The Conflict in Armenia

By: Isabella Brusuzyan ‘24

Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images, Taken from npr.org

In 1992 there was land near Armenia that belonged to Armenians and the people in Armenia started to live there. Recently these past 2 years, Azerbaijan, a nation next to Armenia, wanted to take that land, so they started to attack the people. Azerbaijan makes a lot of money off of exporting oil and gas and unfortunately for Armenia, they don’t have a support system. Thousands of Armenians were evicted from their homes, and some were even bombed and destroyed. Azerbaijan has been bombing and killing ethnic Armenians for centuries in order to take territory that has belonged to Armenia. Although this conflict has been an issue for a while, recent tensions have brought a rise in violence and fear within the country.

Since its independence, Armenia has been a peaceful country largely due to its alliance with Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. However, with recent tensions being higher than ever, no nations seem to be assisting Armenia. This is mainly because of Armenia’s relationship with Russia as an ally. Russia is in a war with Ukraine, and their main efforts are directed towards their war. The United States are not on the best terms with Russia either, and are helping Ukraine. Because of this, America isn't helping Armenia either, because they are allies with Russia. Because of this, there also isn't any financial prospects for America helping Armenia either. Armenian club sponsor, Mrs. Yedalyan stated, “It’s unfortunate that a small Christian country that is surrounded by Muslim countries isn't being recognized especially when atrocious human violations are being computed. The world didn’t learn from past historical events such as slavery and genocide. Why are the larger countries sitting behind and not helping? We need to make people aware of this situation.” Armenia does not have any help but Azerbaijan had a strong military and that's why they decided to terrorize the people living in Karabakh.

After Azerbaijan's victory over forces in the breakaway region in September, families of ethnic Armenians are fleeing their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh because they are starving and exhausted. The Azerbaijani government has strengthened its blockade by annexing land near the Lachin corridor in Armenia and Artsakh, closing off potential escape routes, and setting up military checkpoints. Over the past 2 years, Armenia has been battling to keep their land known as Artsahk, but sadly the region's state institutions will be dismantled and Artsakh will be no more by January 1, 2024. The ethnic Armenian people endured a harrowing 10-month blockade without access to essential supplies, demonstrating their unwavering resilience. Tragically, 120,000 Armenians have been forced to leave their homes due to a large-scale attack on civilians. These courageous individuals remained steadfast in their homeland, facing unimaginable challenges.

At this time, it is very easy to be misinformed because of media propaganda, so be careful where you read your news. The situation and all the land that has been unfairly taken from Armenia over the years needs to be made known to the rest of the world, so peace can finally come to Armenia.