Chaos

'Hoosk' Ripe for Reform

2010-09-23T20:35:00.003-07:00

There are major challenges in Iran for the spreading of genocide awareness. The biggest problem being the absence of a genocide studies center or program at universities. There could be many reasons for this shortcoming, such as the government's neglect of the social sciences, not funding the translation of new books, specifically human rights-related literature. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the absence of genocide studies experts and researchers. You might find a few articles here and there, but they are not robust studies or analyses. There are few genocide-related books translated into Persian. There are very few websites with information or news about genocide.

In the absence of academic centers and scholarly work, the Armenian Research Center (Hoosk), the sole "Hye Dat" (Armenian Cause) organization in Iran, has taken the responsibility to educate Iranians about the Armenian Genocide. The Center does this job by translating books into Persian and by providing interested individuals with information, books, articles, etc.The Center organizes seminars, workshops, and meetings for Armenians and Iranians. As a teenager I had the opportunity to meet many interesting individuals such as Hrant Dink, Mihran Dabagh, Hilda Tchoboian, researchers and political analysts by participating in seminars organized by the Center. Peyman, the Center’s Persian-language quarterly, has become one of the most popular magazines among Iranians.

Despite the commendable job that has been done and is still being done (by very few people), the Center is facing a serious challenge to his reputation and importance. Thus, I am writing not to praise the job of Hoosk but to voice my concern! Hoosk is now being managed by some people who not only lack the ability to continue the good work of the previous members, but also do not have the necessary insight and knowledge to adopt new strategies for the dissemination of Hye Dat’s views.

I am afraid. I am afraid there are very few active people who can save the Center. I am afraid the community would withdraw from participating in the Center's activities. I am afraid that capable people would give up and not fight the pretender-intellectuals whose lack of knowledge and expertise, as well as mismanagement, would harm the Center's reputation.

I have seen many unacceptable things. Naming them in this blog post would be unnecessary. But the important point I would like to stress is that the shortcomings I have witnessed were not results of human error but the lack of knowledge of some of those who are holding offices! Of course anybody can make mistakes and nobody who works there is a scholar or a researcher. But there is one simple prerequisite! You need to know the minimum about the stuff you are going to promote so you won’t have a top news on your website with the title of “occupied territories of Azerbaijan”! What frightens me the most is that I see the same individuals (and yes! Very few individuals) being offered new positions and getting involved with new projects!

Just wanna see a change I guess...

Few people, Many resources!

2010-09-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

Armenian community of Iran faces the issue of population reduction. The number of people who have leaved the country either to the US or Armenia has increased over past years while it 'seems' that fertility rate has been decreased!

The population decline has caused a big problem: there are schools, sports and cultural complexes that once used to serve the needs of the community but now are too big and costly to be maintained for a community that is getting smaller. For instance, one of the boys' high schools that used to have around 20-25 students per class ended up having only 7-8 students in each class who were spending an enormous amount of time in traffic to travel to the neighborhood of the school which once used to be populated by Armenians!

The problem of a "Small Community, Big Resources" has become the major concern for community's policy makers, including Armenian Prelacy which serves as the governing body of it. As a result, a new project of OPTIMIZING community's resources has been introduced! Through this project some community properties (schools, cultural centers, etc.) that are costly to maintain would be sold while the money would be used to upgrade the older complexes, combine some schools (elementary, high school, etc.), and increase the budget of the community's organizations, etc.

Although this project seems fairly reasonable, doable, and necessary, it has caused major controversy within the community. There are rumors about Armenian Prelacy members being thieves or there are sharp criticisms of personal lives of some active individuals in community! Although some criticizers go crazy in expressing their discontent, it seems that underlying logic of all is one major concern as following:

The community can be saved! The policy makers just have no idea what they are doing. By working correctly, the community would continue to survive as it was before. Instead of selling the properties, it would have been better if the Prelacy could CREATE jobs for the youth so they wouldn't immigrate! Optimization project only leaves Armenians hopeless and the community feels how it's losing its power and influence! In order to keep the community hopeful and happy we need to keep properties so people would feel they are still strong and powerful!

And from all that is being said by discontent critics some questions come to mind:

1- How do you expect a prelacy create jobs? is it a government or what? Maybe it is governing Armenian community but unemployment is an issue in Iranian society and can be resolved through Iranian government's policies. The prelacy cannot fix it to stop immigration of Armenians! Hey Armenians, wake UP! you are citizen's of a county named Iran and you are influenced by it's economic policies like everybody else!

2- Seriously! how can you stop immigration? it is a result of Iranian government policies; lack of social and economic security; lack of civil and political liberties, and so on. Don't tell me "they are selling the properties and not giving me any money and that's why I am leaving!" This would be a lie! whatever happens within the Armenian prelacy does not have causal relation with immigration! (emphasizing the causal relation!).

3-Yes! the community is losing its influence and power! that is the fact people need to face and swallow! I am sorry to say this to some "intellectuals" in our community! but actually, you know what? people would understand the situation unless you guys don't become populists using the rhetoric of "decision makers are bunch of idiot thieves" to gain public support for your next community elections!

