Burying responsibility for the fall of Artsakh

Dear Eric,

While constructive criticism of any government is necessary, there is a stark difference between holding leadership accountable in a meaningful way and relentlessly attacking one figure while ignoring broader geopolitical realities.

Three weeks ago, Azerbaijan shut down the BBC Azeri service and the Turan, Blomberg news and other news agencies.
Then, over a week ago Aliyev expelled the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN Human Rights Development program and US-based programs.

These developments were clear warning signs of Azerbaijan’s growing authoritarianism and impending escalation against Armenian hostages held in sham trials, such as Ruben Vardanyan.

Yet, you were too preoccupied with condemning Pashinyan to raise awareness about these threats in a timely manner.

Your recent urgency regarding Vardanyan’s isolation came a week late, long after it became evident that Aliyev was orchestrating this crackdown. Had you been more focused on Azerbaijan’s actions rather than indulging in Pashinyan-loathing, perhaps your platform could have played a more active role in mobilizing international awareness and pressure earlier.

Your rhetoric has distracted many from the real dangers, instead fueling infighting and internal distrust. The blood is not on the hands of those who failed to act—it is on the hands of those who diverted attention away from the enemy.

Berge Jololian

As Armenia faces one of the most precarious moments in its modern history, it is imperative that we stand united against the existential threats posed by the axis of dictators – Putin, Aliyev, and Erdogan. These forces are actively working to undermine Armenia’s sovereignty, security, and long-term viability. Yet, instead of rallying around the government’s efforts to strengthen the state and navigate these immense geopolitical challenges, some voices, like that of Eric Hacopian, choose to engage in relentless negativity, sarcasm, and divisive rhetoric that ultimately serves to weaken national morale and unity.

Hacopian’s video commentary is a textbook example of unconstructive criticism that prioritizes political attacks over serious analysis. Instead of offering solutions or acknowledging the broader historical and geopolitical context in which Armenia operates, he resorts to sarcasm, mockery, and one-sided accusations, portraying the Armenian government as incompetent and directionless.

While criticism is a vital component of any democracy, there is a stark difference between holding leadership accountable in a constructive manner and engaging in relentless political cynicism that plays directly into the hands of Armenia’s adversaries. At a time when unity and strategic coordination are essential for Armenia’s survival, the kind of rhetoric Hacopian employs does not contribute to resilience or progress – it creates division, fosters distrust, and ultimately weakens Armenia’s ability to resist external pressure.

Hacopian’s portrayal of Prime Minister Pashinyan’s “New Armenia” concept is a prime example of his flawed approach.
Rather than engaging with the core idea that a strong, well-functioning Armenia is necessary for long-term security and survival, he ridicules it through mockery and satire. Economic and institutional development should have happened earlier, but dismissing this initiative outright does nothing to advance meaningful discourse.

His one-sided blame for Artsakh’s fall is equally problematic. He places all responsibility on Pashinyan while ignoring decades of governance failures, military mismanagement, and diplomatic isolation that left Artsakh vulnerable long before 2018. His analysis does not account for Russia’s betrayal, Turkey’s direct involvement in the war, or Azerbaijan’s extensive military preparation. Instead, he chooses to single out Pashinyan while neglecting the role of past administrations, whose failures played a significant role in weakening Armenia’s defense capabilities over the years.

Hacopian’s critique of constitutional reform follows the same pattern. He correctly highlights Azerbaijan’s coercion, but he fails to acknowledge the need for constitutional reforms that have been discussed since 2018 – long before Baku’s latest pressure tactics. While external threats are real, Armenia must strengthen its institutions independently, and meaningful reforms should not be dismissed simply because of Azerbaijani pressure.

The most damaging aspect of Hacopian’s rhetoric is its divisiveness at a time when unity is crucial. Relentless negativity does not build resilience – it weakens the nation from within. Instead of working to support Armenia’s resistance against foreign aggression, his commentary serves the interests of Aliyev and Erdogan rather than the Armenian people. By focusing on tearing down the government rather than strengthening national resolve, he contributes to internal fragmentation at a time when Armenia needs a unified front.

We call on all Armenian voices, including media personalities like Eric Hacopian, to engage in responsible, solution-oriented discourse rather than destructive political cynicism. Criticism should be fair, balanced, and acknowledge the full historical and geopolitical reality – not merely serve as an endless attack on the current leadership.

Armenia cannot afford to be divided while facing an existential struggle. We need to work together – government, opposition, media, and the people – to resist the threats from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia. The focus should be on strengthening Armenia’s defenses, diplomacy, and economy—not infighting and endless negativity.

As Yeghishe Charents wisely wrote: “Armenian people, your only salvation is in your collective strength.” The great Armenian poet Paruyr Sevak also warned against division and disunity, writing:

“We are few, but we are called Armenians. We do not have the right to be weak. We do not have the right not to be united.” And in another powerful reminder, Sevak stated: “When one Armenian falls, another must rise, because only by standing together can we overcome.”

Now, more than ever, we must heed these calls and stand united in defending Armenia’s sovereignty and future.

Respectfully,
Berge Jololian