· December, 2007

Stories about Armenia from December, 2007

Caucasus: 2007 Blog Review

  31 December 2007

With 2008 less than a day away at time of writing, it seems only appropriate to take a look back at the blogging highlights in the Caucasus for 2007. Certainly, although blogging is still largely underdeveloped, the year has seen some major highlights, especially with regards to stories that also...

Armenia: Traffic Rules

  31 December 2007

With traffic congestion now adding to the insanity that is usually driving in Armenia, Raffi K at Life in Armenia offers his readers some tongue-in-cheek rules for motorists. Ironically, they are pretty much right on the mark.

Georgia: Election Polls

  29 December 2007

Comparing the situation with Armenia and Azerbaijan, Christine Quirk at Asking Tough Questions in Tough Places comments on the value that opinion polls might have during elections in the South Caucasus. The former head of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Azerbaijan turned political analyst says such polls serve a...

Armenia: Come on-a My House for New Year

  27 December 2007

Armenian Food reminds its readers of the 1951 hit by Rosemary Clooney, aunt of actor George Clooney, Come On-a My House. Written by two ethnic Armenians, one of which was American-Armenian writer William Saroyan, the blog says the song typifies the lavish tables that will be center stage for Armenian...

Armenia: Corrupt Politics

  26 December 2007

Martuni or Bust reminds it readers that the former judge now turned radical opposition activist as the February 2008 presidential election in Armenia draws closer has a few skeletons in his own closet. In particular, the blog quotes an interview conducted with this author on concerns that the judge in...

Armenia: Aeroflot

  25 December 2007

Now that airline ticket prices have increased in Armenia, one ethnic Armenian from the Diaspora finally journeyed back home for Christmas via Moscow on Aeroflot. Raffi K at Life in Armenia says that avoiding the terrible service on Aeroflot is best advised.

Armenia: Campaign Politics

  25 December 2007

With the presidential election in Armenia less than two months away, The Armenian Observer is impressed by how seriously one candidate is taking campaigning for the vote.

Armenia: Yoga

  25 December 2007

The Armenian Patchwork posts photographs taken at a new Yoga center in Yerevan, the Armenian capital.

Armenia: Christmas Comes Early

  24 December 2007

The Armenian Observer says that while he can understand why international contacts and friends are wishing him Merry Xmas, he is irritated that Armenians are doing so as well. While the West celebrates Christmas on 25th December, Armenians will not do so until 6 January.

Armenia: Burning Bridges

  24 December 2007

Archuk's blog comments on recent hearings in the Armenian National Assembly on relations with Turkey and considers that focusing on potential financial reparations does more harm than good in the quest for “historical justice.” The blogger remembers that even a famous Armenian freedom fighter killed during the Karabakh conflict concluded...

Armenia: Action Puts Bloggers In Media Spotlight

  21 December 2007

In countries such as Armenia where the mainstream broadcast media is firmly under the control of government-connected businessmen and/or officials, while the traditional print and online media largely reflects the opposition in the country, there is no doubt that blogs have an important role to play in the dissemination of...

Armenia: Election Differences

  21 December 2007

The Armenian Observer features a guest post by a Swiss ex-pat worker in Armenia who compares how elections are conducted in Europe with how they are conducted here in the South Caucasus.

Armenia: Another Blogger Outraged at Azerbaijan Event

  21 December 2007

Blogian weighs into the controversy that surrounded the opening of a Days of Azerbaijan funded by the British Embassy in Yerevan earlier this week. Supporting the action of those bloggers who protested the event in person, Simon says that such an event is unthinkable on the second anniversary of the...

Armenia: Robinson Crusoe in Kurdish

  20 December 2007

Kurdistan and Hayastan — Hand in Hand posts a scan of the front page of the Kurdish translation of Daniel Dafoe's classic book, Robinson Crusoe. The book was translated and published in the Kurmanji dialect of Kurdish in 1936.

Armenia: Media Protest

  20 December 2007

The Armenian Observer reports on a protest staged to support a regional TV station in Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city. The station is facing continued pressure from the local authorities as next year's presidential election draws closer.

Armenia: Dram Politics

  20 December 2007

The Armenian Economist is unhappy with the way the media and other bloggers have reported on the appreciation of the Armenian Dram against the US Dollar. In particular, says David, the issue is instead hijacked for political purposes.

Armenia: Protest Highlights Blogging

  18 December 2007

The Armenian Observer comments on yesterday's protest by four Armenian bloggers against a Days of Azerbaijan event hosted at a local school in Yerevan, the Armenian capital. The blog says the protest “brought massive media attention to the understanding of blogging […] as a form of civil activity in Armenia.”

Armenia: Bloggers Protest Days of Azerbaijan

  18 December 2007

Oneworld Multimedia reports that a group of Armenian bloggers have protested the Days of Azerbaijan currently being held at a school in Yerevan. However, while the bloggers do not represent every Armenian with a blog, it is interesting to note that certain media outlets neglected to report the incident at...

Armenia: Elephants Marry

  18 December 2007

After quite a few international controversies surrounding attempts to find a mate for Yerevan Zoo's only elephant, Blogian reports some happy news. Hrantik can finally share his life with an elephant from Moscow and the new relationship was apparently cemented by a “marriage ceremony.”

Russia: Deti Picasso

  18 December 2007

Georgia & the South Caucasus is impressed by the ethnic Armenian indie band from Russia, Deti Picasso. Fusing both traditional Armenia with alternative contemporary sounds, the blog hopes that the band will one day make it to Europe.