4- isn't it just over romanticizing the glory of the community in the past? why isn't it OK to manage the resources in the best possible way? circumstances change; so does the community!

5- And finally a general question: why do some people feel the need to always disagree?

it was a long post. I am just tired of reading the same stuff over and over again on blogs and websites, and hear the same conversations constatntly!

Things that I Love about Armenia!

2010-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Armenia has changed a lot...you see how people change everyday...

these small changes make me really happy...

I love the fact that local Armenians treat tourists nicely...
I love seeing local women dancing crazy in bars, pubs, and discos late night...
I love seeing that people respect driving rules! i notice a lot of positive change in "armenian driving culture"!
I love seeing different activists fighting for women's rights, for environment, etc.
I love the fact that there is an Armenian Bikers' club!
I love seeing diasporan armenians hanging out with local armenians, making friends, etc.
I love the fact that I met some cool local Armenians...no more stereotypes!
I love listening to live rock music in a weird dark cool bar located in an unknown street!
I love these random photo exhibition by random artists! and they are super cool!
I love that people smile...

I love these small positive changes in Armenia...
This post-soviet, post-communist poor little country with no natural resources, manages to change so rapidly...

New Life

2010-08-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

I have had no new posts for about 5 months! I have been busy organizing my life and now I will be moving to the USA again to pursue my PHD. I am not quite sure whether moving to the US and continuing my education is the best decision I could make at this stage of my life or not! however, everything is ready for my travel...

I lived in Iran for about 7-8 months and I can admit that I am pretty happy that I left there again! although I really love Tehran, I cannot say that I had a wonderful time living in Armenian small community there. There will be always some people who preserve themselves the sacred task of making your life miserable! But I am out now. I have been living in Armenia over past 2 months enjoying pretty Yerevan, nightlife, and company of real good friends...

And, I will leave Yerevan to Denver in less than a week to start a new life...

we will see...

PERSIAN website on Armenian Genocide

2010-04-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

A new Website has been Launched: Genocide.ir

It contains information on Armenian genocide in Persian language and the Commemoration Committee of the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide maintains the website.

It is the official website of the Armenian Diocese of Tehran since the committee operates under supervision of diocese.

PLEASE link to this website on your websites and blogs so it will have a better ranking in google searches.

THANKS!!!

Sorry

2010-04-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

I am sorry! I haven't been able to update my blog for a month or so. I have been really busy over past few months preparing some paperwork and finishing my work. But, couple new posts are coming up in next week!
Sorry again!

green day of tree planting!

2010-03-11T02:48:00.000-08:00

Couple days ago, it was tree planting day in Iran. Student's of social science faculty of University of Tehran had bound the trees with green ribbons. There were posters on grin ribbons with the message: "Viva the green day of tree planting".

Although during the past two months the pressure on social and political activists and individuals has doubled, it is interesting to see how students wisely use the opportunity to voice their (political) concerns. Well, they were celebrating the earth's day, the day of tree planting or if you see it differently, the day of greens!!!

Culture of doing what you don't know!

2010-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

In Iran people work in positions that they have no professional training for.

for example the president is an engineer! a mechanical engineer is a web-designer! An Armenian literature expert is a journalist for Armenian language newspaper! an English literature expert is a journalist for a TV station! a physicist does political analysis! a person with political science diploma takes care of prisoners in the prison!a social scientist works for a project that is directed by an agricultural engineer! a chemist is a parliament member!

However, the above-mentioned examples are actually pretty good. You know why? because at least they have some university education and at least they know the method of thinking. The story becomes even more fun when you see people without education occupying position that requires education. For example, a person without high school diploma does political analysis for others, or makes movies, or teaches at school...

well, I just can say that it is really frustrating to work in an environment that you have nothing to learn from the people around you and you constantly ask yourself "how could this person do this job so far?". But probably this chaos that is a direct result of the mismanagement in countries like Iran, is one of the most important factors hindering the development of such countries. Where nobody is in his position, disorder dominates the situation. When disorder rules, the dominant culture is chaos and anarchy. In a chaotic situation everything happens! like an engineer becomes the president and claims that the inflation rate is decreasing while the prices rise day by day. Well, that is not his fault! he simply does not know! that is not his job. even if the mr. so called president said that the inflation is increasing, he was not supposed to be in that position! he is an engineer!And sad part of the story is the fact that this attitude of putting inappropriate people in positions is not limited to the government. NO! this is a culture that is evident everywhere! it is OK to do what you are not supposed to do. That is the culture of doing what you don't know!

not a post

2010-01-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I don't feel like doing anything...
There are many things that I want to write about. But I feel so lazy, so tired.
This country is like hell.
No word can explain the feelings of a woman who lives in this dead city.
In this country nobody is happy. I am not an exception.

People Talk!

