Armenia Lobby

The Washington Post, August 01, 1996

THE UNITED STATES continues to intervene
mischievously in the appalling conflict between Armenia
and Azerbaijan. Its particular contribution is to
increase the misery of a million Azeri refugees, and in
that way to draw out hopes for a settlement. Why would
Washington wish to conduct such a policy, which runs
against its own substantial strategic, economic and
political interests? It’s a policy thrust upon a
reluctant president by a Congress heavily influenced by
Armenian Americans. This lobby has forced tough
restrictions on direct American humanitarian and other
aid to Azerbaijan.

The pro-Armenians argue that Azerbaijan and its
regional patron Turkey are squeezing Armenia in a cruel
joint embargo. But look at the situation on the ground.
First — though the Turks lack similar cause —
Azerbaijan is at war with Armenia: You wouldn’t expect
them to trade with each other right now. Then, it is not
only that Karabakh Armenians seized and hold the
long-sovereign Azeri enclave of Nagorno Karabakh, whose
turmoil sparked this war between the two formerly Soviet
republics. Armenians also now occupy 20 percent of
Azerbaijan proper. In short, the United States is
punishing the loser and comforting the conqueror,
occupier and evident winner of the war.

Is there an American interest in denying normal
humanitarian aid to a small country that — though not
especially democratic — is reaching to the West and is
critical to its region’s political stability and economic
promise (Caspian oil)? The American Armenian community
and its supporters, led by former senator Robert Dole,
make no such showing. Rather, what is on display is
ethnic political power. The irony is that its wielding
may not even be to the advantage of the Armenians. They
would be better served, as would the Azeris, by enlisting
the United States as an impartial moderator as they
traded off territory for security for Karabakh and
prosperity for themselves. But instead the Armenian lobby
tends to tip American policy and to invite political
intervention by an imperially inclined Moscow.

The question is due to be fought out again today in a
foreign operations appropriations conference. Senate
members seem inclined to widen the way for the
humanitarian aid. House members are more split. But an
opening is there to benefit Azeris, Armenians and, not
least, Americans as well.