Comments on: Elections in Armenia

By: Onnik Krikorian

Onnik Krikorian — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:09:54 +0000

Oh, but btw: the main rferl.org site is blocked just as the local ones are too. Pity as I wanted to re-read Liz Fuller’s FAQ.

By: Onnik Krikorian

Onnik Krikorian — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:02:16 +0000

Just to comment on Jack Reed’s comment that all English-language websites have been blocked. Basically, that’s not the case. However, those local media outlets which do not adhere to the state of emergency restrictions are being blocked. The same is true for YouTube last I looked (probably via DOS attack). Interestingly, however, there’s a lot of activity happening from Ter-Petrossian activists on blogs inside and outside the country. Famous last words, but to date, none have been blocked.

It’s hard to say whether this is just an oversight (although we know blogs are monitored) or because they’re not considered important enough and generally are in English. Internet penetration is low and the number of English speakers using the web even lower.

By: Marc W

Marc W — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:00:47 +0000

Michael,

Indeed it is a good time to start paying attention to the Caucasus. The timing is actually a complete coincidence on my end, but hopefully it will work out for the best. I would have preferred to have started blogging during a slow period, as now I find it difficult to keep up.

In the short-term, my posts will hopefully serve as a (semi)-daily news bulletin, and I’ll gradually try and add some more analysis. Feedback is much appreciated though!

By: Michael Hancock

Michael Hancock — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:59:08 +0000

Welcome to the Blog! I always feel that I’m not paying enough attention to the Caucasus, and having it brought to mind on Registan will help get it under my fingernails.

The more the merrier.

Now it’s time to understand Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Azerbaijan, right? Well, it might be a little harder than just reading blog posts, but you have to start somewhere.

By: Jack Reed

Jack Reed — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:39:51 +0000

Unrest on streets continues in spite of Emergency Rule.
All English language websites have been blocked. In-country Armenian blogs are not allowed to publish except official pronoucements. Sounds like the ASSR.
Ten hours of fire exchanges on the NK-Azeri border. Aliev says they are buying weapons to retake NK.
Plays into hands of the Kocharian-Sargsyan crowd.
It’s just warming up.

By: Joshua Foust

Joshua Foust — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:37:56 +0000

Marc,

Welcome aboard! I’ve been following what’s happening in Armenia as well, but I don’t know enough about the situation to have commented intelligently. I’m glad you’re here to fill in the gaps in coverage.

I look forward to reading your posts!