Will the next president act on Armenian concerns?
For years, local Armenian-Americans have voiced concerns about three topics.
The first, that Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan is a dictator who squashes freedom of speech and is out to destroy minorities and those who oppose him. Over the past few years, 1,845 criminal cases have been open against people in Turkey who have been charged with “insulting” him. Kurds are being scrutinized and March 25 a renovated Armenian church was confiscated by the Turkish government.
The second, that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is a corrupt leader who is building an arsenal to invade neighboring Karabakh. Aliyev ordered the invasion of Karabakh at four points. His soldiers were defeated and retreated. One elder Armenian couple had their ears cut off. The “Panama Papers” recently revealed that Aliyev’s family is hiding millions in off shore accounts and investment properties. All this while his country’s economy is in a downturn.
The third, and perhaps one that is closer to home for all Americans, that former Speaker Dennis Hastert should be investigated for his shady dealings. Hastert is going through the court process and it is much worst that anyone imagined.
Local Armenian-Americans are batting 3-for-3. Maybe now someone will listen, perhaps the next president.
Joe Alarmani, Fresno
This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 7:10 AM with the headline "Will the next president act on Armenian concerns?."