ASEVoIS: Turkey Is Not As Appealing As Its Namesake, The Bird

Or: The Truth Is A Crime


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.

The Sad Anniversary: July 20, 1974

One of two anniversaries we're celebrating today, first we'll discuss the somber. Continuing our theme this week of Turks doing bad things, we're commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus. Since then, the island has been divided into two parts, with little hope in the near future of being reunited.

On July 20, 1974 the Turks launched "Operation Attila" in response to a short-lived coup backed by the military junta in Greece. The junta in Greece soon fell, leaving the coup leaders without backing; plus the fact that they had failed to kill the leadership left the outcome very much in doubt. Peace talks were soon held, and the coup-backers were overthrown and democracy and order were soon restored with a couple of weeks of the initial events.

But this was not enough for the Turks, as they demanded way more than what was guaranteed under the agreement that led to the 1960 formation of Cyprus. They insisted on unequal political and territorial rights, and realized that their current position left them with total control of the situation. So on the 14th of August they launched the second offensive of their operation, setting up the division as it is currently stands today.



What were the consequences? 1) Over 5000 Greek Cypriot deaths. 2) Over 160,000 Greek Cypriots displaced from their homes and property in a massive example of ethnic cleansing. 3) Over 1400 Greek Cypriots who still remain missing to this day. Beyond that, there is the continual cultural destruction of the Greek heritage, as churches and their artwork are destroyed (some being turned into stables and such), and towns being renamed with Turkish names, among other things.

Despite universal international condemnation, the situation has not been resolved as Turkey has made no concessions. In fact, in 1983 the northern occupied area declared itself an independent state, recognized by no one except Turkey herself. Cyprus continues to make concessions--allowing Turkish Cypriots to gain EU passports, allowing them to run for political office, de-mining the Green Line, etc. They even have supported Turkish accession efforts into the EU, despite the fact that Turkey refuses to recognize the Republic of Cyprus.



But of course this story gets no recognition in the press. It's too peaceful these days. If you look through the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, and the Wall Street Journal, you'll find articles about the upcoming Turkish elections, but not a word on Cyprus. Even the Internet is curiously quiet, with few mentions in either publications or blogs.

But we here will remember this day, and continue to fight against this grave injustice.


This Turkish Cypriot Flag is painted on the mountain facing the Greek Cypriot side, mocking their situation. Extremely Classy.