Australia has transferred extended-range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM-ER ) bombs to Ukraine as part of ongoing military support efforts, Report informs via United24Media.
Month: November 2024
The Eurasian Georgia? By Ghia Nodia. https://t.co/ZB0PH4kCy2 via @JAMnewsCaucasus 2/2
— Notes from Georgia/South Caucasus (Hälbig, Ralph) (@SouthCaucasus) November 3, 2024
Highly recommend reading this! Even the simplest European approach doesn’t require thinking about it! And the so-called opposition has no idea about it either, because it follows the simple news of the West. And the West is not helping at all and is sneaking away 1/2
— Notes from Georgia/South Caucasus (Hälbig, Ralph) (@SouthCaucasus) November 3, 2024
In the United States, diasporas play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing policies, and amplifying voices within the political arena. Many immigrant communities, from Irish to Indian, have harnessed their collective power to influence decisions, make their issues known, and create alliances with other communities. One of the most striking examples is the Armenian-American community, which has built a strong network of coalitions and alliances, ensuring their voices are heard in the corridors of power.
Unfortunately, despite a sizable population, the Azerbaijani-American community has not yet achieved the same level of unity and influence. With an estimated 700,000 Azerbaijanis in the U.S., according to a 2013 report, our community has incredible, untapped potential. This number reflects a hidden power, a significant force that could make an impact in U.S. politics, especially during elections, if we come together, unite, and create a unified Azerbaijani-American voice.
The Need for Unity Among Azerbaijani-Americans
Azerbaijani-Americans are a diverse and vibrant community, spread across various states like California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Many of us have made our mark in various fields: from business and technology to academia and the arts. Yet, when it comes to political and social influence, our collective impact remains limited. Unlike the Armenian-American community, which has succeeded in rallying for its causes and building strong coalitions, our community often lacks the cohesion needed to make a meaningful difference.
Why does this matter? The lack of unity diminishes our influence. During election times, candidates are more likely to listen to groups that show solidarity and have a clear agenda. Politicians respond to communities that organize and mobilize. By not uniting, we forfeit a seat at the table and the opportunity to shape policies that affect us and our homeland.
The Hidden Power of Azerbaijani-Americans
The 2013 report estimating 700,000 Azerbaijanis living in the U.S. should serve as a wake-up call. With such a substantial population, our community has the potential to become a powerful force within the American diaspora landscape. To put this in perspective, consider that Armenian-Americans number around one million, and they have successfully built a network of organizations, advocacy groups, and alliances that amplify their voice in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Imagine the potential if Azerbaijani-Americans could do the same. A united Azerbaijani-American community, forming strategic partnerships with Turkish-American organizations and other friendly groups, could be a formidable force. By collaborating, we could raise awareness about Azerbaijan, counter misinformation, and advocate for policies that support both the U.S. and Azerbaijan.
How Azerbaijani-Americans Can Make an Impact
- Form Coalitions and Alliances: One of the most effective ways to build power is to form coalitions with other groups. We have strong cultural and historical ties with the Turkish-American community. By uniting with them and other like-minded groups, we can strengthen our presence and achieve common goals.
- Establish Community Organizations: We need more Azerbaijani-American organizations that can represent our interests on both local and national levels. These organizations could focus on voter registration, policy advocacy, and community outreach.
- Encourage Political Participation: Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have as citizens. Encouraging Azerbaijani-Americans to vote and become more engaged in the political process will demonstrate our community’s strength to policymakers.
- Support Azerbaijani-American Candidates: One way to ensure our issues are represented is by supporting Azerbaijani-Americans who run for office. Having members of our community in political positions would allow us to bring our unique perspective to the decision-making table.
- Engage with U.S. Media: Another powerful tool is media presence. We need to tell our stories, highlight our contributions, and counter any misinformation about Azerbaijan. By engaging with the media, we can foster a better understanding of who we are and what we stand for.
A Message to Azerbaijani-Americans: The Time to Unite Is Now
To all Azerbaijani-Americans: The time has come to unite and make our voices heard. Each one of us has a role to play in strengthening our community. Whether it’s by joining existing Azerbaijani-American organizations, encouraging our families and friends to vote, or simply staying informed and engaged, we all have the power to contribute.
Let us remember that unity is strength. The challenges we face as a community are not insurmountable. By coming together, we can unlock the hidden power of our diaspora, build alliances that amplify our voice, and ensure that Azerbaijani-Americans are recognized as a significant, influential group in the United States.
In a country where diversity is celebrated and community voices matter, we must step up and take our place. The potential is there; all that’s left is for us to act on it. Let’s come together, empower our community, and make a lasting impact for future generations.
Sincerely: Ziya Ibrahim
#GeorgianWine: Danieli Winery • დანიელის მეღვინეობა zu Gast bei Freunden in Deutschland im November in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt und Leipzig – mit Eka Tchvritidze
More: https://t.co/n0joQZeAbT pic.twitter.com/ZZM4A3ag3D
— Notes from Georgia/South Caucasus (Hälbig, Ralph) (@SouthCaucasus) November 3, 2024
The Central Election Commission of Georgia said on November 2 that the accreditation it issued to the Russian government propagandist Alexander Malkevich “was granted in accordance with the electoral legislation” and that “CEC has no access to the legal status of this or that person, and this is not within the scope of its activity.”
On November 1, the pro-opposition TV station Pirveli aired a report saying that Malkevich had not only visited Georgia on election day, but had also received accreditation from the CEC.
Natia Ioseliani, the organization’s spokesperson said at a briefing at CEC, that “any local or foreign media representative is accredited through a simple procedure, including sending relevant information by e-mail. If the submitted documents comply with the electoral legislation, the electoral administration will issue the appropriate accreditation.” Iioseliani also accused the “interested parties” of trying to discredit the Commission and its Chairman by accentuating that the “Russian media-organization representative” accreditation application was sent to personally Giorgi Kalandarishivli, whereas Ioseliani said it is a standard procedure that the accreditation application is filled in the name of the CEC Chair.
The reports of Malkevich’s presence in Tbilisi on the day of October 26 elections surfaced several days after the elections. Malkevich is sanctioned by several countries, including the United States.
Exactly when and how Alexander Malkevich came to Georgia is still unknown. Malkevich had broken the Georgian Law on Occupied Territories at least once, when he visited the occupied Tskhinvali region, at the end of August 2023 . While there he met with the de-facto leader of the occupied region, Alan Gagloev who awarded Malkevich the “Order of Friendship” for his contribution “to the development and strengthening of friendly relations between peoples and in connection with the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the recognition of the Republic of South Ossetia as a sovereign and independent state by the Russian Federation.”
Malkevich is in charge of the Russian propaganda machine operation in the occupied Donbass, Ukraine and was a close associate of the notorious Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has not commented on how and when the Russian journalist entered the territory of Georgia.