The Aghdam Road Plan: An Illusion of Humanitarianism

As we have consistently highlighted, Azerbaijan’s imposition of a blockade on the Lachin corridor has led to a genocidal denial of access to crucial supplies and humanitarian aid. This callous action has cast over 120,000 Armenians into a harrowing abyss of suffering and despair.

Amidst the ongoing crisis in Artsakh, Azerbaijan has come up with a seemingly alternative pathway – the Aghdam road. However, a deeper examination of this proposal reveals a disconcerting reality. As we confront the insidious motives that lie beneath the surface, it becomes clear that the Aghdam road is not the solution it claims to be, instead, it bears a disquieting resemblance to the infamous Trojan Horse. Just as the legendary wooden horse concealed danger within its outward innocence, the Aghdam road conceals ulterior motives that could spell peril for the Armenian population in Artsakh. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of Azerbaijan’s proposal and unveil the stark contrasts between appearance and reality.

What’s Aghdam?

Nestled to the north of Artsakh’s heart, the capital city of Stepanakert, Aghdam has now become instrumental in determining the fate of Armenians in the region. While Azerbaijan’s representatives at the UN tout the Aghdam road as a shorter and safer alternative, this display of hypocritical advertisement is akin to a masterful illusion. Much like the art of smoke and mirrors, the smoke of feigned benevolence conceals the mirror reflecting their true sinister agenda.

Put differently, entering Artsakh from the north via the Aghdam route is like trying to enter a garden through a gate guarded by a wolf in sheep’s clothing, while the welcoming entrance from the Lachin Corridor remains deliberately locked. Imagine entering Times Square from Central Park West, instead of Seventh Avenue.

As we will explore further below, the true objectives of this proposal are anything but humanitarian; they encompass a range of motives, foremost among them the permanent severance of Artsakh from Armenia.

A False Humanitarian Facade

So why is Azerbaijan fervently pushing for that road? At first glance, the proposal may appear to offer a humanitarian solution to the crisis. However, its veneer of benevolence quickly fades when we consider the intentions behind its presentation. This proposal comes from the very Azerbaijani government that masterminded the crisis in the first place. Its apparent generosity masks a political agenda: the forced exodus of the Armenian population from Artsakh, a blatant violation of international human rights. This project is a classic bait-and-switch maneuver, where Azerbaijan lures with supposed humanitarian aid only to switch the narrative and advance its own political interests.

Undermining Agreements

In this vein, the Aghdam proposal poses serious questions about the 2020 Tripartite agreement. This agreement clearly designates the Lachin Corridor as a connection under the control of Russian peacekeepers. The proposed road covers a distance of around 30 km from Aghdam to Stepanakert, mostly lying outside the scope of Russian authority, which directly contradicts the terms of this agreement. This breach of the peacekeeping forces’ authority poses a grave threat to the region and could further escalate the crisis. This not only undermines the already fragile security framework that was established but also raises profound suspicions about the genuine intentions underlying this proposal.

A Mirage of Security

So, why do Armenians, on the other hand, staunchly oppose this proposal? The most troubling aspect of the Aghdam proposal is its obvious intention to compromise the security of Artsakh’s Armenian population. By pushing this proposal under the guise of humanitarian aid, Azerbaijan may seek to infiltrate its military forces into Artsakh, effectively flanking both Russian peacekeepers and the few security forces remaining in Artsakh. This presents a dire threat to the lives of over 120,000 Armenians who have been suffering for more than eight months.

This sinister agenda becomes evident when considering Azerbaijan's previous actions and rhetoric, which have shown a consistent disregard for the well-being and rights of the Armenians in Artsakh. In this light, the rejection of the Aghdam proposal by Artsakh's authorities and its population is not just a matter of practicality, but a necessary defense against a potential wolf in disguise.

The Hypocrisy and Violation of Law

Accepting the Aghdam proposal is akin to inviting the wolves at the door, jeopardizing the safety and security of Artsakh’s population for the sake of a self-serving political agenda. Azerbaijan’s attempt to portray itself as a savior, after orchestrating the crisis, is an affront to international law and basic concepts of humanity and morality. By intentionally starving 120000 Armenians and then offering a supposed solution, Azerbaijan cunningly manipulates the narrative. This maneuver disregards the principles of international law that safeguard human lives from political bargaining and reaffirms the importance of obligations, agreements, and the dignity of all individuals.

