Armenian Writer Accuses Unnamed "War Scholar" of Propagandist Role in Artsakh Conflict

Yerevan-based writer Joe Kassabian has publicly denounced an unnamed individual, whom he refers to as a "war scholar," accusing them of being a "cheerleader for the Azeri invasion and complete expulsion of Armenians from Artsakh." In a recent social media post, Kassabian asserted that the individual is not a legitimate scholar but rather a "propagandist for genocidal regimes."

The tweet, issued by Kassabian, reflects deep-seated grievances surrounding the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Kassabian's strong language highlights a prevalent sentiment among many Armenians and their diaspora regarding the perceived bias and support for Azerbaijani actions by certain commentators. He stated, "This is the same guy who couldn't help but be a cheerleader for the Azeri invasion and complete expulsion of Armenians from Artsakh."

The accusation stems from the September 2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh. This swift military operation led to the collapse of the self-proclaimed Armenian Republic of Artsakh and resulted in the mass exodus of nearly the entire ethnic Armenian population from the territory. International bodies and human rights organizations have raised concerns about the humanitarian consequences of these events.

Kassabian, known for his work as a writer, ex-soldier, and genocide researcher with a focus on Armenian issues, has been a vocal critic of what he views as distorted narratives surrounding the conflict. His remarks underscore the ongoing debate and differing interpretations of the historical and recent events in the South Caucasus. The tweet concludes with a direct challenge to the unnamed individual's professional integrity: "You're not a 'war scholar.' You're a propagandist for genocidal regimes who just so happen to be good buddies."

This public condemnation by Kassabian illustrates the intense emotional and political divisions that persist concerning the future of Armenians in the region and the role of international commentary. The incident points to the broader struggle over narrative control and the attribution of responsibility in the wake of significant demographic and territorial shifts in Nagorno-Karabakh.