“Twenty-six people died as a result of this missile strike.”
“No, that’s a lie. They say it was thirty-six.”
And so begins a heated debate over how many were actually killed in this or that attack. Naturally, this debate is fueled by the warring parties themselves. On the sidelines, commentators and “analysts” — depending on where their sympathies lie — join the argument over whose strikes are more devastating.
Even more disturbingly, the destruction and killing by one side is deemed “just,” while the same by the other is “unjust.”
“They started it, we’re just responding.”
“No, they started it. If we hadn’t struck first, we would’ve been destroyed.”
In short, an information war is raging.
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On Armenian social media, the Israel-Iran war is also being interpreted through the lens of that same “competition,” showing that we are no less infected by the moral decay engulfing the world.
“Yes, our side will strike, and not a single stone will be left standing in Tehran,” proclaim the Armenian “Israel fans.” “Our weapons are powerful and deadly.”
“Yes, our side will strike, and Jerusalem will be reduced to dust,” respond the Iran enthusiasts. “You haven’t even seen the power of our weapons.”
Somehow, it’s forgotten that thousands of Armenians live in both of those cities. And even if they didn’t — people live there. People live in every city, in every corner of the world. And no one can convince me that these long-range strikes and “military targets” only affect soldiers.
As in everyday life, the human and the political must be kept separate. When discussing political interests, it is reasonable to say which countries our national interests align with — and which they don’t. Personally, I believe Armenia currently shares more overlapping interests with Iran on various matters. Or, speaking of domestic politics, I might say that the goals of group X are closer to mine than those of group Y.
But when we’re talking about people — their lives and health — those calculations must be set aside. A human approach must be taken in all matters, in all conflicts. Regardless of nationality or party affiliation.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
