Comments on: Obama's Turkish dilemma http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Tara http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660860 Tara Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:29:10 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660860 The Armenian diaspora needs to put its own hate-mongering aside and think of what is in the best interest of its brethren currently living in Armenia. Actual Armenians who still reside in the country want nothing more to end the isolation in which they live. They realize their country is tiny and landlocked and that they need to cooperate with neighboring countries around them. Why is it that there exists an Armenian community in Turkey who are happy to live there and who acknowledging that something horrible did take place in 1915 are wise enough not to blame it on the government of Turkey but the Ottomans? The diaspora in this country should take a good look in the mirror and realize its tactics of spewing hatred for all Turks living in the States and abroad (and acts of violence that often go hand in hand with this) are hurting, not helping, their cause. The Armenian diaspora needs to put its own hate-mongering aside and think of what is in the best interest of its brethren currently living in Armenia. Actual Armenians who still reside in the country want nothing more to end the isolation in which they live. They realize their country is tiny and landlocked and that they need to cooperate with neighboring countries around them. Why is it that there exists an Armenian community in Turkey who are happy to live there and who acknowledging that something horrible did take place in 1915 are wise enough not to blame it on the government of Turkey but the Ottomans? The diaspora in this country should take a good look in the mirror and realize its tactics of spewing hatred for all Turks living in the States and abroad (and acts of violence that often go hand in hand with this) are hurting, not helping, their cause.

]]> By: John mama http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660852 John mama Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:37 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660852 The two-face Obama.......... With a big dissapointment as no American citizen i see the new president not support his promises.The Armenian's Genocide by Turkey is one of the crucialiest thing in the recent year but Obama is with Turkey(TWO FACE!). The next thing is the turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974 and the occupation of the island since. They killed many innocent as olguts commitees but obama stills visits Turkey without saying anything. No Obama, we don't want you here, you are just a liar...... Italy,Greece,Armenia,France,Malta,Cyprus,Bulgaria,Albania and many countries don't want turkey to E.U. so you can't begging anymore. The two-face Obama..........
With a big dissapointment as no American citizen i see the new president not support his promises.The Armenian's Genocide by Turkey is one of the crucialiest thing in the recent year but Obama is with Turkey(TWO FACE!). The next thing is the turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974 and the occupation of the island since. They killed many innocent as olguts commitees but obama stills visits Turkey without saying anything.
No Obama, we don't want you here, you are just a liar......
Italy,Greece,Armenia,France,Malta,Cyprus,Bulgaria,Albania and many countries don't want turkey to E.U. so you can't begging anymore.

]]> By: Hasan tezbasan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660845 Hasan tezbasan Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:34:19 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660845 Armenians are treated equally during 800 years of Ottaman history, and I am proud of it. We can infer this from; unlike minorities of any other place of the world, Armenians brought up to most important positions in the society and goverment. They pretty much happily lived for 780 years and suddebnly what changed the course suddenly? any smarty can think of this situation? It is so unfair to admit that Ottamans did a systematic hatred and killings suddenly in the last few decades of the Empire. I will tell you what happened. When Ottomans were fighting Russian in WW1, Armenian Army stabbed from behind. The Armenian soldiers dropped their ottoman souls suddenly and merged to russians army aiming to beat the sick horse to death. Also, While all Ottoman Men were fighting for their country, Armenian insurgents grouped and killing and massacring thousands of their neighboor, friend Turk villages. Are these all lie? of course not, but history is not written by only Armenian Story-tellers; please go to Russian archives, Ottoman Archives, Armenian Archives and do yoru research for god's sake. Don't be fooled by manipulaters. Armenians are treated equally during 800 years of Ottaman history, and I am proud of it. We can infer this from; unlike minorities of any other place of the world, Armenians brought up to most important positions in the society and goverment. They pretty much happily lived for 780 years and suddebnly what changed the course suddenly? any smarty can think of this situation? It is so unfair to admit that Ottamans did a systematic hatred and killings suddenly in the last few decades of the Empire.

I will tell you what happened. When Ottomans were fighting Russian in WW1, Armenian Army stabbed from behind. The Armenian soldiers dropped their ottoman souls suddenly and merged to russians army aiming to beat the sick horse to death.

Also, While all Ottoman Men were fighting for their country, Armenian insurgents grouped and killing and massacring thousands of their neighboor, friend Turk villages. Are these all lie? of course not, but history is not written by only Armenian Story-tellers; please go to Russian archives, Ottoman Archives, Armenian Archives and do yoru research for god's sake. Don't be fooled by manipulaters.

