A New Armenia?

Life in Armenia comments on the post-election situation in the country and says that the level of polarization and hatred in society is noticeable. The blog also says that Armenia is not the country most Diasporans hoped it would be. Others might argue, however, that the current situation was inevitable, but nevertheless, the blog suggests setting an example as one way out of the present predicament.

Most repats can tell you that the vibe in the air has definitely changed in the last few months, but what it means is unknown. This might not be a favored or popular blog with the audiences, but I’m a firm believer that to change something, you need to look at it truthfully. Just as there is an uncertainty of the future of Armenia in the diaspora, there is a confusion in the repat community about the direction of the country they so belovedly returned to so many years ago. The tension in the air, the anger, and lack of respect for one another seems magnified by all the signs that once meant progress. Protests have only brought out more doubt in the people, and clearer divides. Economic progress has led to more pollution and traffic in Yerevan’s center with no visible intent to regulate the chaos (starting with noisy clubs in residential areas and ending with the worst gridlock you could ever imagine). But worst among all, prices of everything have skyrocketed, especially food, making it no longer more practical to live here than anywhere else.