The subject of “Aravot” online “Face to Face” talk show is discussed by the Chairman for the Center of “Partnership for Democracy”, Stepan Danielyan, and publicist Sako Arian.
Aram Abrahamyan – The “Islamic state” has not only conquered Palmyra in Syria, which is an ancient Roman city, but also, according to the media, over 400 people were killed, including women and children. It seems that these issues are not actively discussed in Armenia.
Stepan Danielyan – Naturally, they do not discuss unless the “Islamic state” organization has approached our borders. Unfortunately, it seems that the possibility is there. The cells of this organization exist in Turkey, and, according to the press, such cells are also created in Azerbaijan, in Muslim regions of Georgia. But beyond this, it is very important for us because what is going on in the region, one way or another, already affects us. Mr. Arian lives in Lebanon, so you are in direct contact with all of this and would give a better information. But my impression is that in Lebanon, where thousands of Armenian people live, according to some rumors, the situation is very tense too and very explosive. Now, representatives of various communities live in Lebanon side by side as refugees, who are killing each other in elsewhere, and this hatred, naturally, is transferred, plus the social tensions. Given Lebanon’s complex community structure, the situation can be hard there. The same Armenian refugees in Lebanon may come to Armenia, like in the case of Syrian Armenians, and we could face a more serious challenge
A. A. – Everyone in Lebanon understands the importance of all these events, while in Armenia – not so much.
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Sako Aryan – You are right, there is something very important for us. It is the Sunni-Shiite conflict. Today, we have entered the stage when the “Islamic state” will be presented to the public by the Sunni extreme image, and the Shiite extremists are standing on the opposite side. In this regard, I highly signify June 30, when Iran and the United States should sign their agreement.
A. A. – You are sure.
S. A. – I assume. And prior to this key event, we felt that the “Islamic state” has become super active, and entered Palmyra and will continue its triumphal march. Americans, today, are voicing criticism against the Government of Baghdad, saying that there is no need to try entering Anbar with Shiite slogans. America has always used and should use, unfortunately, the Shia-Sunni conflict. There fear also exists in the Arsel village bordering Lebanon, which is inhabited by Sunnis, and there are risks of terrorism there, but the Lebanese army cautiously defends it. There is a large percentage in the Lebanese society that is against the involvement of Shia “Hezbollah” in the war in Syrian
A. A. – Will the “Islamic state” explode the specimen of Roman culture, as it usually does, or, not this time?
S. A. – This time, the “Islamic state” spread out a video on the “YouTube”, where all the ruins are shown without the voice. I do not know what the context is, however, probably to say that they have not yet exploded them.
S. D. – The issue is very serious. In the late 19th century and in the 20th century, the nationalism developed in the Arab world, and the projects of establishing an ethnic state were implemented in Syria, Iraq and other countries. Interestingly, Iraq and Syria were the most secular states. For example, Iraq ranked the first place for the education level of women in the entire Arab world. Now, in fact, the national state projects are falling apart in the Islamic world, and again, the Uma idea comes back – a return to Koran. The danger here is that it is extended to the entire region. The secular state projects failed everywhere.
Prepared by Aram ABRAHAMYAN, “Aravot” daily
