|
RSC Reading Room
|
The RSC “Reading Room” contains a regularly updated electronic library of reports, documents and other research resources. The RSC collects and compiles this set of electronic material and research resources in order to provide access to a wider body of work for researchers and analysts. Most notably, the RSC “Reading Room” is a key element of our efforts in the areas of public education and research and analysis, as we construct and expand a virtual “knowledge base” of resources covering a wide range of topical issues and geographical areas, many of which are neither widely known nor available in Armenia or the South Caucasus region. |
“Another Regional War in the Wings” 31 January 2013 |  | 
The National Interest Summary: In the conflict zone stretching from Syria to Afghanistan lies another war waiting to re-emerge: Nagorno-Karabakh. This dispute is likely to occupy President Obama’s new foreign-policy team whether they want it or not. Two decades ago the newly independent states of Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a bitter war over this remote area of mountains and valleys. Armenia won the war, but nobody has achieved peace. A fragile ceasefire signed in 1994 remains the only tangible achievement of diplomacy. Since then, a mediation effort led by Washington, Moscow and Paris has sought a solution. Despite the best efforts of the three governments—including presidential initiatives by all three—the parties to the conflict do not and will not negotiate. This impasse has contributed to a dangerous evolution of the dispute in recent years from post-war to pre-war. Link: http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/another-regional-war-the-wings-8042 Allies at Odds: Obama, Netanyahu, and the State of U.S. – Israeli Relations30 January 2013 | |
Wilson Center Summary: Four years in, the relationship between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu remains a troubled one. What’s behind the tension, can it be alleviated and how will regional challenges such as Iran’s nuclear program or the impasse in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affect the U.S.-Israeli relations? Allies at Odds: Obama, Netanyahu, and the State of U.S. – Israeli Relations New US Secretary of State John Kerry29 January 2013 | |
Summary: On 29 January 2013, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee formally approved the nomination of Senator John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) to the post of US Secretary of State. Senator Kerry’s nomination hearing testimony and the questions and Kerry responses (related to Armenia) that were submitted for the record are each attached: “Armenia’s Looming Elections”28 January 2013 | |
The National Interest Summary: 2013 will be a presidential election year for all of the countries of the South Caucasus, with Armenia becoming the first state to begin its contest. The campaign kicked off in Armenia with the beginning of the nomination process for candidates on December 25. The vote itself is scheduled for February 18. What surprises, if any, can we expect from this election? And how will this campaign impact the general situation in the South Caucasus? Link: http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/armenias-looming-elections-8018 “Erdogan's Kurdish Issues”28 January 2013 | |
The National Interest Summary: Turkey’s political discussion changes quickly. Yesterday it was mostly Syria. Today it is making peace with Kurds. That has been a boon to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political standing—at least for the moment. 2012 marked the AKP’s ten-year anniversary as the ruling party, a rare feat in Turkish politics. The party has been one of the few constants in a new, more vital Turkey. But it was a difficult year for Erdogan because of Syria’s unending civil war. After a year of intense criticism over his handling of Syria, including from members of his own party, Erdogan’s political fortunes seemed to be suffering. Link: http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/erdogans-kurdish-issues-8024 |
