A short while ago, Robert Nazaryan, the chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission, received citizens protesting against the increase in gas prices outside the Government Building since morning. After protesting outside the Government Building, citizens continued their demonstration outside the building of the Public Services Regulatory Commission.
The commission’s chief of staff met them there and suggested that three protesters go upstairs and meet with the commission chairman, but the protesters declined, claiming that journalists should also be present at the meeting. After negotiations, they agreed to the protesters’ offer, and the meeting took place in the presence of journalists. Mr. Nazaryan informed that a request for increasing the gas price had been received, and the extent of the increase would be decided as a result of discussion. “However, gas prices will surely rise,” he said, explaining that the Russian side had already increased the price on the border from
$170 to $270. The protesters are moving toward 26 Baghramyan Street at the moment to continue their protest outside the Presidential Palace.
Arpine SIMONYAN
armenia,1. I know some answers. 🙂 Hopefully, the most ioraptmnt ones. Further, it is not that I know the answer, you can know the answers too. it is what geopolitics dictates. It is what geopolitics forces states to make choices. Geography determines, to a large extent, what nation states do. There are secondary factors, but that will require me to write a book.2(a). Wouldn’t it be is a hypothetical question. I engage in such hypothetical questions as intellectual pursuit, but first things first. Therefore, in the wouldn’t it be vs what actually happened equation, we go for the latter. In reality, Napoleon conquered the entire Europe, but did not conquer Switzerland. There must be a reason. Why? And it surely is not Bonaparte’s kindness and graciousness. In reality, Hitler conquered much of Europe (or had influence over it through its allies, Spain, Italy), but did not conquer Switzerland. Again, there must be a reason. Since 1300s no nation, I repeat, no nation has conquered Switzerland. Europe’s blood history of conquest let Switzerland untouched and independent? Why? Surely there was no oil and there were no banks in Switzerland in 1395, 1402, 1511 and 1617. The reason? It is called geopolitics. See the answers in my prior post.2(b) I suppose you are asking was it possible to occupy Switzerland. Yes, it was possible. Anything is possible. Therefore, the concept is meaningless. In the courtroom, isn’t it possible . is met with its irrelevant objection, and the objection is sustained. (I do it quite often, so take my word for it, hehe ) (Is it possible that a meteor will hit a 98 year old grandma passing the street? Yes it is. Anything is possible. So what?!?!.2(c) Wouldn’t it be easier to occupy Switzerland No. No. The operative word is easier. In other words, its a balance between easy and not easy (hard, tough, expensive, etc.). That’s the entire point. (Please read my prior post carefully.) It is a cost benefit analysis. It was not easier to occupy Switzerland, because it would cost: (a) a lot of manpower dead or wounded, (b) a lot of money (ammunition, supplies, etc) to occupy or take control. Thereafter, it would cost more (not less) to maintain control over a country which has (a) mountains, (b) fully-armed and ready-to-fight able population. Stated differently, the occupant can occupy more countries (more territory, population, natural resources, etc.) with the same amount of blood and treasure.2(c)(i) Look at Afghanistan. Its a mountainous country and its not easy (that’s the word) to occupy and then control it. Ask the British empire, the (former) Soviet Union and, presently, the USA. Tough, tough, tough. Have you also noticed that there are no naval routes to Afghanistan? (wink).3. So you think basically Hitler left Switzerland untouched because … its mountainous? You missed the point. The first factor is the mountains. The second factor a population where every person,e very individual, every individual, every John and (preferably Jane), (that’s the key) is armed (have weapons at homes).4. Why wouldn’t Hitler trade arms and oil through Swiss banks? He did what any rational state leader would do. If you can’t occupy, why not use to your advantage. Why wouldn’t Turkey (Iran, Russia, etc.) trade arms and oil through Armenia IF it suits both parties? Armenia is weak and poor, so it won’t happen presently. But before that, Armenia must have Swiss style army.4(a). The question implies moralism. Its dangerous to bring moralism (whatever that means) into geopolitics. Never do that.5. Look at NKR. It has mountains and competent, experienced, armed, victorious armed forces. So it is not easy for Azerbaijan to conquer it. Is it possible? Yes. But at what cost? 50,000 dead and 100,000 wounded and $40 billion and 300,000 casualties in the peaceful population surrounding the area? 100,000 dead and 300,000 wounded? ((I omit Russia’s power projection (and Iran’s, albeit minor role) in this equation)). IF NKR had 300,000 population and a constitutional right (even a requirement) that each person be armed, then Artsakh would be definitely independent, because no Caucasian Tartar (that’s Azeri) leader would dare to sacrifice 150,000 soldiers (that’s dead) and 300,000 wounded to occupy and/or control the territory (the casualties are a a rough estimate, but precise numbers can be calculated). For starters, it doesn’t have that much army to begin with.6. You should read maps! 🙂 Along with history. And of course, ask good questions. (wink).P.S. Please print out and read my prior post and this post. Then let it simmer for 2-3 days. Then, read again. Carefully. Then put it aside for 5 days. Then read one last time. It will all come together. (This is not patronizing. I do this too, especially if the subject is new, odd, makes no sense, contradicts what we were taught. ) Then, I am confident you will agree with my arguments. If not, then I failed my task. :)P.P.S. If anyone at the Armenian ruling elite or the military brass reads this post, they can use my analysis for free, but should give credit to Observer (for the forum) and me (for my insight). (I don’t sound modest, do I? hehehe )