]]> By: Attila http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660832 Attila Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:04:15 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660832 Have you ever thought that why this massacre claims come up every year in congress? Do you know, Turks and Armenians existed many centuries together without any problem in this region under the Ottoman Empire regime? Do you know exactly, what was the reason of the conflict occurred at least 100 years ago between Turks and Armenians? Please, hear the past, see the present and look ahead to the future. In other words, we must focus together hand in hand to our present problems such as economy, health, education and prosperity. Let's get back to the point; our problem is how to prepare a good future to our children and live together in a peaceful world.In this case we must leave this claims and solution to the Turkey and Armenia. Both countries can do better than others. Have you ever thought that why this massacre claims come up every year in congress?
Do you know, Turks and Armenians existed many centuries together without any problem in this region under the Ottoman Empire regime?
Do you know exactly, what was the reason of the conflict occurred at least 100 years ago between Turks and Armenians?
Please, hear the past, see the present and look ahead to the future.
In other words, we must focus together hand in hand to our present problems such as economy, health, education and prosperity.
Let's get back to the point; our problem is how to prepare a good future to our children and live together in a peaceful world.In this case we must leave this claims and solution to the Turkey and Armenia.
Both countries can do better than others.

]]> By: ken http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660830 ken Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:59:48 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660830 Armenian millitary forces commited genocides in the town of Khojali (Azerbaijan) with the population of 7 thousand azeri people on februrary 26 1992. There were 3 thousand people in the town at the time of Armenian millitary forces' attack. As most part of the population had to leave town during 4 months blockade. 613 people were killed, 1000 peaceful people of different age became invalid during Khojali genocide. 106 women, 63 children, 70 old men were killed. 8 families were completely annihilated, 130 children lost one parents, while 25 both of them. 1275 peace residents were taken hostages, the fate of 150 of them is still unknown. This is real face of armenian nationalism. Armenian millitary forces commited genocides in the town of Khojali (Azerbaijan) with the population of 7 thousand azeri people on februrary 26 1992. There were 3 thousand people in the town at the time of Armenian millitary forces' attack. As most part of the population had to leave town during 4 months blockade. 613 people were killed, 1000 peaceful people of different age became invalid during Khojali genocide. 106 women, 63 children, 70 old men were killed. 8 families were completely annihilated, 130 children lost one parents, while 25 both of them. 1275 peace residents were taken hostages, the fate of 150 of them is still unknown.
This is real face of armenian nationalism.

]]> By: bilge http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660826 bilge Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:54:59 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660826 Generally i agree with you Larrabee. You seem a unbiased writer. As to B.H.Obama's visit to Turkey, this is the first time we, muslims, have ever feel sympathy with usa govt. for a long time. I think it stems from Obama's sincerity that doesn't exist in Bush. Eventually usa understood that Turkey is a indispensable friend for her. Generally i agree with you Larrabee. You seem a unbiased writer.
As to B.H.Obama's visit to Turkey, this is the first time we, muslims, have ever feel sympathy with usa govt. for a long time. I think it stems from Obama's sincerity that doesn't exist in Bush.

Eventually usa understood that Turkey is a indispensable friend for her.

]]> By: L.K. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660825 L.K. Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:44:18 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660825 What will be the positive outcome of the resolution, except the word genocide and maybe retribution. There are also evidence that Armenians were supporting Russia during the war. :( Also, question for the individuals who support the passing of the resolution: - How would this help the current situation with Turkey-Armenia - How would this help the relationship between US-Turkey - Who do you blame, Ottoman Empire or Turkey. Two different governments. - Would Armenia want this resolution, because it will damage the relations with Turkey, which is need? Why view is that why worry about the past and ruin the future of the two nations who probably could benefit from each other. LK What will be the positive outcome of the resolution, except the word genocide and maybe retribution. There are also evidence that Armenians were supporting Russia during the war. :(

Also, question for the individuals who support the passing of the resolution:

- How would this help the current situation with Turkey-Armenia
- How would this help the relationship between US-Turkey
- Who do you blame, Ottoman Empire or Turkey. Two different governments.
- Would Armenia want this resolution, because it will damage the relations with Turkey, which is need?

Why view is that why worry about the past and ruin the future of the two nations who probably could benefit from each other.

