Armenia and world:

Due to instability, new Middle East will be fraught with more threats than former one

Protest actions in Tunisia that spread over to Egypt, Yemen, Algeria, and now to Iran were not spontaneous at all; neither were they conditioned by the aspiration of the Arab world for democracy.

February 15, 2011
In a while the world will see a new Middle East, which will be fraught with more threats than the former one with its old and sick presidents, corruption and total poverty. It is quite possible that there will be new presidents if the military allows, but corruption and poverty will linger on. They may even increase due to the fact that the new heads of state should secure their old age in case of unforeseen resignation.
Economy:

Armenian population fears possible regular rise in gas prices

Armenian government assures it continues negotiating with Russia to prevent upsurge of energy resources tariffs.

February 12, 2011
While the population is expecting the regular rise in prices for natural gas, Armenian government assures it continues negotiating with Russia to prevent upsurge of energy resources tariffs. The results are expected to be announced in late February.
Culture:

Valentine’s Day: lovers celebrate, church opposes

Armenians have beautiful national holidays recognized by the Church and there is no need to look for new ones, a clergyman says.

February 12, 2011
Saint Valentine’s Day, although not an Armenian national holiday, takes root in Armenia. The romantic tradition to present ‘heart’ gifts is gaining popularity among young people, although majority of them do not have any idea of who Valentine was and why the holiday is celebrated.
Politics:

Twitter instead of cobble-stone. Can Armenia face a Twitter resolution?

Should Vladimir Lenin plot his October revolution in the 21st century, he would think over seizing Twitter and Facebook, instead of capturing post offices or railway stations.

February 12, 2011
Twitter instead of cobble-stone. Can Armenia face a Twitter resolution?
The recent events in Tunisia and Egypt have shown that social networks can have tremendous role in organization of political processes. Thanks to social networks, even under total media control by the authorities, the opposition forces managed to coordinate their protest actions and take millions of people to the streets to oust the rulers.
Society:

Abortion at home – a dangerous tendency among Armenian women

According to official statistical data, 10 149 abortions were registered in Armenia in 2009.

February 11, 2011
The National Security Strategy of Armenia describes low birth rate as one of the threats to the country’s national security.
IT & Telecom:

IT field registers growth, government financing remains unchanged

Review of January 31 – February 6 telecommunication and information technology events.

February 6, 2011
Armenian IT field registered 15% growth in 2010. The turnover in the field totaled $150mln against $129.9mln last year. The field employs 5 thousand specialists, with 197 companies operating. At that, government financing of the IT field totaled AMD 80mln (as in 2010), what is 60% less than in 2009, when AMD 200mln was assigned.
Sport:

Robert Hovhannisyan wins Armenian Chess Championship

Review of January 27 – February 3 sports events.

February 3, 2011
Chess: Levon Aronian finished 3rd at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee. Hikaru Nakamura of the United States won the tournament with 9 points, followed by Viswanathan Anand of India. Gabriel Sargissian came 5th in tournament B, which was won by Luke McShane (England).
 
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