Contact

Follow me on Twitter: @christiangarbis

 

May 2012
M T W T F S S
« Apr    
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  

Reflecting on twenty years of independence

Twenty years ago when Armenia declared itself independent from Soviet rule it was not only claiming statehood, it was calling for a restoration of values.  The Armenian people would be able to think and create freely in a fledgling democracy that was both naïve yet highly optimistic. Many people believed that prosperity was on the [...]

Why Demolish Yerevan Kiosks?

Dismantling a Yerevan kiosk

About three days ago while driving down Papazian Street in the Arabkir district I noticed a lot of commotion beside the kiosks that are situated along the sidewalk near the intersection with  Komitas Street. There were several police officers while other citizens seemed to have been irate and agitated. Yesterday there [...]

Armenian Youth Should Learn from Spain

I just read a compelling article on the front page of the New York Times web site, describing how the youth of Spain, sick of the bureaucratic, corrupt system of governance that doesn’t care about their plight, namely lack of employment and opportunity, are standing up for their rights. Much of what is portrayed about [...]

Is Armenia Really Not a Country?

Last night a friend came over and gave me some disturbing information. He had been talking to someone earlier in the day who said that there are only 1.5 million people left in the Republic of Armenia.

Moreover, people are leaving en masse. He said that there was at least one instance of an entire village [...]

An Afternoon in Gyumri

Yesterday I took a trip to Gyumri with two fellow Americans. We first visited the marvelous monastery Marmashen before driving around town and then wandering in the historic district. Although we were only in the area for a few hours, I was fairly impressed with the second largest city of Armenia.

Gyumri is in some ways [...]

10 Percent Growth in Armenia’s GDP?

Yesterday I read an article that explained the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is forecasting a whopping 10 percent growth in Armenia’s GDP for 2010. That’s right, 10 percent. And that’s up from a previous estimate of 2 percent.

Why? According to the EBRD press release, the high amount of cash expected to flow into [...]

Delicious Bookmark this on Delicious