December 21, 2009

Dear Friend,
As 2009 draws to its close, we would like to share with you the achievements and successes of the “ARARAT” Center for Strategic Research (“ARARAT”) in this passing year and thank you for your continued support of our activities.
Ever since its establishment in 2006, “ARARAT” has become a leading Armenian think-tank on strategy and security. Complement the word “leading” with the words “independent” and “national” and you will attest to a phenomenon so singular (yet vitally important) in the nascent Armenian strategic-political thought: a leading independent think-tank, which defines, analyzes and advocates the needs and demands of Armenia’s national security from an exclusively Armenian perspective – YOUR perspective.
In such a short span of its existence, “ARARAT” can lay claim to these distinctive achievements:

• Laying solid intellectual ground for the establishment of the Armenian school of strategic thought;
• Identifying the fundamental elements of Armenia’s national security;
• Exploring and defining the cornerstones of the Armenian identity; and
• Disseminating truthful information about Armenia and the Armenians.

Within the framework of these objectives, the activities of “ARARAT” in 2009 included the following:
• True to its mission, “ARARAT” was the first to expose the hidden dangers of the ongoing Armenian-Turkish negotiations by dissecting the complex issue of Armenian-Turkish conflict and expeditiously delivering it to the Armenian public;
• As part of its efforts to fight the information warfare waged against Armenia, “ARARAT” filed the first ever lawsuit against the denial of the Armenian Genocide within Armenia;
• Launched the “Ardarutyun” project (www.ardarutyun.org), whose purpose is to identify malicious anti-Armenian propaganda campaigns and defend against such falsifications. Along with the Center’s “Foreign Press Review”, which produced additional 38 pieces of professional translation with 14 pieces of commentary, the “Ardarutyun” project further enhances and systematizes the efforts of “ARARAT” aimed at Armenia’s information security;
• Continued the organization of intensive studies for Armenian students and young professionals in the areas of strategy, politics, identity and history;
• Produced 38 pieces of groundbreaking research, publications as well as interviews in both national and international press (e.g. Foreign Policy Magazine, Bloomberg.com); and
• Expanded the base of our audience within Armenia and the Diaspora through active public outreach using new communication channels – lectures, meetings, roundtable discussions, TV programs, press conferences, newsletters and an expanded official website (www.ararat-center.org), which includes an online library.

We have worked throughout the year with unbending commitment to high quality, professional integrity and service to national interests. That service to national interests would not have been possible without your sustained moral and financial support. Thus, when you take the time to reflect on the passing year, we want you to count the achievements and successes of “ARARAT” as your own. As you look back and reassess your priorities for the coming year, we hope that you will continue your support of “ARARAT” by making a donation. Your donation will help ensure that our ongoing projects will be brought to their successful completion. Your financial assistance will tell us that the Armenian nation still values and requires a tireless pursuit of national interests.

“ARARAT” Center for Strategic Research

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