Armenia’s Velvet Revolution was shattered by a devastating loss in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, leading to over 2,300 soldier casualties and widespread public disillusionment with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Formerly seen as a hero, Pashinyan now faces opposition and calls for his resignation as Armenia grapples with the fallout of defeat, economic instability, and the humanitarian crisis of refugees, alongside an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent times, Armenia has been engulfed in profound grief and disillusionment following a disastrous military defeat in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh at the hands of Azerbaijan. The outcome has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with at least 2,300 Armenian soldiers perishing in the clashes, leading to a significant decline in public support for the reformist government led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The emotional toll is evident in the streets of Yerevan, where young soldiers return from the front, weighed down by the loss of comrades, and refugees from the contested region seek aid from foreign embassies. This disheartening reality sharply contrasts with the hopeful atmosphere that characterized Armenia’s “Velvet Revolution” in the spring of 2018. Spearheaded by Pashinyan, who rose from a journalist to a popular political figure, the movement promised to dismantle the entrenched corrupt regime of former Prime Minister Serge Sarkissian. Tens of thousands of Armenians participated in this peaceful uprising, which was celebrated not only for its democratic principles but also for its potential to transform the nation into a beacon of reform. Yet, just two and a half years after the revolution, Armenia now finds itself grappling with the ramifications of its military failure. The public’s anxieties have shifted from aspirations of reform to confronting immediate crises, including the resurgence of COVID-19 infections and an impending economic downturn. Many citizens, disenchanted and mourning their losses, perceive Pashinyan not as a leader of hope but as a figure of betrayal, particularly following his controversial decision to sign a ceasefire agreement that many believe capitulated to Azerbaijan. Once seen as a heroic leader, Pashinyan now faces increasing pressure from opposition factions demanding his resignation. While street protests calling for Pashinyan’s ouster appear tepid compared to the fervor of the revolution, they indicate a growing discontent alongside fears of a backlash against the old regime. The complexity of the political landscape is compounded by dire economic indicators—one-third of Armenia’s population already lives below the poverty line, and the influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh is expected to exacerbate the situation. Armenians who had rallied in 2018 with hopes of a brighter future now contend with the painful realities of loss and disappointment, reflecting a sobering journey from revolution to despair.
Armenia’s recent challenges arise from its defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war against Azerbaijan, which has deeply affected its political landscape and the public’s expectancy for reform. The Velvet Revolution of 2018 represented a turning point for Armenia, initiating a phase that promised democracy and reduction of corruption. This atmosphere of optimism has drastically unraveled, leaving the nation under the weight of loss and economic instability. Notably, the aftermath of the war saw widespread displacement, a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising disillusionment with the current government. These factors have altered the citizens’ perception of their government and revived memories of Armenia’s historical traumas.
The Velvet Revolution in Armenia, once a powerful symbol of hope and democratic aspirations, has been overshadowed by the tragic consequences of military defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh. With significant loss of life and a fraught political environment, the population’s faith in the reformist government has waned, leading to calls for accountability from the leadership. As the country faces compounding crises—both social and economic—many Armenians grapple with a sense of betrayal and uncertainty about their future. The journey from revolutionary aspirations to the reality of despair serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of progress in times of conflict.
Original Source: worldcrunch.com
