The Gap: Armenian response to Azerbaijan attacks

Hosted by:

Althea Billings, Tammy Habteyes

Produced by:

KBOO

Program::

The Gap

Air date:

Fri, 10/09/2020 - 8:00am to 9:00am

On this episode of the Gap, Tammy and Althea speak with community organizer Richard Kazanjian, about the attacks on ethnic Armenians in Artsakh, also called Nagorno Karabakh.

Kazanjian tells us the history of ethnic conflict in the region, noting importantly that the word 'genocide' was coined in order to describe the acts committed by Turkey against Armenians between 1915 and 1922. We also learn about how that strife has continued into the present day, and is indeed quickly becoming a hot war again. Kazanjian shows us how listeners and interested people can help to push for action from the U.S. government and take their own actions to push back on the region's aggressors and stay informed. (See below for some facts and links provided to us by Kazanjian).

We also take a brief tour into the political happenings from the previous week, and hear from you about the most recent Vice Presidential Debate.

We are in our Fall Membership Drive, and as a thank you for supporting KBOO, The Gap can offer a gift to our supporters -- Tammy and Althea will make you an audio recording of your choice if you mention it in the notes of your donation at kboo.fm/give. Thanks again!

KBOO

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Fact Sheet: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Artsakh and Turkey

The general context:

There is evidence that ethnic Armenians have been the ONLY indigenous inhabitants of Artsakh
Armenians have been the subject of ethnic cleansing and genocide since the 1800’s
Turkey committed Genocide against the Armenians in 1915-1922, ongoing…
Azerbaijan is an oil rich country, with ethnic Turkic cousins to the Turks
Azerbaijan and Turkey have a “One Nation, Two States” policy
The COVID-19 Pandemic has destroyed Azerbaijan’s economy
Turkey has major ambitions to re-establish the Ottoman Empire
Turkey, Iran, & Saudi Arabia all want influence over the Islamic World
Armenia is the first Christian Nation on Earth (301 A.D.)

The History (redux):

Post-Genocide: Armenia Declares Independence and is quickly absorbed by Soviet Union
Artsakh (Ethic Armenian Territory), is given by Stalin to newly created Azerbaijan
1991 – Artsakh (or Nagorno Karabakh) declares its independence
1991 – 1994: Artsakh-Azerbaijan fight war, Artsakh wins
1994 – 2020: Artsakh becomes autonomous and seeks International Recognition

The recent timeline:

July 12th, 2020 – Azerbaijan forces attack Tavush Region in Armenia
July 2020 – Pro-Azeri Graffiti and Vandalism at KZV Armenian School in San Francisco
Turkish President Erdogan declares intent to finish/complete the Armenian Genocide in July 2020
Sept 2020 – Firebombing of Armenian Community Center adjacent to St. Gregory Armenian Church
Sept 2020 – Shooting at KZV Armenian School in San Francisco (Sept 2020)
Sept 27, 2020 – Azerbaijan invades autonomous region Artsakh / Armenia Defends

What is happening today:

Turkey Supports Azerbaijan and have been flying missions with F-16’s
Turkey has recruited ISIS Fighters and transported them to the region (Reports say up to 4,000)
Banned weapons, including cluster bombs have been used
Both countries are targeting civilian areas including churches
Azerbaijan / Turkey are engaged in a digital war in conjunction with Air & Ground War
This war is currrently happening
Various Legislation currently moving through with an unknown outcome

Resources:

Armenian National Committee

Armenian Assembly

Independent Armenian Media Coverage

Vox: The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, explained.

Amnesty International: Civilians must be protected from the use of banned cluster bombs

Information on Artsakh

The Guardian: Armenian diaspora feels pull of another war

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