Armenia’s Potential Invasion by Azerbaijan and the World’s Silence

Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

Recent events in Nagorno-Karabakh have shed light on the dire situation faced by Armenia. The world witnessed the aggression of Azerbaijan, as it conducted a brutal operation against a disputed democratic region. The aftermath left an entire population displaced and an ancestral culture ravaged. However, despite President Joe Biden’s strong stance against terrorists and dictators, the Biden administration has failed to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its atrocities and ethnic cleansing. With signs of a potential invasion of sovereign Armenia on the horizon, it becomes crucial to scrutinize the world’s silence on this imminent threat.

The Neglected Crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh:
Over nine long months, more than 100,000 indigenous Armenians endured Azerbaijan’s medieval starvation siege in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian population suffered relentless bombardment until they were forced to capitulate, leaving behind their homes, lives, and a rich cultural heritage of two and a half millennia. It is alarming that the international community failed to prevent this ethnic cleansing, leaving the surviving Armenians in a state of despair.

The Impending Invasion of Armenia:
Experts and observers now warn that Armenia may become the next target of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Joint military exercises between Turkey and Azerbaijan are taking place near Armenia’s borders, with Turkish F-16 fighter jets making conspicuous appearances. Symbolic signs, such as the appearance of “!” on Azerbaijan’s military trucks, further underscore the intentions of these aggressors. Yet, despite being aware of these developments, the United States has been cautious in reprimanding its petro-aggressor and has refrained from imposing targeted financial sanctions.

Geopolitical Motivations and Power Games:
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sees Armenia as a vulnerable target, particularly with the upcoming 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic. Erdoğan seeks to consolidate his power and overshadow the revered figure of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and an invasion of Armenia could fulfill this ambition. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown an interest in punishing Armenia for its pro-Western leanings, presenting an opportunity for Russia to wield economic and geopolitical leverage. The potential fallout of such an invasion could have far-reaching consequences.

The Role of the United States and the Need for Action:
While the U.S. has championed Armenia as a democracy, its response to Azerbaijan’s aggression and the looming threat to Armenia has been disappointing. Despite expressing concern, the Biden administration has not taken strong action against the aggressors. The U.S. possesses the tools to prevent further atrocities in the region, and it is imperative for President Biden to live up to his promise of prioritizing human rights and holding accountable those who perpetrate violence and oppression.

The silence of the international community in the face of Azerbaijan’s aggression and the potential invasion of Armenia is deeply concerning. The lessons from history remind us that some democracies and lives are deemed more valuable than others. In order to prevent further bloodshed and ensure justice for the victims, it is imperative for world leaders to act swiftly and decisively. The fate of Armenia hangs in the balance, and its struggle should not go unnoticed or ignored.

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