2009-12-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

The photo on the right depicts Ayatollah Khomeini's funeral who died in June 1989. Khomeini became the political and spiritual leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
The photo below depicts Ayatollah Montazeri's funeral in 21st December 2009. Montazeri was also an influential figure during the revolution. However, in today's Iranian political life he embodies the spirit of reform and Green Wave Movement.
Both are important and popular political figures during their time.
However, apart from the political disagreements, there is another big difference that distingushes Montazeri from khomeini, and subsequently, the Green Wave Movement from the Revolution's era social mobilization.

The first cleric was leading the people and the second one was the voice of the people!
The first one was a charismatic figure with the power to mobilize the people and the second one was the representative of the people!
The first one was talking to people and the second one was listening to people!

Although I am talking about two individuals, Khomeini and Montazeri, the point I am making is actually a comparison of revolution and today's social movement in Iran. I think one of the most interesting differences that many have noticed is the fact that in the case of Green Wave Movement people are not looking for a father figure anymore! They are not following A leader! in contrast, although people see opposition political elite as leaders, they also keep these leaders in check.Karubi and Musavi and clerics like Montazeri are leaders of the movement not because they are charismatic individuals with the power to mobilize but because they voice the demands put forward by the people. Thus, this movement is the political project of the people and not the leaders or individuals.

*the first photo is from encarta website and the second one is by Associated Press.

US in Iran! conspiracy vs. independency!

2009-12-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

If you live in Iran you are familiar with conspiracy theory. This means there are hidden hands behind whatever happens in this country. The political leaders, specifically hardliners, love this method of analyzing the events in Iran, and unfortunately, their rhetoric resonates or used to resoante among people in Iran. Well, maybe it is after the recent presidential elections that people are more skeptical of this method of thinking. This is because what happened during and after elections was the result of people's participation with their own will. Thus, the propaganda calling the protesters and opposition members as US agents does not make sense anymore specially when thousands of people marched in streets...anyway ...I don't want to do gross generalizations about people and their mentality because whatever I say is based on my personal experiences, and of course, my own assumptions or popular belief. However, what remains a fact is the usage of the same conspiracist rhetoric by the regime.

Whenever I load the regime's websites and news portals, I find several news and analysis regarding the recent events and protests in Iran. The content of the posts are similar. In almost all of them, the protests have been discribed as the project of the US, and subsequently, those who support the green movement are individuals who have been tricked by the US! conspiracy again!

Well, what is the moral of the stroy?

The explanation the regime presents to attack the protesters makes me think that the country is so weak that a foreign country can not only organize protetst in Iran but also trick many people and bring them into the streets!

well, OK! Let's imagine that this is thue. that it is not a conspiracy theory again but the relaity and that there are again hidden hands behind whatever happened and happens in Iran. OK! doesn't this mean that the current leaders are not strong and qualified enough to control my country? how can I trust the leaders who admit that they couldn't keep my country safe from the foreign influence? How independent we are?

How are these leaders different from Qajars or Pahlavi dynasty?

Intelligence & Photojournalism!

2009-12-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

Twitter revolution, facebook revolution, and citizen journalism…
These are concepts and phrases so familiar to those who have followed the recent events in Iran following the rigged elections.

Although Iranian regime has restricted the activity of national and foreign media, the protesters use digital cell-phones and cameras to take photos and also film the demonstrations and upload them on websites like youtube.Thus, the usage of new media by young people with the goal of both organizing the protests and also disseminating the photos and movies of the protests has become a topic of research and analysis.No one can question the importance of new digital technologies in empowering the citizens and providing them with the means to narrate their own story of the events. There are also discussions about the decrease in state’s control over information flow and content production.

However, although we talk about the citizen-empowering character of the new media, there is also a dark side of the story! In the case of Iran, the regime’s intelligence uses the digital cameras to film the protesters. By watching the movies they are able to follow the leaders among the protesters and arrest those who are super active during the demonstrations. In aftermath of one of the demonstrations, the intelligence’s action became more scary when they uploaded the photos of the protesters on their website and asked the people to send them information about the individuals specified in the photos.

Well, it is interesting to see how the digital media that helps people to make their voice heard, is being used by the government to suppress the same people! I was wondering if there is a need to create phrases like oppressive digital media? Or intelligence photojournalism instead of citizen journalism!

Stop Violence against Women

2009-11-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

“16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” was also launched in Armenia.
I have no comment on this. It speaks for itself.
Read the news from tert.am

the Other Armenian

2009-11-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

I have a hate-love relation with Armenia. Since the moment the plane landed in Yerevan’s airport, I lost my ability to think rationally. Now, I am having contradictory feelings: hate, love, sadness, anger, happiness, pride, shame, pity…I feel I am floating in the air. I feel lost.

One day, in a disco, a drunk Armenian guy told me: “Armenia is out of standards; it is like nowhere; it is out of standards; stay in here”. His statement stuck in my mind. From the moment I met the drunk guy up until now, when I am sitting in my bed in Tehran, I am thinking of the same statement. Now that I am back in Tehran, I feel like I am missing whatever I had detested during my stay in Armenia.

