without of course losing sight of our Hay Dat.

    PS: I have a lot of respect for Harut Sassounian, but I'm sure he would never agree to what I have said here.

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  15. @ Arevordi

    Throughout time, every language has already evolved. Eventually, Eastern and Western Armenian will somehow merge into each other and create a new form of Armenian, within which the Eastern Armenian will be more noticeable and more dominant. As for the "One homeland, One church" part, I don't see diasporans moving towards that direction... they're going the exact opposite way.

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  16. As far as I see it, the founders of the Armenian Republic, under whatever impossible conditions and duress they faced in 1918, managed to establish a state called "The Republic of Armenia", not the Republic of Eastern Armenia". We need one homeland representing our people, we had two delegations at the Paris Peace Conference after WWI and that proved counter-productive. Splitting the concept of the homeland risks Armenia becoming Korea, Viet Nam, or Ireland, with different foreign powers playing us against each other. Let's build on what we have.

    As for the Church, during the Cold War the ARF benefited from controlling Cilicia. This basis for two catholicosates has since vanished, and so have all other reasons cited. Time for a merger, the Armenian church needs to focus its energies against the catholics, protestants, cults, mormons, scientologists and jehovas witnesses.

    Lastly, if you guys want a good read on the language issue, read ՀԱՅ ԼԵԶՈՒԻ ԽՆԴԻՐԸ by ԴԱՆԻԷԼ ՎԱՐՈՒԺԱՆ, from 1912. It is posted in its entirety in the facebook link below (note that you do not need a facebook account to view it)

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  17. @ Sarkis

    Very well stated! The thing we need to pound into the heads of our troublesome people is - one statehood, one nation, one language and one church. Anything less than this is ultimately treason. Armenians need to end their tribal/clan mentalities. Armenians need to understand statehood, and the responsibility that come with having a state. Please note that the facebook link you referred to does not appear in your post.

    @ Svetia

    Like I said, I very much appreciate your wisdom, objectivity and clearness of vision. Moreover, your words have a lot of impact precisely because you were born and raised in the Middle East. Regarding the "thorny" language issue: Fortunately or unfortunately, it does not matter in this conversation, "Western Armenian" is slowly dying because it does not have a "home base". There are very few Armenians today that speak or write proper Western Armenian. Western Armenian began dying on April 24, 1915. Within a generation or two, it will be dead even in the Middle East. It's time we let it die a peaceful death. A healthy or powerful nation cannot have two official dialects or two sets of peoples, one eastern, one western. Language imparts identity, mentality and culture. A Western Armenian speaker will never be in full union with one that speaks Eastern Armenian. Being that Eastern Armenian is the official language of Armenia and because the language is alive and vibrant, ALL Armenians need to adopt Eastern Armenian. Moreover, when the time comes to liberate Western Armenia, I have no doubt it will be "Eastern Armenians" that will be liberating the lands. It's high time we end our destructive backwardness and tribalism. It is time to begin building, as a truly unified people, the Armenia we waited ONE THOUSAND years to liberate.

    Anyway, I am very impressed with the both of you. If young men like you come to occupy positions of influence in the future, we Armenians will have nothing to worry about and everything to look forward to.

    Thank you both.

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  18. Here is the link, sorry I forgot to include it. That's what happens when you blog during class.

    http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=204063506304964

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  19. @ Arevordi and Sarkis86

    It is always a pleasure to discuss important matters with both of you. The important is that we keep this bond and find more like-minded Armenians. Although today rational and patriotic Armenians are a minority, let us connect the majority of that minority to each other.

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  20. Thanks Svetia and Arevordi, I always enjoy reading the intuitive and nationalistic things you have to say.

