From revanchism to terrorism — just one step On provocateurs of the past and present

Provocateurs, as we know, were a type of ancient Roman gladiator. They were depicted wearing a loincloth, a belt, a long greave on the left leg, a manica on the arm holding the sword, and a Roman-Celtic helmet with a visor, without a brim or crest. The provocateur's chest was protected by a cuirass, which was initially rectangular and later often rounded.

Modern provocateurs look different. They may wear well-tailored business suits made of expensive materials and work in comfortable office rooms, from which they may step out into a luxury car. Many of them may not look heroic or gladiatorial at all. But that doesn’t make them any less of a provocateur.

We are now witnessing the active efforts of European and American provocateurs who are providing Armenia with political, financial, and military support. They clearly thirst for a new war in the South Caucasus—a war that will bring more casualties, destruction, tears, and pain. But all these "trivialities" matter little to those who are eager to implement their own geopolitical plans. They are used to betting on "their own bastards." In this sense, the Nicaraguan dictator Somoza is no different from the triumphant leader of Armenia's "Barbecue Revolution," Nikol Pashinyan. The only difference is that the Prime Minister of Armenia pedals his bicycle more vigorously, setting an example for other members of his team. Otherwise, he is just another pawn, executing someone else's will from a different angle.

It's crucial to understand the potential consequences of encouraging Armenian revanchism. It is quite clear that Armenian terrorism will also rear its head. August 7 marked 42 years since the attack on Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara, carried out by the terrorist organization Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA). The perpetrators of the attack, which took place on August 7, 1982, were Zohrap Sarkissian and Levon Ekmekjian, who detonated a bomb in the middle of a crowded waiting area, then opened fire with automatic weapons on passport control staff and passengers waiting in line to board a KLM flight. The terrorists then ran into a cafeteria, where they took 20 hostages. During the subsequent storming of the cafeteria by Turkish special forces, Sarkissian was killed, and Ekmekjian was wounded and captured. The attack and the ensuing two-hour shootout resulted in 9 deaths and 72 injuries. Among the dead were a woman from the United States, an engineer from West Germany, three Turkish police officers, as well as Turkish passengers and airport staff.

ASALA claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was a protest against the "occupation of Armenian lands by Turkish fascists." Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Right now, we hear the same rhetoric from Armenian "revanchists" regarding Azerbaijani people and state. They openly declare that the war is not over, that they have claims to the Azerbaijani lands. Yes, they thirst for blood. They have role models to follow. This brings to mind when Turkish police informed the arrested Levon Ekmekjian that he and his accomplice had killed 9 people, he shouted, "That's not enough!" As a result, on September 7, 1982, he was sentenced to death by the court. Ekmekjian's appeal was rejected, and on January 29, 1983, he was hanged.

This is a crime committed by Armenian terrorists that must never be forgotten. Especially now, when the voices of Armenian revanchists are growing louder and more insistent. This is partly because they feel the support of various countries around the world, primarily from the United States and France. Azerbaijan sees all of this and understands the motives and ultimate goals of the provocateurs who have chosen the Armenian side as their tool. They will not succeed. The "Iron Fist" is ready and able to bring anyone to their senses.