The most I am missing is the man who cursed me and my friends for walking in street after 1AM. A "good" woman is not supposed to walk in streets late at night. That is the tradition. Women from diaspora (like us) break the norm. We are the outsiders…we are the others….and I feel the sweetness and bitterness of being the other in my homeland…

I love and I hate Armenia… it is like nowhere…

Who is the Hostage? to What?

2009-11-05T10:38:00.001-08:00

Nov 4th, Tehran: The anniversary of U.S. Hostage Crisis

Iranian opposition (well! Majority of the people) protested in Tehran and other cities.
The confrontation of the government and the protesting people was terrifying.
You could feel the hatred on the faces of regime supporters. They were beating the people!

Why do people hate? Or how do people learn to hate?
I was wondering how would Iranian Supreme Leader think and feel if he had a chance to travel around the world?
How would the R.G members think and feel if they could live in Brazil, Canada, or Italy for a year or so?

How do people learn the method of loving “others”?

How do people become hostage to hatred?

I am Armenian, I am Iranian

2009-10-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

My sister is a high school student. She goes to a non-Armenian (or Muslim) school. One day she comes home and says how her non-Armenian Muslim friends do not know the difference between being an Armenian and being Persian. My sister says that her friends were surprised when she said she is not Persian but Armenian.

Armenians live in Iran for more than 400 years. Although 400 years is a long time, Armenians still live in a semi-closed community, speak Armenian, and practice their rituals. when is this gonna end? and how?or is it supposed to end?

It is interesting to see how after 400 years of living as ethnic Armenians in Iran people still don't know about us!

Moreover, it is interesting to see an example illustrating the dominance of Persian culture! students don't know that Iran is a multi-ethnic country and that Persians are one of the ethnic groups living in Iran.

why?

No Comment

2009-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

President of Armenia went to Turkey to attend the soccer match.
Sarkissian’s airplane landed in the airport. He was accompanied by Armenian delegation.
Davutoglu welcomed Sarkissian. Turkish delegation accompanied him.

Both shook hands. There were dozens of politicians around them.
For a moment I felt pain in my heart! Not because this meeting reminded me the fact that protocols had been signed. No! For a moment, I felt so weak, so little, so marginalized!

There was no woman among them!

And once again, I 'understood' that “this is a man’s world”(.)

...

Collective Punishment of The Armenian Diaspora!

2009-10-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Armenian Genocide was a collective punishment. A group of people was exterminated simply because they were Armenian. Collective punishment is an outcome of racism. It is the outcome of the idea that being an Armenian, a Rwandan, or a Cambodian, is something different from being a human. It is not important whether the person as an individual or a human being is a good person or not. The value of the individual is measured based on his/her affiliation to a specific group. Consequently, the entire group is perceived as one entity and group members deprived of individuality. Therefore, the whole group can be treated as a single unit or as an individual.

Recently, the announced Protocols by the governments of Turkey and Armenia to be singed in October 10 in order to normalize relations between respective countries have become a major point of dispute. Armenian President, Serzh Sarkissian, started a tour to gain the support of Armenians in the Diaspora that ended in major protests and demonstrations demanding the president to stop the process.
Couple days ago, Turkish Prime Minister, Erdogan, had an interview with the Wall Street Journal discussing the Protocols. In his interview, Erdogan said:

“I believe when president Sarkisian was on an international visit, he was faced by a reaction from the Armenian Diaspora. Therefore, what he does in face of the reaction of the Diaspora is very important. If he can stand firm, and if it is the government of Armenia and not the Armenian Diaspora that is determining policy in Armenia, then I think that we can move forward.”
Who is Armenian Diaspora? Moreover, is this statement racist?

It seems that if for Turkish authorities in 1915 Armenians were seen as one single entity, an ethnic group, who were denied the right to exist, the Armenian Diaspora today as well is perceived as a single entity that should be denied the right to be heard. In other words, the underlying logic is the same old idea of excluding a particular group of people from the process. If in 1915 the exclusion of Armenians occurred through the genocide, today the exclusion is through the calls to ignore the Diaspora’s voices. In both cases, a group of people has been perceived as one entity and the method to deal with the group is its elimination (either physically or silencing the voice).

One may argue that addressing a group of people who share one major similarity is a common approach and method. The usage of phrases like American people, French citizens, Muslim population, etc is common. However, the political leaders usually use those phrases to address the people or speak on behalf of those groups. I do not remember an accepted political leader of a democratic country expressing the idea of ignoring x or y group of people. Just imagine for instance, the President of US saying that the Israeli government should not take into consideration the Jewish Diaspora or the Palestinian authorities should ignore the people of Gaza (not specific organization or party BUT the people of Gaza).