LK

]]> By: Hakan Ozen http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660824 Hakan Ozen Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:39:44 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660824 If this was a genocide, then please look what happened to 500.000 Turkish civilian in the WWI period. Turkey deny the genocide because Turkish citizens didn't die by deportation like Armenians faced. They were murdered. If this was a genocide, then please look what happened to 500.000 Turkish civilian in the WWI period. Turkey deny the genocide because Turkish citizens didn't die by deportation like Armenians faced. They were murdered.

]]> By: Ali Kurt http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660823 Ali Kurt Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:24:23 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660823 What happened between 1915-1917 at Ottoman Empire was a tragedy no one can change that. But at that time Ottoman Empire was collapsing and all western nations tried to break it piece by piece. But this tragedy is not same as Adolf Hitler's genocide that killed millions of Jews. This was well planned to create great Armenia in that region. And it was planned and organised by France and Britain. As an Albanian Turkish citizen I think this tragedy has many partners this includes Ottoman Empire, Britain France and Germany all who to blame. Before this tragedy happened Armenians were considered priviledged and many became high ranking military officials at Ottoman times. As Armenians tried to break away from the country they lost this priviledge and this tragic civil war happened. What happened between 1915-1917 at Ottoman Empire was a tragedy no one can change that. But at that time Ottoman Empire was collapsing and all western nations tried to break it piece by piece.
But this tragedy is not same as Adolf Hitler's genocide that killed millions of Jews.
This was well planned to create great Armenia in that region.
And it was planned and organised by France and Britain.
As an Albanian Turkish citizen I think this tragedy has many partners this includes Ottoman Empire, Britain France and Germany all who to blame. Before this tragedy happened Armenians were considered priviledged and many became high ranking military officials at Ottoman times. As Armenians tried to break away from the country they lost this priviledge and this tragic civil war happened.

]]> By: Sinan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660819 Sinan Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:05:11 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660819 John Mathis wrote: "This is quite simple, Turkey should apologize for the genocide against the Armenians and move on. The whole world accept of course Turkey, a few muslim nations in Africa and the US have already recognized the genocide. In fact, 33 states of the our Union have already recognized the genocide. Why not say “sorry” and move on. Damn, this is not that hard." :( ? 1-Why shall i accept such a blame on my nation? that was a struggle against russia backed treaters during I.world war where hundreds of thousands from our side had also been killed while defending nation and did nothing more violent than what was done in afghanistan,ıraq,vietnam,algeria,palestine or Hiroshima-Nagazaki. will your congress ask for the right of raped women in İzmir by greek army, burning houses,murders in anatolia by foreign troops ? As a turk i know that if those soldiers had not been there my family would now be like palestinians and turkey would be iraq. Even if all the universe passes such a law, we will not betray our history and mark our honourable defence as "genocide" 2-Armenia officially demands eastern anatolia and genocide propaganda is the first step.2nd is payment and land trials.We are not idiot. Sinan-Turkey John Mathis wrote:
"This is quite simple, Turkey should apologize for the genocide against the Armenians and move on. The whole world accept of course Turkey, a few muslim nations in Africa and the US have already recognized the genocide. In fact, 33 states of the our Union have already recognized the genocide. Why not say “sorry” and move on. Damn, this is not that hard." :( ?

1-Why shall i accept such a blame on my nation?
that was a struggle against russia backed treaters during I.world war where hundreds of thousands from our side had also been killed while defending nation and did nothing more violent than what was done in afghanistan,ıraq,vietnam,algeria,palestine or Hiroshima-Nagazaki.
will your congress ask for the right of raped women in İzmir by greek army, burning houses,murders in anatolia by foreign troops ?
As a turk i know that if those soldiers had not been there my family would now be like palestinians and turkey would be iraq. Even if all the universe passes such a law, we will not betray our history and mark our honourable defence as "genocide"
2-Armenia officially demands eastern anatolia and genocide propaganda is the first step.2nd is payment and land trials.We are not idiot.
Sinan-Turkey

]]> By: Avi13 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660818 Avi13 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:03:09 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660818 I do not understand the need for a resolution. I am Turkish and know that this was a symmetrical act between the two parties, where both sides had casualties. Genocide is a systematic killing of people by their ethnicity or race. This was a war between the two parties in this case, where all the killed were human, from both of the races, which is sad. Why can not people leave history to historians? If history is defined by legislation, what will come next? Let us make laws and legislations, resolutions regarding peace, prosperity and welfare. I do not understand the need for a resolution. I am Turkish and know that this was a symmetrical act between the two parties, where both sides had casualties. Genocide is a systematic killing of people by their ethnicity or race. This was a war between the two parties in this case, where all the killed were human, from both of the races, which is sad.

