The State of the Union claim that Trump secured peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan overlooks prisoner sentencing, mistreatment and the need for justice.
Win McNamee
Getty Images
Real peace in the South Caucasus
“Fact-checking Trump’s State of the Union speech,” (fresnobee.com, Feb. 25)
In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump asserted that he had successfully negotiated peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. While any effort toward stability in the South Caucasus is welcome, this claim does not reflect the reality confronting Armenians today.
Peace is not merely the absence of open conflict; it requires justice, accountability and basic human dignity. Azerbaijan’s recent sentencing of Armenian prisoners of war to life imprisonment gravely undermines the prospect of a sustainable and lasting settlement. For the Armenian community, these actions signal continued hostility and collective punishment.
No agreement can be considered credible when prisoners of war are handed life sentences under questionable legal processes and amid credible reports of mistreatment. Such measures deepen mistrust and harden divisions at a moment when confidence-building steps are desperately needed.
If the administration seeks to advance genuine peace, it must prioritize the immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and insist on adherence to international humanitarian law. Without these essential steps, declarations of “peace” risk becoming hollow political rhetoric rather than meaningful diplomatic achievement.
Avo Manoukian
Fresno
Symptoms of a changing climate
“‘Sub-freezing’ temperatures forecast for Fresno area. How long will cold last?” (fresnobee.com, Feb. 19)
As Central Valley residents brace for another season of atypical weather, it’s becoming harder to ignore that these changes are symptoms of a changing climate.
According to Climate Central, which analyzed 240 cities across the country, average winter temperatures have increased in 235 (98%) of U.S. locations since 1970. This aligns with what we’re experiencing here at home: a general warming pattern across the Valley.
Agriculture, water storage, air quality and public health all depend on the stability of our seasonal climate, and the disruptions we’re seeing today will only intensify if we fail to address the cause.
Gustavo A. Silva Hernandez
Fresno
No oil drilling in California
“Should California allow more oil drilling? Yes — but in moderation | Opinion,” (fresnobee.com, Dec. 4, 2025)
I disagree with the assessment that we should allow more oil drilling in moderation. Oil drilling shouldn’t be in California.
We need to mitigate climate change.
The longer we wait, the more irreparable the world is left for future generations. I want California to have lower gas prices, but if we don’t make changes now, we won’t have a sustainable future.
Jacob Laurence Tubbs
Fresno
Related Stories from Fresno Bee