The statements criticizing the Armenian Diaspora, or calling the Diasporans as obstacles hindering Armenia’s development follows the same line of thought explained in the first paragraph. It assumes that Armenians are divided in two groups, Armenians of Armenia and Armenians of Diaspora and each group represents a single entity with a unique quality. One side wants development, peace, and the other one conflict. Thus, there is a need to silence or ignore the nationalist one that wants conflict! This style of thinking in this framework is dangerous and mistaken. It is essentially racist!

Statements calling to ignore the Diaspora’s concerns are outside of Erdogan’s authority. It seems the Turkish Prime Minister does not remember that the issues addressed in the Protocols are directly linked to the concerns of the Diaspora. How can you exclude the party directly linked to the issues raised in the Protocols from influencing the outcome of the political process? The Turkish Prime Minister does not understand that he has no moral right to demand such a thing. He does not realize that the Armenian Diaspora is the outcome of the Genocide of 1915, the veracity of which is questioned in the Protocols. Is this the continuation of the same Turkish policy with a different form? How much racism plays into this?

US don't lose Iranian people!

2009-10-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you had asked me couple years ago whether US should negotiate with Iran or not I would have said yes. But I am not sure if I would be supportive of that now. I am against the use of force against Iran! No way! But at the same time negotiating with Iran’s today’s government means two things: 1- you negotiate with an illegitimate government whereas 10 years ago or even 2 years ago you had the chance to negotiate with a legitimate one (or at least, despite the criticisms, a government accepted by major political elite factions). 2- you grant the hardliners the green winner card of starting negotiations with the US. That is what they want: Be tough with the West and they will respect you!what does being tough mean?

What should West and the US do now? There should be some form of negotiations given the importance of Iran in the region. (maybe?) I understand that. But at the same time I think that there should be more emphasize on the violation of human rights and events followed the rigged elections. It is not an easy time for Obama’s administration for sure. His policy during the election riot was great in my opinion. But I am hesitant to say the same thing about his today’s policy towards Iran! what do you think?

I don’t want the same logic directing the US policy towards normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey be employed in the case of Iran. (please read my previous post)

dont know the cartoonist yet! will find his name asap!

the president just raped us and the world is clapping!

2009-10-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

“president” Serzh Sarkissian assumed power in Armenia through rigged elections. The fraudulent elections were followed by massive demonstrations that ended in the establishment of the state of emergency in Armenia. The police killed Armenian citizens and many of them were imprisoned. The US didn’t congratulate Serzh Sarkissian.

One month after his election, Serzh started his soccer diplomacy to start relations with Turkey. The result was the introduction of two protocols that are expected to be signed in 10 days and later be ratified by the parliaments of both countries. There are tons of analyses about the protocols. It is clear that Armenia is not in equal position with Turkey. Armenia will lose a lot! US is happy and supporting the process! This is what Armenia wants!!!? Right? No one states that Armenia is not a democratic country!!!

This reminds me the public private division and how it relates to intl. relations.
If you are a bad guy inside the family and also in the society everybody blames you. You don’t know how to treat your family and you don’t know how to behave in public! Everybody condemns you!
If you are a bad guy in the family but behave well in the public, then it is no ones’ business what you do in your family. Unless you do ok in the public, the rest is not important.

Does anybody remember who Serzh is?

Therefore,

1-Armenia’s issue is domestic! We need to fight for democracy. We are losing because we are not democratic and it has nothing to do with western pressure! (well, it has to some extent but it is not the decisive factor). Westerners are not gonna solve our issues! They have their own issues and agendas.

2- human rights is a myth! Dignity? What does that mean? You rape me but I speak about the reconciliation and everybody is happy because I am such an amazing person! I show love to those who rape me constantly!

3-it feels like we are living at the time of cold war!

4-don’t expect me to be logical. I am overwhelmed and mad! And I have the right to be both overwhelmed and mad! Too much is going on around me.

IMPORTANT NOTE: whenever I talk about Turkey I mean today's Turkish government. I have no problem with Turkish people. just want to make it clear.

Iranians are Free

2009-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

“History is the progress of the consciousness of freedom.” (Hegel)

There is extreme state pressure on people in Iran.
Rev. G.uard just bought the major share of the state’s telecommunication company.
The majority of political and social networking websites are blocked.
It is not possible to watch satellite TV stations like BBC, Euronews, CNN,etc.
There is a program for reformation of social sciences in Iran meaning the i.slamization and anti-s.ecularization of social sciences!!!! God knows what that means! The Gentlemen are afraid of Weber and Habermas!

However, it feels like Iran has never been freer than today.
And it feels like Iranians have never been freer than this.
Iranians are free today
Not because they wear tight uniforms and tiny scarves, and thus, challenge the government imposed dress code
Not because they play western music
Not because they know how to find western uncensored movies in black market
Not because they know how to find alcohol and throw out big parties
but because they are aware that being free does not mean bypassing the laws and opposing the government-imposed norms but actually demanding to change those unfair laws and respecting them! They are free because they know how to respect human kind regardless of his/her religious and political beliefs. Iranians put an step forward in order to resolve the prejudice and nervousness.

