THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY - A MUST SEE FILM!!!!

The film medium, if properly utilized, can be not only an artistic experience for the viewer but can be a means to convey more substantive, dare we say philosophical, messages on a host of issues both current and historical.

A case in point is director Ken Loach's fine new film, The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

Set in Ireland during the 1920's, it is a story of a people ravaged by the cruelties of British colonialism and the liberation war they wage to free themselves from foreign occupation. It is a brutal, but honest depiction, of how common people decide to take action to liberate their country and themselves from the powers and restrictions imposed by others and the ruling elites. It is also the story of how ruling elites, in this case the British, sought to divide and conquer the rebellious Irish, by offering them " Home Rule ", something less than total independence. What ensued was a civil war in Ireland between those who rejected the British offer and those who did not.

Today, the six northern counties in Ireland still remain under the control of Britain.

Today, many are proposing, similar compromises regarding Artsakh. That is to say, a semi-autonomous status but not totally free of Azeri colonial rule and jurisdiction. Of course, Azerbaijan, just like Great Britain, is loathe to acquiesce to total political independence for its colonial possessions.

The Easter Rebellion in Ireland took place in 1916. Today, some 90 years later, Ireland still waits for total independence.

Let those Armenians who are deciding the fate of Artsakh and its people take Ireland as just one example of promises betrayed before they sign on to any document that will ultimately betray the hopes and aspirations of Artsakh as well.