Global Voices Online

The Armenaker Kamilion comments on the opinion of a senior radical opposition leader in Armenia that renewed fighting with Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabakh might be one way for the authorities in Yerevan to declare martial law and end opposition protests which are set to start again on 20 June. The blog examines such speculation in light of concerns that the resumption of hostilities might also serve as a proxy war between Russia and the United States for influence in the South Caucasus.

Recent Links also in Central Asia & Caucasus

Azerbaijan might still be a predominantly Muslim country, but Scary Azeri in Suburbs says that many of the trappings of Christmas in the West can be observed in its New Year festivities. The blog details how the holiday is spent in much of the former Soviet world.

AdnanEmin's Blog, Prison Diary, a new blog from Azerbaijan, has been set up to republish letters sent from prison in the oil-rich former Soviet republic by Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, two detained video blogging youth activists sentenced last week and considered by Amnesty International to be prisoners of conscience. The first post carries a message from Milli after his sentence.

Brave New Foundation posts a petition and YouTube video with young veterans asking Obama not to send more troops to Afghanistan.