Why can not people leave history to historians? If history is defined by legislation, what will come next?

Let us make laws and legislations, resolutions regarding peace, prosperity and welfare.

]]> By: Canan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660817 Canan Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:02:24 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660817 greetings from Turkey. i'm a Turkish citizen and i'm proud for it even if the whole world try to blame us for something that is not true actually.-which is called 'false genoicide'. We Turks are always open to face with the history,but it is really the Armenians who escape from its past. we can prove our innocence by our historical documents.it's not a genoicide but moving people to somewhere else because of the bad conditions of that place during the World War I in 1915. Anyway,if you blame us for that , why the whole world can't see the Armenians massacre on the Azeri Turks.They killed most of the children and pregnant women brutally. So why dont you call this as a 'Genoicide' too???? Why do people dont show sentiments against Armenians atrocities to Turks if they are so concerned about human rights. please be more neutral and impartial while making comments, stop lingering the whole world with such kind of false claims if you dont have some proofs. greetings from Turkey. i'm a Turkish citizen and i'm proud for it even if the whole world try to blame us for something that is not true actually.-which is called 'false genoicide'.
We Turks are always open to face with the history,but it is really the Armenians who escape from its past. we can prove our innocence by our historical documents.it's not a genoicide but moving people to somewhere else because of the bad conditions of that place during the World War I in 1915.

Anyway,if you blame us for that , why the whole world can't see the Armenians massacre on the Azeri Turks.They killed most of the children and pregnant women brutally. So why dont you call this as a 'Genoicide' too???? Why do people dont show sentiments against Armenians atrocities to Turks if they are so concerned about human rights.
please be more neutral and impartial while making comments, stop lingering the whole world with such kind of false claims if you dont have some proofs.

]]> By: memotzz http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-3/#comment-660816 memotzz Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:01:10 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660816 Totally agree with sensitive people from all over the world.It was a war by all means,thousands of people died or fled from all sides.What was Anzacs doing for God's sake in Canakkale? So with all due respect to our Armenian friends(I have quite a few),please stop attacking or making implausible demands from Turkey through extreme exaggeration of tragedies and body count.Turkey has lots of problems today and the clearest danger is bizarrely interpret fanatic Islamism taking over the country while 1 million clueless jetset are living like everyday is a party. Totally agree with sensitive people from all over the world.It was a war by all means,thousands of people died or fled from all sides.What was Anzacs doing for God's sake in Canakkale?
So with all due respect to our Armenian friends(I have quite a few),please stop attacking or making implausible demands from Turkey through extreme exaggeration of tragedies and body count.Turkey has lots of problems today and the clearest danger is bizarrely interpret fanatic Islamism taking over the country while 1 million clueless jetset are living like everyday is a party.

]]> By: Sean Hanley http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-2/#comment-660814 Sean Hanley Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:51:36 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660814 Why do we only do the right thing when it is self serving? A million and a half men, women and children were brutally murdered and we don't even have the courage to say so, out of fear what our NATO "friend" might do to us? If friends can't even express the truth to friends about genocide, without fearing retribution, what kind of relationship, do we have? A catholic theologian denies the full extent of the holocaust and the world demands his head, but an entire nation denies that it murdered almost it's entire christian population and we say "well... it's not a good time right time." When is it ever a good time to call mass murder genocide, without offending someone? Why do we only do the right thing when it is self serving? A million and a half men, women and children were brutally murdered and we don't even have the courage to say so, out of fear what our NATO "friend" might do to us? If friends can't even express the truth to friends about genocide, without fearing retribution, what kind of relationship, do we have?

A catholic theologian denies the full extent of the holocaust and the world demands his head, but an entire nation denies that it murdered almost it's entire christian population and we say "well... it's not a good time right time." When is it ever a good time to call mass murder genocide, without offending someone?

