On August 8, the White House hosted a trilateral peace agreement signing involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States. During this event, Armenian high school students from Los Angeles gathered to watch the news conference, their expressions a mix of curiosity, caution, and skepticism.
This emotional response reflects a broader sentiment in the Armenian diaspora where hope exists but is often overshadowed by doubt and mistrust.
The roots of this conflict are entrenched deeply in history. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia and Azerbaijan engaged in a brutal war over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region located within Azerbaijan’s borders but claimed by both countries. While Azerbaijanis refer to this area as Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenians call it Artsakh. Despite years of a ceasefire, unresolved disputes over territory, governance, and self-determination for Artsakh’s predominantly Armenian population lingered on.
In September 2020, another war broke out. Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey and equipped with advanced weaponry, regained substantial control over the contested territory. The lack of meaningful intervention from the Trump administration compounded the devastation felt by Armenians, resulting in significant losses—not just of land, but also of security and trust. For Azerbaijan, this was a triumph, altering the regional balance of power.
Fast forward to December 2022, Azerbaijan initiated a blockade of the Lachin corridor, the sole route linking Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh to Armenia. This blockade intensified conditions for the region’s 120,000 inhabitants, depriving them of essential resources, including gas, electricity, food, and medicine. Families faced dire shortages, with many struggling to ration basic necessities.
During a visit to the region amid the blockade, I witnessed a long line of trucks loaded with food and medical supplies helplessly waiting at the Armenian end of the corridor. Each driver was fully aware of the possible futility of their efforts. It was a moment imbued with helplessness and frustration. Despite an order from the International Court of Justice directing Azerbaijan to reopen the corridor, the country continued to ignore international mandates.
President Biden’s official recognition of the Armenian genocide marked a significant moral victory for many Armenians. However, the administration’s failure to hold Azerbaijan accountable during the blockade and in the lead-up to September 2023’s military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh served to aggravate an already strained situation.
The attack lasted merely 24 hours but resulted in the forced exodus of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from the region. Whole communities, built over centuries, were emptied almost overnight, leaving families bereft of homes, jobs, and places of worship, all shrouded in uncertainty about their futures.
Observing the events surrounding the peace agreement brokered by President Trump, I felt a conflict of emotions. On one hand, it is encouraging to see the United States engage with Armenia and prioritize its issues on the global stage. Yet, the peace process feels hollow, exposing a deeper flaw: U.S. policy towards the South Caucasus has historically suffered from inconsistency, lack of accountability, and an unwillingness to confront aggressors, irrespective of which political party is in power in Washington.
The August 8 agreement presents itself as a transactional endeavor. While Armenia is promised security assurances and cooperation in technology sectors like artificial intelligence, Azerbaijan seemingly reaps the benefits without facing repercussions for its actions against the Armenians of Artsakh. As a result, it walks away with arms sales, a corridor to Turkey, and an image of diplomatic success for the U.S.
However, this deal is significantly incomplete. It fails to mention the right of return for displaced Armenians wishing to return to Artsakh, overlooks the devastation of Armenian settlements, and lacks commitments to safeguard cultural heritage or address the humanitarian plight of prisoners of war. Many in the Armenian diaspora find these omissions strikingly unacceptable.
The new corridor designated the ‘Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,’ intended to connect Azerbaijan to Turkey, raises serious concerns regarding Armenia’s sovereignty. It is set to traverse through Armenia’s southern Syunik province, which serves as its only direct land access to Iran, potentially undermining Yerevan’s control over its borders and trade routes.
In essence, the agreement offers a fragile glimmer of hope for conflict resolution in the region. If the terms are enacted fully, they could foster a more stable and prosperous Armenia for future generations. To ensure meaningful outcomes, it is vital that the deal translates into substantive U.S. investments in reconstruction, accountability, and sustainable security rather than remaining merely a ceremonial gesture.
Even flawed agreements can pave the way for new opportunities. Armenia’s continued shift toward the West, as emphasized in the deal, bears risks but also promises the potential for enhanced security partnerships, economic revival, and preservation of cultural heritage. It is crucial that these benefits extend to the people who have endured the ravages of war and blockade, rather than just to the political leaders involved.
In recent years, Armenia has experienced an unexpected economic upsurge, driven by technology investments, tourism, and a returning diaspora. This delicate momentum could either be nurtured or wasted depending on the path taken moving forward.
I respect President Trump for prioritizing peace agreements—such endeavors should be the priority of leaders everywhere. The Armenian American students I spoke with on August 8, who bear the emotional scars of their ancestors’ history, deserve justice and a genuine chance to dream of a brighter future for their homeland. This shared aspiration is a dream we all hold dear.
image source from：latimes
