Lapshin Explains Why Armenia Should Send Rescuers to Turkey

Armenian social networks are buzzing with outrage over the fact that Armenian authorities sent rescuers to Turkey. At first glance, logical arguments arise that "we should not help the enemy" and that "they got what they deserved." This has been noted by blogger Alexander Lapshin, who believes that, despite the sentiments, Turkey should be assisted. According to the blogger, this should not be done out of "love or hatred," but for several objective reasons.

Lapshin specifically wrote: "First, the Turks will manage just fine without Armenian help; let’s be objective. Tens of thousands of rescuers from around the world have gone there with a bunch of modern equipment. Moreover, the Turks themselves have thrown all their strength into clearing the rubble and helping the victims. It is clear that a few dozen Armenian rescuers will change nothing on a global scale. However, there are several reasons for sending them.

1. It is not Turkey as a state that is the enemy of Armenians, but specific leaders of that country. Just like in 1915, this is the situation now. Furthermore, 90% of the victims and deceased from the earthquake are not Turks but Kurds, Islamized Armenians, and Assyrians living in eastern Turkey.

2. Armenian rescuers need practical training to refresh their skills in clearing rubble and saving lives. Especially since they are working alongside Europeans, exchanging experience and technologies. Armenia itself is located in a seismic zone, and it must be prepared for the possibility that an earthquake may occur again in the Republic of Armenia.

3. Armenia needs to demonstrate its desire for Euro-integration and participate in European humanitarian programs. It doesn’t matter if this is done sincerely or not. What’s important is to stay on trend and not be left out of events. Moreover, substantial grants can be obtained for humanitarian programs, and the money spent on sending rescuers to Turkey will be reimbursed in other ways, returning much more than what was spent.

It seems I have overlooked the humanitarian aspect of this list. I grieve for people trapped under the rubble, for the tens of thousands of victims; I feel purely human sorrow. You do too. Many others also feel the same. But in politics, there is no word for 'sympathy'; instead, there is expediency and clever calculation. Furthermore, if misfortune were to befall Azerbaijan, which is disliked by many, then, depending on expediency, rescuers could also be sent there."