Araks Pashayan: Armenia should Realistically Assess the Challenges from the IS

• 09.20.2015, 13:56
•  Near East,  Interview

"Islamic State" terrorist organization continues its offensive movement in the Middle East, threatening the security of our region. In an interview with “Armedia” IAA orientalist Araks Pashayan spoke about the extension of the zone of influence of the organization and the consequent challenges.

- The situation in the Middle East remains tense because of the ongoing war in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and also because of the IS. How do you assess the current situation?

- Middle East is really in a deep crisis. We can say the security system in the Middle East has collapsed or is in a delicate balance. Almost all the conflicts have long gone beyond the region and have become global humanitarian crisis. The vivid example of this is the growing wave of refugees that has flooded Europe. The international community is facing serious challenges due to the rise of religious extremism and terrorism. There is another problem, which is linked to the crisis - a human tragedy. In Syria, the same millions of people were forced to leave their homes, hundreds of thousands of people were killed, including many children.

- It seems it is inevitable to settle this situation, so as the problems mentioned by you are resolved.  

-  The crisis in the Middle East is a crisis for the whole world. The problem is that the crisis is primarily a platform for confrontation between the United States and Russia and its allies. On the other hand, various powers,  that have their own political, economic, financial and other interests, are interested in the current chaotic and unstable situation in the region. The crisis also exposed the traditional conflict and rivalry between Sunni and Shiite political blocs. However, this situation cannot last long, as it is fraught with serious consequences. The solution is inevitable.

 -  How long can the "Islamic State" continue its existence?

 -  "Islamic State" has  has a variety of resources, not only to survive but also to strengthen its positions. Though, the ideas of the organization are very attractive to the young and radical Muslims, I believe that it is temporary. It seems to me that the war against the "Islamic State" cannot lead to a solution. The thing is, how honest the same United States, Turkey, Jordan, and other allied forces are, which claim to be against the IS...

 -  Recently, it is very often being said that the "Islamic State" has its plans in the North and South Caucasus. What do you think about this?

-  The terrorist organization "Islamic State" seeks to restore the former glory of the Caliphate in the Caucasus, where Islam spread in the 7th century and was a part of the Arab-Islamic state. Today, the same Azerbaijan, the country's of North Caucasus, Georgia became the sources for global jihadism. These realities, in many cases put under question the stability of these countries.

 -   What are the threats for Armenia?

 -   Armenia is a part of the Greater Middle East. We live in one of the most conflicting regions in the Islamic world, we have communities in the Middle East. But to some extent we are far from the zone of direct military action. However, we must take into account that almost all of our neighbors are involved in conflicts. Recently, even Georgia said that the "Islamic State" is a threat to it. This means that Armenia should try to realistically assess the existing challenges for it.