It is such an amazing time to be in Iran. It feels like you are stuck in the middle of history; so close to it that you can feel how it changes.

less or more nationalist or the weakness of civil society?

2009-09-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

Why would Armenia sign such protocols and why there is no major and news breaking reaction by the people living in Armenia? It SEEMS that Armenians of diapsora and ARF inside the Armenia are the ones who are the major critics of the protocols! Well, the argument has been made that the diasporans are radical and ARF is perceived as the nationalist party! During past two weeks I have heard explanations stating that it seems there is a gap between diaspora and Armenia! It seems that disaporan Armenians and Armenians from Armenia have different values, and thus, have different approaches towards the normalization of relations between the two countries of Turkey and Armenia! Subsequently, the assumption is that except some hardliner radicals, the rest of the people in Armenia are in favor or normalizing relations with Turkey, and thus, opening the borders.

The above-mentioned explanation doesn't seem compelling. I believe the perceived difference does not indicate the difference between Armenians and diasporans in terms of defining the principles of the national interests(*). The answer does not lie in difference between values but the weakness of democratic institutions, civil and political society in Armenia. Why?

One of the major problems in the protocol relates to the issue of genocide. The issue has been framed in a way that allows questioning the occurrence of the Armenian Genocide!

Now the question is: do really Armenians of Armenia consider this issue unimportant? Is pursuing the genocide recognition solely a political agenda for diasporans? Would Armenians of Armenia agree to open the border and instead question the occurrence of genocide as a historical fact?

I believe no! Many might want relations with Turkey and that is totally understandable! But not in return of questioning the Genocide! The genocide has played a major role in Armenian identity-formation. The attempts for the recognition of the genocide started in Armenia since 1965 when Armenia was part of USSR. The Memorial of Genocide victims, Tsisernakabert, is built in Armenia by Armenians of Armenia during the Soviet Union! Up until today, every year, on the day of 24th of April, several thousands of Armenians walk to Tsisernakabert and NObody organizes the march!

How can one argue that for people in Armenia the Genocide is not an important issue? I think the value is the same but the conditions allowing diasporans to express their concerns are different. there are three reasons that Armenians in Armenia are not objecting the protocols in the way we diasporans expect them to do:

1-most of the disaporans are living in democratic countries whereas Armenia is not a fully democratic country. Armenians in diaspora feel no fear of organizing protests and expressing their opinions. In Armenia freedom of speech is limited. Many people do not feel safe of expressing their opinion. (there are studies about this, et me know if you need more information)

2- Most of the diasporans believe that through protests it is possible to change the behavior of the authorities because they live in a country that there is not huge gap between the government and the society or it is an accepted method to pressure the government through demonstrations. In contrast, the government in Armenia has imprisoned many protesters participated in rallies for disputed march presidential election; an action that many Armenians remember up until today and there are still prisoners! It seems that people of Armenia not only are afraid of objecting the government, but also do not feel that they can change anything! The gap between the government and the society is so wide that people probably don’t feel they will be able to influence the process! The Armenian in Armenia is not fully aware of his/her rights and responsibilities as a citizen.

3- the people in diaspora have access to the Internet and read English language analysis whereas it seems that in Armenia there is no extensive public debate (simple and clear explanations) about the issue! I feel like there is not clear understanding of the consequences of the protocols on Armenia’s economy and politics.

Well, obviously whatever I am arguing is based on assumptions. I have no data or statistics to support it. I may be totally wrong since I realize that I see the reality from my perspective and based on the information I get from my trusted people who may be biased! However, I would like to mention a note that I read in a friend’s blog and use it as an example. My friend who is a political activist in Armenia has participated in hunger strike and also signature collection campaigns organized by the ARF. The blogger explains that that how a citizen was afraid of signing the petition against the government! The guy had asked the organizers whether the government would follow him or not in case he signs the protest petition! The second point the author of the blog mentions is that the media has boycotted the protests in Armenia! Apparently, the TV stations, as well as other media outlets had not covered the protests (the hunger strikes that occurred in main republic square!).

I return to the first question: why Armenians of diaspora are more active in objecting the protocols than Armenians in Armenia? The answer is not because Armenians in diapsora are more radical and nationalist! The difference stems from the weakness of democratic values and institutions in Armenia.

(*)I acknowledge that many Armenians inside Armenia such as former Foreign Minister, Vartan Oskanian, and Heritage party's Raffi Hovanessian, etc. have expressed their opposition to the protocols. I am not talking about the political elite but he society and people in general.

peace, pride, and missiles

2009-09-27T04:49:00.002-07:00

Iran’s Missile Test: the chief of the Air Force during an interview explained the message of the maneuver:

1-The message to friend nations: peace!
2-The message to Muslim population of Iran: pride!
3-The message to the enemies: deterrence and power!

Question #1? Who is the friend?
Question #2? How about non-Muslim Iranians?
Question #3? Do you mean the whole world?

the Lady, The girl!

2009-09-26T02:01:00.000-07:00

Armenian Superstar is more than a song contest in my opinion! Not only it provides the young people with an opportunity to present their talents, it also allows them for expression of their individuality!

