America's Wavering Stance: Mixed Messages in the South Caucasus

Vice President JD Vance's recent trip to the South Caucasus sparked confusion rather than clarity. His visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan was a big deal. It's a place where Armenians remember the 1. 5 million killed in the early 1900s. The U. S. has been careful not to call it a genocide, but Vance did. Then, he deleted the post. Why? Maybe politics got in the way. Next, Vance went to Azerbaijan. This trip was odd. Azerbaijan has been pushing Armenians out of Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2023, nearly 120, 000 Armenians fled. Yet, Vance met with Azerbaijan's president and signed a deal. No strong words about human rights or the displaced Armenians.The U. S. says it supports Armenians' rights. But actions speak louder than words. The blockade on Nagorno-Karabakh in 2022 showed this. Azerbaijan cut off food, medicine, and fuel. The U. S. did little. This taught Azerbaijan that aggression has no real consequences. Vance's trip sent mixed signals. Symbolic gestures to Armenia and a partnership with Azerbaijan. It tells Azerbaijan that the U. S. will look the other way. It tells Turkey that even recognizing genocide can be undone. And it tells Armenians that U. S. support is shaky. For peace to last, the U. S. must be clear. Mixed messages don't keep peace. They invite more conflict. The South Caucasus needs strong, consistent support for human rights. Not vague promises and silent diplomacy.