The History, Causes and Politics of Armenian Terrorism from 1975 until 1986: A Critical View

Abstract

This article examines and analyzes the history, causes, politics of a decade of Armenian terrorism from 1975 to 1986. We argue that the main aim of Armenian terrorism was to publicize the Armenian cause and bring to the attention of the international community that the Armenian genocide, which was committed by the Ottoman Empire in 1915, should be recognized by Turkey. We provide a detailed examination of both ASALA (Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia) and JCAG (Justice Commandos for the Armenian Genocide), the military wing of the Armenian Revolutionary Party (ARF). We also examine how both groups grew in the Middle East, Lebanon, and carried transnational actions, their policies, organization, and strategies. Our analysis is based on in-depth historical research relying on primary sources and oral history methods. We also provide a comprehensive analysis how both groups blossomed and the processes that led to their demise.