    Changing the topic a bit, I want to focus on the cults the Armenian Apostolic Church has to face. The following videos are more or less accurate descriptions of the core belief systems of some of the larger cults that the American government actively pushes onto Armenia and Diasporan Armenians. Putting aside that the sources of these videos have their own agendas, and that the Armenian Church isn't perfect, I believe the Armenian Church serves an important purpose of unifying the masses of Armenians. People need something to believe, and the health of our nation depends on the majority of people supporting the national church. These videos might be useful tools in exposing the jackassery of America's homegrown cults:

    What Jehovah's Witnesses Actually Believe
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzSwBsgHHXI

    What Mormons really believe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsp0inDZ22M

    This is what scientologies actually believe
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7EEOMbBIO8

    Article Exposing scientology
    http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Fishman/time-behar.html
    And this isn't touching the pentacostals and other cults they push onto Armenia. Thanks America, you're strong belief in democrazy and tolerance for all sorts of deviants will surely lead the rest of the world, including backwards little Armenia, to become as successful and bright-futured as America itself.

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  21. Arevordi:

    With Putin's visit to Armenia fast approaching, is there also an issue that they haven't yet discussed? Aside from the usual political goals that they share, would the issue of Ivanishvili's plan to make peace with Russia be brought up as well? I personally know what the Jehovah's Witnesses can be capable of and they are more dangerous than they're given credit for. I did study their doctrines, and from the sounds of it, they really incite adherents to commit treason against their countries, mainly because JW doctrine actually forbids its members from even serving in the military and to remain loyal. The biggest obstacle that JW poses to Armenian nationalism is the fact that the adherents have families who belong to the Armenian Church. Families break up because of JW, and as we all know, the family unit is the backbone of every nation-state. Without it, the nation-state cannot function well. If I can only be of great help and give advice to Armenians despite being a non-Armenian myself, would be to have a petition banning religions like Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses and Scientology from ever being present in Armenia.

    Curious Observer

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  22. Putin will be in Armenia basically to mark his territory (geostrategically speaking); discuss regional security matters with his Armenian counterpart; discuss Armenian-Russian trade relations as well as Armenia's ascension to the Eurasian Union; and pose for photo ops...

    Cults are one of the many tool of the Anglo-American-Zionist global order. In fact, Cults are one of the many ways Godless Globalists destroy nationalism, traditional religions and the family unit. Without a firm foundation in religion, patriotism and family, humankind is not that much different from sustenance/gratification seeking animals.

    PS: I have also studied JW doctrine. They, like their evangelicals counterparts in the US, are wannabe Hebrews. Every single JW I have interacted with has been psychologically damaged or just freaking weird. You have to be damaged goods to fall victim to their headhunters. Unfortunately, there is an endless supply of vulnerable humans...

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  23. Thanks Curious Observer. Actually there have been several case of lost Armenian idiots who have converted to JW and then refused military service, or even the alternate service made available to them (under pressure from the EU and US) arguing that the alternate service was still administered by the Ministry of Defense. The infamous US pressure tool known as the State Departments Annual Report on Religious Freedom Around the World makes full use of these cases. Needless to say the destruction of families is inevitable for anyone stupid enough to buy their bullshit. Such damages people cannot function in a normal society.

    There were also several reports a few years back of mormons and other cults "baptizing" long deceased Armenian historical figures according to their own twisted rituals and rites. I agree with you and I want to see the Armenian government take a very strong stand in rooting out and exterminating these vermin, and the "baptisms" of deceased Armenians is an excellent legal basis. We already have a recent rule prohibiting what can be roughly translated as "soul-hunting", meaning basically any religious group that goes targets and victimizes poor and vulnerable members of society who might be tempted to join a destructive cult if that cult, through foreign sponsorship, promises them free food, shelter, money, etc. Sorry I can't find a decent English-language article that explains this law without twisting it. Anyway I've noticed that Armenia rarely makes major policy shifts first, once Vladimir Putin sets the precedent in cleaning out Russia, and then Armenia usually follows shortly after. (Although I think we removed "Radio Liberty" from the air during the Kocharyan era, I read an article in RT a few days that Russia is now in the process of doing the same).

