Intro
In this episode of “The Daily,” the host explores the lessons learned from two ongoing conflicts: the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over territory and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The episode delves into the history, complexities, and recent developments of both conflicts, shedding light on the challenges faced in finding lasting solutions.
Main Takeaways
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
- The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is one over territory, similar to the Israel-Palestine dispute.
- Diplomats have been trying to solve the issue for years but failed.
- The conflict started in the late 1980s, when the Soviet Union was falling apart.
- The tensions between Armenians and Azerbaijanis erupted in 1990 and resulted in a war that lasted for over 30 years.
- The conflict ended suddenly and brutally in late September, causing tens of thousands of Armenians to flee their homes.
- In the early 1990s, Azerbaijan’s Muslim population turned on their Christian Armenian neighbors, leading to a horrific pogrom in Baku.
- A small enclave of ethnic Armenians remained in Nagorno-Karabakh, which was important to Armenians as it contained many of their oldest churches and scenes.
- The war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started in 1993 and ended in 1994 with a ceasefire, with Armenia gaining not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a large chunk of Azerbaijani territory.
- The Armenians were euphoric at their victories, while the Azeris were despondent and deeply wounded by the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh.
- The outside world cared about the conflict as it was seen as a test of whether the end of communism and dictatorship in the Soviet Union would lead to endless conflicts or hope.
- The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh was important for the Russians as they considered it their turf and wanted to show they could bring about peace.
- Diplomats from both sides worked closely together in the early stages to resolve the conflict.
- The conflict was too complex for road maps and diplomatic efforts to resolve.
- The power shift between Azerbaijan and Armenia has led to Azerbaijan becoming economically stronger and militarily more powerful.
- The hardening of regime in Azerbaijan has led to the stoking of ethnic nationalism and violent rhetoric towards Armenians.
- Azerbaijan builds formidable military force with help from Israel, Turkey, and other countries.
- Azerbaijan launches attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, crushes Armenian defenses, and takes back much of the territory in 44 days.
- Russian peacekeeping force of 2,000 soldiers sent to police ceasefire, leaving Nagorno-Karabakh isolated and vulnerable.
- Lightning military campaign by Azerbaijan in September caused a mass exodus of the ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, with almost the entire population leaving.
- Many Armenians fear revenge killings by Azerbaijanis, leading to an ethnic cleansing through fear rather than actual violence.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
- Israel hit a densely populated neighborhood in northern Gaza on Tuesday, killing dozens and injuring hundreds.
- Israel’s military moved deeper into the Gaza Strip, coming closer to Gaza City, what had been its largest population center.
- Israel’s military launched a ground offensive in Gaza, targeting Hamas tunnels and rocket launch sites.
- The conflict has resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties on both sides.
- The international community has called for a ceasefire, but the situation remains tense.
- The conflict has sparked protests and demonstrations around the world, with many calling for an end to the violence.
- The history and complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict make finding a lasting solution difficult.
Summary
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: A History of Unresolved Territory Disputes
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over territory, similar to the Israel-Palestine dispute, has deep historical roots. It started in the late 1980s as the Soviet Union was falling apart, and tensions between Armenians and Azerbaijanis escalated into a war that lasted for over 30 years. Despite diplomatic efforts, the conflict remained unresolved, with Armenia gaining control over Nagorno-Karabakh and a large chunk of Azerbaijani territory. The power shift between the two countries has led to Azerbaijan becoming economically stronger and militarily more powerful, fueling ethnic nationalism and violent rhetoric towards Armenians. The recent lightning military campaign by Azerbaijan resulted in a mass exodus of the ethnic Armenian population, raising concerns of potential ethnic cleansing through fear.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Ongoing Violence and Complexities
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, with recent Israeli military strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties and international outcry. The conflict’s history and complexities make finding a lasting solution challenging. The international community has called for a ceasefire, but tensions remain high. Protests and demonstrations have erupted worldwide, demanding an end to the violence. The situation highlights the need for diplomatic efforts and a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the conflict.
Conclusion
The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict serve as reminders of the complexities and challenges involved in resolving territorial disputes and achieving lasting peace. Diplomatic efforts alone may not suffice when irreconcilable demands and deep-rooted grievances exist. As the world grapples with these conflicts, it is crucial to prioritize dialogue, understanding, and empathy to pave the way for a more peaceful future.
