RUSSIAN ISKANDERS AND KERRY'S SMILE
In terms of results, Edward Nalbandyan's visit to the U.S. was more
concrete than Prime Minister's visit last December. Then it was not
clear yet what would happen during and after the February elections and
how the new government of Armenia would react to Russia's proposals.
Now a lot has become clear, and John Kerry spoke openly about the
resumption of the Millennium Challenge Program in Armenia. But the
most important phrase uttered by Kerry was that the U.S. is likely
to ensure the security of Armenia.
This phrase was voiced against the information that Russia has brought
Iskander missile systems to Armenia. These systems are an equivalent
of the American Patriot. Military experts said that military balance
between Armenia and Azerbaijan has thus been restored.
Against who can Russia use these missile systems? Where does it
expect attack from? Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia or Iran? There can
be different options considering the process of secularization in
Turkey which may lead to the collapse of the state and ending with
the fact that the U.S. may launch a campaign against Iran.
In any case, Iskanders are in Armenia not for the defense of
Armenia (although information about their presence already cools
many hotheads). They have been brought to be used against foreign
expansion in the region in case tectonic processes which enshroud
the Middle East get closer to the CIS which Russia considers its own.
In this regard, Kerry's statement that the U.S. is ready to defend
Armenia's security is symptomatic. Who is the U.S. going to protect
Armenia from? The first answer that comes to one's mind is Azerbaijan.
But the context is much wider. The U.S. understands that unrests and
military actions may first arrive in Turkey in which case Armenia
will need help not only for defense but also for "attack".
The plan of reform in the Greater Middle East is being carried out
methodically and first of all it will reach Turkey. While Armenia could
remain neutral even to Syria, it will be unable to keep neutrality
if processes start in Turkey.
On these days Italy has offered Armenia to engage Armenian peacekeepers
in Lebanon torn by unrests. This means that a difficult geopolitical
period is beginning for Armenia which will need not only diplomatic
efforts and initiatives but also precise orientation.
Naira Hayrumyan 12:28 05/06/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/30044
From: Baghdasarian
In terms of results, Edward Nalbandyan's visit to the U.S. was more
concrete than Prime Minister's visit last December. Then it was not
clear yet what would happen during and after the February elections and
how the new government of Armenia would react to Russia's proposals.
Now a lot has become clear, and John Kerry spoke openly about the
resumption of the Millennium Challenge Program in Armenia. But the
most important phrase uttered by Kerry was that the U.S. is likely
to ensure the security of Armenia.
This phrase was voiced against the information that Russia has brought
Iskander missile systems to Armenia. These systems are an equivalent
of the American Patriot. Military experts said that military balance
between Armenia and Azerbaijan has thus been restored.
Against who can Russia use these missile systems? Where does it
expect attack from? Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia or Iran? There can
be different options considering the process of secularization in
Turkey which may lead to the collapse of the state and ending with
the fact that the U.S. may launch a campaign against Iran.
In any case, Iskanders are in Armenia not for the defense of
Armenia (although information about their presence already cools
many hotheads). They have been brought to be used against foreign
expansion in the region in case tectonic processes which enshroud
the Middle East get closer to the CIS which Russia considers its own.
In this regard, Kerry's statement that the U.S. is ready to defend
Armenia's security is symptomatic. Who is the U.S. going to protect
Armenia from? The first answer that comes to one's mind is Azerbaijan.
But the context is much wider. The U.S. understands that unrests and
military actions may first arrive in Turkey in which case Armenia
will need help not only for defense but also for "attack".
The plan of reform in the Greater Middle East is being carried out
methodically and first of all it will reach Turkey. While Armenia could
remain neutral even to Syria, it will be unable to keep neutrality
if processes start in Turkey.
On these days Italy has offered Armenia to engage Armenian peacekeepers
in Lebanon torn by unrests. This means that a difficult geopolitical
period is beginning for Armenia which will need not only diplomatic
efforts and initiatives but also precise orientation.
Naira Hayrumyan 12:28 05/06/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/30044
From: Baghdasarian