Among the participants who had to be selected by the jury to get into the contest there was an atypical Armenian teenage girl. She was a hip-pop lover! She was wearing baggy shorts and a t-shirt. She had a cap and big white sport shoes. Those were cloths that NO woman dares to wear in Armenia! Women are expected to be feminine and being feminine means wearing high hills, cute shirts, and behave within specific expected norms. I assume everybody understands what I mean!

It was the girl’s third time to participate in the contest. The first time she failed because she had lost her voice the day of the contest. The second time the jury passed her but the audience didn’t vote for her. I don’t know how well she had performed compared to others; however, I believe that her image and also music style (hip pop) had been probably perceived unacceptable by the audience. This is just an assumption though!

Regardless of her artistic abilities, seeing such a person on Armenia’s TV screen intrigued me for two reasons: (i) it was amazing to see her courage to appear in public and on TV with a clothing style against expected norms, and (ii) it was amazing to see her persistence and desire to fight for her dreams.

She can be considered a role model for many women in the Armenia’s traditional society. She not only breaks the norms, but also patiently pursues her goal by asking the audience to accept her in the way she is! And she asks this with a big smile on her face. I don’t know about her personal life. However, by knowing Armenian society, it is not hard to imagine the problems and challenges she faces in her everyday life and career.

Armenian lady! Go for it. I am sure you will be great. Maybe not in superstar but definitely in your personal life and also in the society!

Economic relations with Turkey? Armenia's development?

2009-09-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

I was at home doing some work yesterday that I heard someone talking on Shant TV's Horizon News Program about the economic prospects for Armenia in case Turkey opens its borders. I don't exactly remember who the speaker was but I am sure he was a government representing authority. From what I heard I am amazed of the way Armenian authorities are misinforming the public! SERIOUSLY?

The person was explaining that over past 10 years despite the closed borders, there have been economic relations and some form of imports and exports between the two countries. Based on his report, over past 10 years around 70-80 million dollars worth of goods have been imported to Armenia and in return around 10 million dollars has been exported to Turkey (the numbers are estimates since I don't remember the EXACT numbers he gave). In continue, the person explained that if borders open, Turkey will export around 300 million dollars to Armenia. In return Armenia will be able to export around 250-350 million dollars worth of ELECTRICITY to Turkey!

well, from what he said a person like me who has no clue about economics thinks that there will be a balance at least in terms of the amount of import and export between the two countries!!! I really have no clue about economics. However, I have a question!? who is the owner of the electricity company that will benefit from this deal? is the company the same state-owned ArmRosgazprom with Russian-owned Gazprom as main shareholder of the company? who is really going to benefit from the deal? a state-owned company whose main shareholder is a Russian company? Or maybe our authorities are thinking of exporting electricity after reconstructing Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in the future (like a long-term plan?)? weren't the major investors in constructing the nuclear power plan Russians?

I really don't know much about this! I am just posing questions I have in my mind! I need to read more about it. However, I think these are exactly issues that public in Armenia should be informed about! these are issues that experts should extensively talk about it in Armenia! and not only on websites or in newspapers but in extremely popular TV stations like Shant!

he is still alive!

2009-09-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

The legacy of Khomeini influences the Iranian politics up until today. The charismatic figure during the days of revolution is not death. It seems that he is everywhere and each political camp uses his name to gain more leverage and support. Everybody attempts to relate his political past to Khomeini! Musavi reminds the story of his disagreement with Khamenei and how Khomeini supported him! Analysts argue how close relation of Karubi with Khomeini during the revolution is an important factor that Karubi’s opponents remember, and thus, act more cautiously towards him.

I am not arguing that for today’s Iranian people Khomeini is a point of reference. No! Conversely, I believe that most of the people may blame him for today’s regime type in Iran. However, It seems that among the older generation of political rivals (not younger ones) Khomeini is still a central figure with assumed role of an arbiter. Political rivals argue Khomeini’s thoughts and speeches, and based on their assumption of how Khomeini would think about a certain issue, attack the other camp by calling them anti-Khomeini, and thus, anti-revolution! For older generation Khomeini’s speeches in X place during Y meeting can be used to slam the opponent.

Definitely what I am arguing is not absolute. The situation is more complicated than this and in many cases using Khomeini and his legacy is a strategy or a rhetorical tactic. However, what strikes me the most is the position of this figure in Iran’s political life. Whether people like him or not, whether he was right or wrong, the important issue is that he still occupies a place in Iranian political life! Nobody can dismiss him. Even if mentioning his name is just a tactic!!!

tree-colored future

2009-09-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Quds’ day protest in Tehran: reformist opposition protests

Witnessing an extreme confrontation between the state and society was an interesting experience. The demonstration and protest was like a black-and-white painting.

Helicopters in the sky were juxtaposed against the people walking in streets.
Police forces wearing green uniforms were in contrast with protesters wearing green signs.
Guns versus Slogans!

