Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Obama encouraged to lobby against genocide bill
Another problematic situation awaits the President with a resolution that is gaining steam in the House regarding the Armenian genocide that took place in the beginning of the 20th century. President Obama definitely wants to improve our relations with Turkey since he has decided to visit the nation next week and so not stopping this resolution may put a damper on his visit's overall effect. I think Turkey could be a very powerful ally to have with the Middle East composed in the way it is right now and to give up a great opportunity to gain support may be jeopardizing hopes for a better future in the region. Yet, I am disappointed to see that this could hinge on an issue where clearly the facts show that something bad occurred under the country's watch and they are failing to admit any wrongdoing. Justifying their actions by offering numbers of their own who were killed does not solve anything and it would be better for all parties involved if the issue would subside with a reasonable agreement. Some sort of compromise is needed and if it doesn't happen then President Obama is just setting us up for a failed opportunity to improve diplomatic relations.
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6 comments:
What is the purpose behind this bill?
The resolution basically asks President Obama to promote an understanding of the Armenians who died at the hands of Turkey in 1915and to classify the situation as a genocide.
I realize what the bill says but what does the bill mean? It won't change history and it won't alter US foreign policy.
You're correct the resolution does not change any history. However it would add tension to the relationship we have with Turkey since they do not want to acknowledge what took place. The main role of the resolution is a symbolic one and that is why it has importance.
It's resolutions like this that make people hate us and adore us. On the one had, why the hell should we care and be interfering in Turkish-Armenian relations? This is none of our business. How would we feel if Turkey passed a law declaring our treatment of Native Americans a genocide?
On the other hand, resolutions like this strengthen America's reputation as the standard-bearer of human rights and gives oppressed people in all corners of the world hope that the United States at the very most may one day help them, and at the very least, recognizes their plight and cares about it enough to say something.
Which side do you pick?
See Peter Balakian's book, Burning Tigris. Turkey has never recognized the Armenian genocide. From the perspective of Armenian-Americans, this legislation is part of setting the historical record straight. It does, of course, create diplomatic complexities.
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