    As Arevordi pointed out, cults are just one of many tools that the west uses to decay the individual and society, and especially to prevent a normal course of recovery and development for Armenia from the void left by communism. These destructive American ideologies cannot but destroy a nation in the long term. We can see the steep decline of America and the critical state it finds itself in today as a result of decades of exposure to these poisons. The follow article by White Nationalist Leader Dr. William Pierce is an interesting read about sharing the affliction unleashed at others.

    http://www.natvan.com/free-speech/fs0106a.html

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  24. Sarkis

    Unfortunately, "Radio Liberty" (azatutyun radio) is on the air in Armenia. I sometimes catch taxi drivers listening to it. In fact, while riding taxi over the summer I caught a "Radio Liberty" show complaining about Armenia's treatment of minorities, including gays and religious cults.

    Apparently, when they are not listening to rabiz music, Yerevan's taxi drivers are listening to American propaganda.

    We won't be able to stop Armenia's lower cast from listening to turko-islamo-rabiz, but I have no doubt Vladimir Putin will manage to stop Armenians from listening to "Radio Liberty" sooner or later...

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  25. My mistake, I thought it was. I found the link from 2007 that made me think it was off the air.

    http://www.rferl.org/content/pressrelease/1105939.html

    Don't get me started on that rabiz music. You should see the chobans in Mercedes G-55s blasting it in Glendale. Those Gypsy genes run strong in some of our people.

    The nation needs a good enema to get rid of these scum outside influences.

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  26. @Arevordi,

    I still can't figure out if there is a majority of like-mindedness in Armenia. Are most Armenians pro-Russian or anti-Russian? Is there fear of a popular uprising in Armenia? Which political party is the most popular? There are many kinds of Armenians and very contrasting points of view that i've met and heard in Yerevan and it only created more confusion. I get the feeling sometimes that the majority of them hasn't been able to decide which side to choose.

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  27. Sarkis

    The truly sad part is that when they are not listening to rabiz, they are listening to gangsta rap or American blues influenced Armenian pop...

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  28. Svetia

    The average Armenian in Armenia is by nature pro-Russian. Every single polling/survey that has been done during the past twenty years has show strong pro-Russian sentiments inside Armenia. In my opinion, such sentiments remain in Armenia because Armenians have lived under progressive Russian rule for over two hundred years. Many diasporan Armenians will disagree with me but Armenia became Armenia because of Russia. Many Armenians in Armenia understand this, even if only subconsciously. I also believe that our strong survival instincts play a role in this. Armenians instinctively realize that only with close relations with Russia can Armenia survive in the south Caucasus.

    But things can change very quickly if we are not careful.

    When the Soviet Union fell apart some twenty years ago, Western influences quickly began to flood the republic via Western pop culture, Western institutions, Western news services, Western NGOs and the English language. We are seeing signs that the new generation of Armenians in Armenia are somewhat less pro-Russian than previous generations. This is as serious a threat to the long-term security of the republic. Luckily, our largest diaspora is located in Russia. This diaspora is very successful. More importantly, it is very close to Armenia physically, financially and culturally. Armenia's interaction with the Russian-Armenian diaspora will help offset a lot of the Western influences. Finally, growing Russian-Armenian relations will help as well.

    Regarding politics:

    A vast majority of Armenians in and out of Armenia are apolitical. A vast majority of Armenians who are political do not understand politics. Armenians can be brilliant scientists, businessmen, artists, military men, academicians, sportsmen, etc. But when it comes to politics, Armenians tend to be idiots. This may be genetic. I think our extreme arrogance and crippling emotions (both commonly found traits amongst Armenians) get in the way of properly observing, assessing, analyzing and rationalizing. Objectivity, clear vision and analytical skills are essential in political matters. I also think that our materialism, family life and ethnic culture (read Tumanians fairytales) get in the way of properly understanding political matters. I have written a lot about this topic in this blog. Anyway, Armenians won't be ready to flirt with "democracy" for a very long time, if ever. What Armenia needs is a top heavy government that is nationalistic and closely allied with Russia.