Isolation and Erasure

Accepting the Aghdam proposal could have catastrophic consequences for Artsakh’s Armenians. This road would isolate Artsakh from Armenia, leaving the population stranded and surrounded by hostile forces. This isolation not only endangers the survival of Armenians but could also trigger further displacement and cultural erasure. The proposal, under the guise of humanitarian aid, could pave the way for a modern tragedy of unimaginable proportions.

Azerbaijan attempts to sell a bill of goods with the Aghdam road, but beneath the polished façade lies a fraudulent scheme to dismantle Artsakh’s fragile autonomy and vitality. The future of Artsakh hangs in the balance, and the international community must not turn a blind eye to this perilous situation.

The Feeble Response of the International Community

The crisis unfolding in Artsakh, marked by the Lachin Corridor blockade and the dubious proposal of an alternative Aghdam road, is a stark reminder of the feeble response from the international community. Despite the glaring urgency and dire humanitarian situation, the response has been half-hearted, failing to match the gravity of the crisis.

Historical parallels are unsettlingly apparent. The world has witnessed instances in the past where atrocities were met with insufficient action, leading to devastating consequences. The Armenian Genocide during World War I, carried out by the Ottoman Empire, serves as a chilling reminder of what can transpire when the international community fails to act decisively. Similarly, the Nazi regime’s “Final Solution” aimed at eradicating the Jewish population is a haunting testimony to the dangers of indifference and the potential horrors that can unfold when inaction prevails. The Ottoman Empire’s hollow promises of safety and assistance to the Armenian population before their systemic extermination during the Armenian Genocide, and the Nazi regime’s deceitful tactics during the Holocaust, come to mind. These historical episodes underscore the need for vigilance and the imperative of examining actions within the broader context of historical memory.

The international community’s tolerance for the repetition of the most distressing calamity of Armenian history is profoundly disconcerting. Despite lessons learned from past atrocities, the current crisis in Artsakh illustrates how the world can turn a blind eye to impending catastrophes. The lack of a cohesive and robust response to Azerbaijan’s calculated maneuvers sends a chilling message to those at risk. By failing to take robust measures against potential genocidal actions, the international community becomes complicit in allowing history to repeat itself.

The Imperative of Taking Swift and Decisive Action

The international community must awaken to the nuances of the Aghdam agenda. It’s imperative to recognize the consequences of accepting this proposal and the deep-seated risks it poses. The Aghdam proposal, presented as a humanitarian gesture, is nothing more than a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a guise designed to mask Azerbaijan’s true intentions of isolating and weakening the Armenians of Artsakh. The survival, dignity, and future of the people of Artsakh hang in the balance, and it’s our duty to ensure that these lives are not traded for political convenience or manipulation.

The Armenian population in Artsakh deserves more than empty gestures; they are entitled to unconditional respect and protection of their rights, regardless of the geopolitical games at play. It’s time for the international community to stand united against the looming catastrophe and advocate for a just and humane solution that upholds the security of the people of Artsakh.

Azerbaijan’s actions cannot be underestimated or dismissed as isolated incidents. They form part of a broader pattern that warrants swift and decisive international intervention. The proposed Aghdam road, touted as a humanitarian endeavor, must be scrutinized for its potential to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and fuel the systematic oppression of the Armenian population.

A Turning Point in History?

The crisis in Artsakh presents a pivotal historical moment, where the international community’s response will shape the course of events. The parallels to past genocides and the distressing policies reminiscent of those regimes must serve as a clarion call to action. The tragedy of the Armenian Genocide stands as a grim reminder that the cost of inaction is immeasurable and irreversible.

In the face of these haunting historical echoes, the international community's response must reflect a resolute commitment to preventing further tragedy. As we've explored in this article, the Aghdam road proposal is not the humanitarian solution it claims to be, but rather a smokescreen concealing ulterior motives that endanger the Armenian population in Artsakh. The world must see through the smoke and mirrors, recognize the desperate cries for survival by the Armenian population, and acknowledge the dangers posed by this disingenuous proposal.

As history stands poised to repeat itself, the global community has a choice to make: will it succumb to the deceptive allure of the Aghdam road, allowing it to become another chapter in the tragic story of oppression, displacement, and erasure? Or will it learn from past mistakes, rise above the fog of manipulation, and ensure that the fate of Artsakh's people is not decided by hidden agendas? The decision rests upon the shoulders of those who hold the power to shape the future, reminding us that humanity's progress is measured not just by the atrocities it prevents, but by the resolve it displays in the face of adversity.

The clock is ticking, and the lives of 120,000 Armenians hang in the balance. The Lachin Corridor, the sole humanitarian lifeline, must be unconditionally and immediately reopened, without the distraction of misleading alternatives.