“What do we mean by being eternal enemies? Don’t you want us to establish normal relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan?”—The more “educated” segment of the Nikolyans argues along these lines. I don’t deny that among Pashinyan’s opponents, there may be those who support the idea of “eternal enmity.” But my perspective is different.
I fully support establishing normal relations with our neighbors. However, I am convinced that canceling the Declaration of Independence, giving up Ararat, and denying the Genocide do not contribute to improving relations. Yes, we can be normal neighbors—though “good” or “warm” neighbors, I suspect, we will not be for decades to come. The key condition for normal relations is simple: our neighbors must not find it politically or militarily advantageous to attack us.
Who ensures that political and military security? Naturally, first and foremost, our army and diplomacy. But beyond that, society itself must be motivated to defend its state. In an atmosphere of distrust, nihilism, and denial of identity and dignity, such motivation cannot exist.
In addition to internal strength, a country like ours must have powerful allies to deter aggression. We are disillusioned with Russia—and, frankly, we have every reason for that. The U.S. has made it clear that we are not a priority. That leaves Europe, by process of elimination.
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But let’s take a look at what’s happening in Syria today. The pro-Turkish regime effectively governing parts of the country is carrying out massacres against Alevis, Christians, and Shiites. How does the European Union react? By blaming the “former” regime—that is, in this case, Assad’s government. Yes, that regime was dictatorial, but now, with “super-democrats” in charge, the “former” rulers are supposedly the main obstacle to Syria’s democratic transformation—to the construction of paradise.
Of course, I’m not here to accuse the EU of anything—Brussels has its own calculations. After a brief “cooling” with Trump, the EU (and Britain) are once again turning toward Turkey and the Arab oil monarchies. That is understandable. What is less appropriate is the continued rhetoric about democracy.
But more importantly for us: the EU has no interest in countering Turkey’s de facto aggression in Syria or its ethnic and religious cleansing of civilians.
And that, for us, should be a lesson.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
