Armenia grapples with multiple challenges

Tens of thousands of now-homeless people have streamed into Armenia from the separatist region of Nagorno-karabakh, controlled by its emboldened adversary, Azerbaijan.

Swarms of protesters are filling the streets of the Armenian capital of Yerevan, demanding the prime minister’s ouster. Relations with Russia, an old ally and protector, have frayed amid mutual accusations.

Armenia now finds itself facing multiple challenges after being suddenly thrust into one of the worst political crises in its decades of independence following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Developments unfolded with surprising speed after Azerbaijan waged a lightning military campaign in Nagorno-karabakh, a majority ethnic Armenian region that has run its affairs for three decades without international recognition.

Starved of supplies by an Azerbaijani blockade and outnumbered

by a military bolstered by Turkey, the separatist forces capitulated in 24 hours and their political leaders said they would dissolve their government. That triggered a massive exodus by the ethnic Armenians who feared Azerbaijani rule. Over 80% of the region’s 120,000 residents made the grueling journey into impoverished Armenia, which is struggling to accommodate them.

AP An ethnic Armenian woman from Nagorno-karabakh holds her newborn Tuesday as she waits to receive aid at a temporary camp in Armenia.