Op-Eds
Beyond “pragmatism,” the obligation to be critical
I wish to thank my friend Stepan Piligian for his June 5, 2024 column, “What is the end point? A call for pragmatism…” By writing such a column, he has afforded me the opportunity to address a number of misconceptions prevalent in Armenian political discourse. These misconceptions sound reasonable superficially, which is why they are used by those supporting the current regime, led by PM Nikol Pashinyan, in attempts to blunt criticisms of his policies. But when one delves deeper, the probl
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The obligation to be critical does not imply obligation to be verbal. I advocate PM Nikol Pachinyan’s policy of crossroad for peace and diversification of Armenia’ foreign policy initiatives, but all I read is verbalizing against the PM’s policies but no criticism, as to what would have been the better course of action for the PM to take on behalf of the Republic of Armenia and why.
It interesting to see how some people believe they are/ ready to become Antranig Dzarugyan, Vahan Totovents, or Vazken Shoushanyan, when they are, in reality, a cheaper Alibaba (made in China) version of Gerard Libaridyan, Nazareth Berberyan, or Hovhannes Kajaznuni.
YES, THERE IS DICHOTOMY, IF NOT DUPLICITY IN THE ARMENIAN DIASPORA MINDSET
The population of the U.S. is around 335 million. The population of Armenia is around 2.8 million. Consequently, Armenian population is around 1/120 the population of the U.S. In U.S., in 2023, 1353 persons were killed by the police. In 2024 that number thus far is 514 killed. In terms of the Armenian citizens killed by the police, the number in Armenia would have been 11 persons in 2023 and 4 in 2024. No Armenian citizen was killed by the Armenian police in 2023 and none thus far. For all those who cry foul about the brutality of the police in Armenia, have no argument to substantiate their allegation, even considering that that police in Armenia is harassed in ways that the American citizens woold not, and especially the Armenian American would not.