Baku: Turkish-American engineer, researcher, and writer Ergun Kirlikovali has addressed an open letter to Lebanese-American author Nassim Nicholas Taleb, calling on him to reconsider his position regarding Ruben Vardanyan, APA reports. Kirlikovali commented on Taleb's recent public statement on the social media platform X, in which he said he would refuse to lecture in Baku as long as Ruben Vardanyan remains imprisoned.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Kirlikovali's letter accuses Taleb of succumbing to a "carefully curated illusion" by supporting Vardanyan, suggesting that Taleb's stance overlooks significant allegations against Vardanyan. The letter argues that Vardanyan's philanthropic image masks a reality of illicit finance and geopolitical destabilization, pointing to his involvement with the Troika Dialog bank, which has been implicated in the 'Troika Laundromat' scandal. This network allegedly transferred billions out of Russia through complex offshore schemes and proxy banks.
Kirlikovali further claims that Vardanyan's actions extend beyond financial misconduct to include statutory and security implications. He cites Vardanyan's designation on international monitoring frameworks for allegedly supporting Russia's wartime objectives following the invasion of Ukraine. Kirlikovali criticizes Taleb for demanding Vardanyan's release, suggesting that it defends financial mechanisms that underwrite regional violence.
The letter also highlights the political instability Vardanyan's presence allegedly generated in Karabakh, leading to his arrest and a 20-year prison sentence by a Baku Military Court for charges related to financing terrorism and creating illegal armed groups. Kirlikovali warns against viewing Vardanyan's actions as purely humanitarian, suggesting it falls into the 'blind spots' Taleb often warns about.
Kirlikovali underscores the historical context of conflict in Azerbaijan, referencing the long-standing tragedies endured by its people, including the brutal military occupation and the Khojaly Massacre. He argues that sustainable peace depends on accountability and rule of law, and criticizes Taleb for using his platform to support an oligarch linked to shadow trade and wartime logistics.
The letter concludes with a call for Taleb to apply rigorous skepticism to Vardanyan's network and reconsider the ethical implications of his advocacy, urging him to side with victims of displacement and aggression rather than financiers profiting from their suffering.
Ergun Kirlikovali was born in 1952 in Izmir, Turkey, and has a background in chemistry and polymer science. He founded a company specializing in polymer coatings for stealth technology and has held leadership roles in Turkish American organizations.