Peace and Unity in the Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan: A Rational Approach

The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a complex issue with deep historical and cultural roots. The recent 2020 Gulf War further highlighted the tension, yet the situation remains unresolved, with significant humanitarian and political implications.

My Personal Stand: Supporting Peace and Unity

While many individuals tend to side with one party or another, I have chosen a more constructive approach. Personal beliefs and identities can cloud judgment, but from a rational and global perspective, the goal should be peace and unity.

The longstanding rivalry between Armenia and Azerbaijan dates back over a century. Both nations have their own histories, cultural heritages, and identities. However, continuing to wage war over a piece of land is not a rational solution. The conflict has deep historical and cultural roots, but modern times demand a more inclusive and peaceful approach.

In my view, the solution lies in bringing harmony and understanding between the nations. For instance, moving Armenians from Karabakh into Armenia can foster a more peaceful coexistence. The key is to focus on mutual respect and cohabitation rather than forceful annexation. As a Christian raised in a Christian environment, I cannot condemn one culture based on personal belief, but fostering understanding and peace is the more ethical approach.

Rational Solutions and Leadership Changes

Mirroring the situation with Israel and Palestine, the ongoing tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been an unresolvable issue for decades. The 2020 conflict was a significant setback, but the underlying issues remained unresolved.

In 2008, the former president of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev, emphasized the importance of transforming the Karabakh conflict into a democratic, inter-ethnic dialogue. With this perspective, Armenia has the responsibility to act as the arbitrator and mediator.

Armenia, an ancient nation with a rich history, should take a proactive stance by bringing in the Armenians from Karabakh and promoting unity. Ethnic cleansing, while harmful, is not a sustainable solution. Instead, creating a comfortable and secure environment for all ethnic groups can lead to long-term stability.

Leadership changes and a shift towards a more inclusive and rational approach are crucial. As with the collapse of the USSR, significant changes in leadership can potentially shift the dynamics of the conflict.

US Opinion and Broader Implications

From the vantage point of the United States, the situation is complex. Both sides suffer from governmental corruption and the distraction of land conflicts. The ordinary citizens, both Armenians and Azeris, are the most affected by this ongoing conflict.

The United States has a sympathetic stance towards both countries due to the administrative exclave Azerbaijan has had since the Soviet era. This historical administrative boundary creates a complex geopolitical situation. The focus should be on resolving the conflict through dialogue and mutual respect.

I am in favor of connecting the Azerbaijani exclave legally, which would contribute to a more peaceful and fair solution. This is the ideal approach, but given the current political environment, it is unlikely. The alternative is that Azerbaijan tries to consolidate its control, which could lead to further tensions.

As a rational approach, it would be beneficial for Azerbaijan to consider swapping some of its territory to establish a legal and defendable connection to the exclave. However, given the current political climate, such a move is unlikely. This situation will continue to escalate unless both sides are willing to make significant concessions.

Finding Rational Peace

History has shown that conflicts are often solved through dialogue, rationality, and understanding. The Finnish experience, with its minimal loss of territory yet great national pride, provides a model for how to achieve peace without significant territorial concessions.

The rational approach, as demonstrated by Finland, shows that land does not always equate to national identity or pride. Cultivating a narrative of peace and unity can lead to lasting solutions. As the world becomes more interconnected, the importance of rationality in conflict resolution grows.

In conclusion, the current conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan demands a rational and peaceful solution. While historical and cultural factors play a significant role, the overriding goal should be the well-being of the people involved. Fostering unity, understanding, and dialogue are the keys to resolving this long-standing conflict.