The political unit with the right to legitimate use of force,the state, is using force to save its own legitimacy!

Fall is close and I see the blossoms.

PETITION

2009-09-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

Please Sign the Petition

Petition Opposing Some Provisions in the Protocols

16 September 2009, Canada

"We, the signatories, are in agreement with establishing neighbourly international relations between Armenia and Turkey and the lifting of the Turkish blockade. However, we strongly oppose specific stipulations outlined in the Protocols of 31 August 2009 that

* Include provisions for a sub-commission of historians, thus questioning the veracity of the Genocide of the Armenians,
* Recognize only the principle of territorial integrity to the exclusion of the principle of self-determination, effectively legitimizing Turkey's illegal occupation of Western Armenia, the appropriation of Armenian property, land, historic, cultural, and religious monuments, and jeopardizing the future of Nagorno-Karabagh.

Most Diaspora Armenians are descendants of the Genocide committed by the Ottoman Turks and oppose these potentially deleterious conditions. To protest against their inclusion in the Protocols, we call upon our compatriots in Europe to galvanize all concerned, democratic and progressive forces, including Armenian parties, associations, and non-affiliated individuals and to organize a peaceful march in Sèvres, in Paris and in Lausanne, Switzerland."

source:Keghart.com

Serzh Sarkissian and Protocols

2009-09-15T01:31:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article today about Central Asian countries’ problems in aftermath of the collapse of USSR. In a part, the author explains that during the transition phase, some elite succeeded to take over the power and monopolize their position in the political system of these countries. The persistence of their rule is due the following reasons: (i) the fragmented nature of the society and opposition forces within the society does not allow for the unification of the opposition (opposition whose members have radically different ideological inclinations). (ii) the dominant elite forces in expressing their stands on various socio-political issues use “a few” symbols or values from each opposition group, and thus, not fully but to some extent appeal to every group. Subsequently, each opposition group can tolerate the authorities to some extent (despite considering the authorities illegitimate) rather than uniting with the other opposition groups who are perceived radically different.
I am not sure about the accuracy of this analysis since no empirical data was presented. However, the argument seems interesting and makes me think about today’s Armenia. Does Republican Party (Hanrapetakans) play the same game with ARF and other opposition groups? is there any essential difference between Serzh and Levon (in terms of their values at least)? Does Levon Ter-Petrosian really believe in his own criticism of the signed Protocols to start relations with Turkey? Or he is using the issue to unite with the ARF against Serzh’s government? Would Serzh change his approach to save his rule from the internal pressure? Which one is more dangerous? A unified opposition or the external pressure on a president who wants to save his illegitimate rule by signing protocols?

Being a Woman in Aremnian Community

2009-09-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

I am remembering the day I was sitting in my little cute apartment chatting with my roommate about my fears of coming back to Iran. After two years of living as an independent woman in the US, I had to return to my home country. I knew I was going to face problems. I am back in Iran and I am observing everything through different lenses. There are many things that I like about Iran. However, the cultural readjustment, specifically within the Armenian community, has been emotionally so overwhelming for me.

Women are well integrated in every aspect of the communal life. They are members of various committees that organize the cultural, social, and political life of the community. However, there is the illusion in the community, that because women are included in the community life, therefore the community is progressive. I would argue that the inclusion of women in community life is not a sign of progress but a simple practice without an equal approach towards men and women in terms of the recognition of their abilities. I don’t know when and how Armenian women became a part of community life. However, today’s reality shows that women are chosen to decision-making committees because it is a tradition to have women in these teams. Consequently, I would argue that occasionally the masculine and traditional framework forms most men’s (not all of them!) perception of women’s roles and abilities.

When one could say that women’s integration in communal life is something more than a simple practice?

When:

• between two underqualified candidates, one man and one woman, both had equal chances to get into the committees. It is more common to assign (or choose) an underqualified man to a position than an underqualified woman.

• women who are as qualified as their male counterparts could equally influence the decision-making process. In other words, men were not disregarding women’s arguments just because they are women.

• the ultimate role defined for women was not the coffee maker and party organizer! Women are not pretty objects who can make good coffee and essentially become a good wife.

• a single woman was not the topic of conversation among community organizing circles.

• a woman could present herself as both feminine and a feminist. It seems that women are two types. The first type consists of women who are in the role of performing tasks assigned to them. These women are feminine since they do not exceed the expected limits and norms of obeying the decisions made by men. The second type consists of women who are not in the role of performers but decision-makers and supervisors of the activities. These women are perceived as feminists and tough. Feminist connotes non-feminine or masculine!!! In other words, if a woman does not follow the orders but instead gives orders, she stops possessing feminine qualities because they do what men are expected to do! Masculine jobs make women masculine! and a woman who ha masculine qualities is a feminist!

Hello World

2009-09-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Couple years ago I started a blog. I wrote couple posts but never continued updating it. Around a year ago I started another blog. I wrote couple posts and never continued. This time I am starting this blog. I don’t know if I will write more than couple posts or not.