In a seemingly meaningless gesture, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution marking the 1915 slaughter of Armenians by the Turks as an act of genocide. Of course, that's only meaningless if you don't have an appreciation of history, like ninety percent of Americans. However, to the groups involved it is an incredibly significant act. Armenians have fought for the recognition of this tragedy for years, only to see the Turks raise a ruckus and attempt to thwart every attempt.
And boy, do the Turks have a tough time handling the news.
For one, they decided to recall their ambassador to the US. While potentially unrelated to the vote the day before, the timing of it certainly implies otherwise. And because every diplomatic maneuver needs a counterpoint show of force, the Turks decided to launch attacks on their border with Northern Iraq, as they once again attempt to leverage their relation with the US by threatening an invasion. Because you know what we need? The one peaceful region in Iraq to be invaded by an ally at the same time that we attempt to reform the government. The definition of a true ally.
The resolution has come under some fire, since Turkish-US relations could suffer. The timing is not so great, considering Turkey's important position in the Middle East, goes the argument. Well, tough shit--it's never a good time, because we always consider that region critical. Turkey has proven to be such a loyal ally, that even after a bribe of $6 billion to help with the invasion of Iraq, they countered with an offer of $32 billion. That's awesome.
And as for concern about rising anti-American sentiment in Turkey? Well, take a look at US favorability in Turkey. It's at 9%. That's not a misprint. That's single digits. It is the worst mark recorded. To put it in perspective, the Palestinians have a higher favorability of the US, and we're the number one backer of Israel! That rating is probably even lower than what you would find in Al-Qaeda.
Some may say, "let the historians decide history" (actual quote from a Congressman). Of course, if you ask any independent historian about what occurred, they'd side with the Armenian side of events, and have done so on numerous occasions of the year. Turkey talks a big game about "opening up the discussion" of the genocide, but if you say something contrary to the state position, well you'll get convicted of "insulting Turkishness", even if you're the son of a slain journalist who was killed for the same reason. Then again, this is also the same country that imprisons mayors for speaking in the language of their constituents, and also has honor killings continue to this day. Talk about a free and open society.
Then again, this is the same country that produced the wonderful filth that is Valley Of The Wolves. Yes, a friendship with those Cyprus-splitting jerks is truly a friendship to cherish.
So why is this important at all? Well, for one, when the history of what has been done to your family is consistently denied, like it has for many Armenians, it's heartbreaking. They want their suffering to be acknowledged. Of course, we can always look to the example of what happens when you ignore history.
2 comments:
What bs, armenian genocide, ok, but what does valley of the wolves iraq have to do with that, especially since what happens in iraq is even worse than what is shown in the film. True, americans cant stand seeing the truth about themselves, but trying to fool the rest of the world shows a sick dillusional persona that you seem to represent. I do hope other americans have a deeper insight into world matters. In fact everything you have to say is problematic, so childishly one sided. Like, get responsible, grow up find the connection to other human beings.
Valley Of The Wolves was just thrown in to show the sensationalistic ultra-nationalist propaganda that you will often see in the Turkish Media. Your assumption of our own view of the Iraq war is false--all three members of WDR were against the war from the start, and disapprove of many of the actions that we have done there. However, that particular film takes it to a wholly different level.
As for the Armenian Genocide, how can you just dismiss it as BS, when the vast majority of independent historians with absolutely no axe to grind have come to the conclusion that genocide occurred? Whenever Turkey claims to have an "open discussion" on the subject, they end up arresting a dissenting opinion, or not inviting those opinions at all.
Please offer up the evidence for your side, we are always willing to examine the issues. Sadly, the case for mass chaos lacks merit (seriously, you're going to blame weather for killing millions of people? (one actual explanation I have found)). We look forward to reading it.
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