There seems to be no end to the conflict in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan; however, to understand the conflict, its origin should be considered. Post the Soviet Union's dismantling is when this conflict truly began as there was a debate between Armenia and Azerbaijan as to who would take control of this region. The reason for the debate is that despite the area in question being under Azerbaijan territory, it was home to a vast majority of native Armenians who did not want to become a part of Azerbaijan.
(https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/19/is-russia-reduced-to-a-secondary-role-in-nagorno-karabakh)
However, over the years, Azerbaijan has grown its military power and strength to the point where it may have a “comparative advantage in relation to Armenia”. This is important because it shows Azerbaijan’s willingness to have a full-scale war with Armenia and since there has been a cutting of negotiations, it is wondered when this conflict may end. Though in previous stir-ups in the region Russia has been that intermediary due to an alliance it has with Armenia. However, this time Russia has not requested the fighting to cease.
Furthermore, new information is turning other heads around the world for possible intervention as humanitarian law is being violated within the conflict. Innocent civilians are being killed, and illegal ‘Cluster Bombs’ have been used in cities on civilians. Human rights violations show again how necessary it may be for other nationals to involve themselves in this conflict so peace can prevail. It is no longer just a dispute over a region between two governments but a conflict that has affected the lives of the innocent civilians living within the regions.
(https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/19/is-russia-reduced-to-a-secondary-role-in-nagorno-karabakh)
The only foreign power evident in the conflict is Turkey. They have been directly involved but also have begun to bring in mercenaries from outside the region to aid Azerbaijan in fighting the conflict. Despite it being clear that there are direct violations of human rights in the region, if more foreign powers become militarily involved, another endless proxy war could begin. This is why foreign interference should be more so focused on a diplomatic solution to this issue as opposed to military interference. While there is scheduled to be a meeting in Washington today between the foreign diplomats it is still unclear as to what may bring these two conflicting sides to peace, but the foreign powers avoiding interference has clearly not helped it end or brought resolution to the question of the region's sovereignty.
Armenia/Azerbaijan: Civilians must be protected from use of banned cluster bombs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/armenia-azerbaijan-civilians-must-be-protected-from-use-of-banned-cluster-bombs/
Mirovalev, M. (2020, October 19). What role is Russia playing in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/19/is-russia-reduced-to-a-secondary-role-in-nagorno-karabakh
Nagorno-Karabakh: What's at Stake in the Conflict Between Armenia & Azerbaijan? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.democracynow.org/2020/10/22/nagorno_karabakh_conflict_armenia_azerbaijan
Tom O'Connor On 10/20/20 at 6:22 PM EDT. (2020, October 20). Armenia wants Iran's help, Azerbaijan says US, Russia, France not doing enough to end conflict. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/armenia-iran-help-azerbaijan-us-russia-france-not-doing-enough-1540734
1 comment:
Once again, minority populations see the worst of it. I find it interesting that Turkey is, once again, in the middle of this turmoil. While doing research for my article on Greco-Turkish relations, Turkey's boldness was more than apparent in that context, as well. Their desire for global influence and an expansion of sovereignty is more obvious than ever.
I wonder when the international community will finally step up and put an end to these continuous violations of international and human rights law. Thank you for bringing our attention to this burning issue.
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