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  29. Arevordi:

    The sad part about JW is that they commemorate Jesus's death on an outdated calendar. The Jewish Lunar Calendar to be exact, and I thought to myself, "Why would they commemorate Christ's death on such a calendar?" It's practically an insult to Christians today who have to hear Jews calling Jesus a monkey, or that they glorify the Pharisees who killed Christ. It's such actions as to why the Judaic globalist world must be destroyed.

    On the other hand, wouldn't a Cultural Revolution of some sort be needed in the Caucasus to counter the Anglo-American-Zionist parasitic influence? The reason why I said the Caucasus is because Georgia, Azerbaijan and even the Russian Caucasian Republics are prey to such influences, and I'm not sure if this was correct that the Chechens who are pro-Moscow have participated in the 2008 South Ossetian War.

    One final note that I should say: Moral High Ground is a code for Double Standards. As long as the West says that it has a moral high ground on certain issues, they'd actually practice double standards.

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  30. I also forgot to mention that even in Russia itself there is a JW branch there, although I wonder why Putin hasn't tried to enforce the ban on those groups registering in the first place. On the other hand, is there any other pro-Russian leader from around the ex-Soviet countries that would also visit Armenia? Like Lukashenko for instance.

    Curious Observer

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  31. As an antidote to Western Globalism, a "cultural revolution" is actually needed in the entire world, not just in the Caucasus. Let's please move on from discussing Jehovah's Witnesses.

    PS: As far as I know, Armenia has had good relations with Belarus and Kazakhstan.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I don't get why many Armenians are getting excited over the recognition of Artsakh by one of the states of Australia. big deal!!!

    ReplyDelete

Dear reader,

New blog commentaries will henceforth be posted on an irregular basis. The comment board however will continue to be moderated on a regular basis. You are therefore welcome to post your comments and ideas.

I have come to see the Russian nation as the last front on earth against the scourges of Westernization, Americanization, Globalism, Zionism, Islamic extremism and pan-Turkism. I have also come to see Russia as the last hope humanity has for the preservation of classical western/European civilization, ethnic cultures, Apostolic Christianity and the concept of traditional nation-state. Needless to say, an alliance with Russia is Armenia's only hope for survival in a dangerous place like the south Caucasus. These sobering realizations compelled me to create this blog in 2010. This blog quickly became one of the very few voices in the vastness of Cyberia that dared to preach about the dangers of Globalism and the Anglo-American-Jewish alliance, and the only voice emphasizing the crucial importance of Armenia's close ties to the Russian nation. Today, no man and no political party is capable of driving a wedge between Armenia and Russia. Anglo-American-Jewish and Turkish agenda in Armenia will not succeed. I feel satisfied knowing that at least on a subatomic level I have had a hand in this outcome.

To limit clutter in the comments section, I kindly ask all participants of this blog to please keep comments coherent and strictly relevant to the featured topic of discussion. Moreover, please realize that when there are several "anonymous" visitors posting comments simultaneously, it becomes very confusing (not to mention annoying) trying to figure out who is who and who said what. Therefore, if you are here to engage in conversation, make an observation, express an idea or simply insult me, I ask you to at least use a moniker to identify yourself. Moreover, please appreciate the fact that I have put an enormous amount of information into this blog. In my opinion, most of my blog commentaries and articles, some going back ten-plus years, are in varying degrees relevant to this day and will remain so for a long time to come. Commentaries and articles found in this blog can therefore be revisited by longtime readers and new comers alike. I therefore ask the reader to treat this blog as a historical record and a depository of important information relating to Eurasian geopolitics, Russian-Armenian relations and humanity's historic fight against the evils of Globalism and Westernization.

Thank you as always for reading.