]]> By: Orhan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-2/#comment-660813 Orhan Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:49:42 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660813 I can tell you that so-called Armenian Genocide never took place in Anatolia,Turkey. Ottoman Achieve is open to all international historians for their opinion. Let the historins do their job and decide. What does House of Representatives have to do with this? Turks and Armenians peacefully lived in Anatolia until Armenians tried to take advantage of WW1 and invade Turkey and kill thousands of innocent civillians. In fact, they killed many including women and children. As a result, during the war, some Armenians lost their lives and some were displaced and sent to US or other countries. There are thousands of Armenians currently living in Turkey and they are quite rich and happy. Majority of them know that so-called genocide never happened in history. During the rule of Ottoman Empire, no nation was suffered for any reason in the region. You can visit Istanbul and other cities in Turkey to see people from all religions can freely practice their religious services, including Armenians. As Turks, on this soil, we have enjoyed religious and cultural diversity for hundreds of years. Mr. President is our guest today as a good ally. I hope the US economy will recover soon. I can tell you that so-called Armenian Genocide never took place in Anatolia,Turkey. Ottoman Achieve is open to all international historians for their opinion. Let the historins do their job and decide. What does House of Representatives have to do with this?

Turks and Armenians peacefully lived in Anatolia until Armenians tried to take advantage of WW1 and invade Turkey and kill thousands of innocent civillians. In fact, they killed many including women and children. As a result, during the war, some Armenians lost their lives and some were displaced and sent to US or other countries. There are thousands of Armenians currently living in Turkey and they are quite rich and happy. Majority of them know that so-called genocide never happened in history.

During the rule of Ottoman Empire, no nation was suffered for any reason in the region. You can visit Istanbul and other cities in Turkey to see people from all religions can freely practice their religious services, including Armenians.

As Turks, on this soil, we have enjoyed religious and cultural diversity for hundreds of years. Mr. President is our guest today as a good ally. I hope the US economy will recover soon.

]]> By: Ben White http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-2/#comment-660810 Ben White Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:43:08 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660810 The Armenian problem was created by the states that wanted to attain their own goals by separating the Ottoman Empire. Today, the Armenian problem is a baseless, artificial and designed problem, which is still kept on the agenda by the same states which have different names now, so as to realise their evil intentions on Turkey. The persons who claimed it is a Holocoust firstly answer these question please? 1)The Turkish side said that "OK we offer to open our Ottoman archives and Russian archieves but armenians say we don't" 2) More than 250,000 armenian live in Turkey.They are working there, earn money and send it to Armenia 3)The Genocide/Holocoust is an issue to reunion armenians from all around the world. If this issue is finished, The Armenian cannot find any common issue anyway. so they always want to keep alive this issue. 4) The Armenians want Turkey to give its Mount Ararat and some great territories to the Armenia. İf the only reason is to accept the massacle, Turkey can accept and apologise, but after that Armenians want too much things... The Armenian problem was created by the states that wanted to attain their own goals by separating the Ottoman Empire. Today, the Armenian problem is a baseless, artificial and designed problem, which is still kept on the agenda by the same states which have different names now, so as to realise their evil intentions on Turkey.

The persons who claimed it is a Holocoust firstly answer these question please?
1)The Turkish side said that "OK we offer to open our Ottoman archives
and Russian archieves but armenians say we don't"
2) More than 250,000 armenian live in Turkey.They are working there, earn money and send it to Armenia
3)The Genocide/Holocoust is an issue to reunion armenians from all around the world. If this issue is finished, The Armenian cannot find any common issue anyway. so they always want to keep alive this issue.
4) The Armenians want Turkey to give its Mount Ararat and some great territories to the Armenia.

İf the only reason is to accept the massacle, Turkey can accept and apologise, but after that Armenians want too much things...

]]> By: McFritzer http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-2/#comment-660806 McFritzer Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:31:23 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660806 This is a process Turkey must go through to come to terms with parts of it's past. This dialogue reveals facts that had to be resolved a long time ago but for the turks it is like opening pandoras box. Since it is not only the Armenians they have problems with. What about the Kurdish extermination which was another genocide committed in the 30's. This is a part of history that should be addressed as well. Their poor human rights record is a clear obstacle in the eye of their social and political development and the credibility of democracies in general. However, this is a matter of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice not the US congress. Obama has to be careful not to overextend the arrow of playing the savior of the world. Although he seems to be doing a good job of bringing leaders together we have to carefully follow the implications of his actions. He acts after all as the main perpetrator of US interests. The effects and impact of his policies remains to be seen. This is a process Turkey must go through to come to terms with parts of it's past. This dialogue reveals facts that had to be resolved a long time ago but for the turks it is like opening pandoras box. Since it is not only the Armenians they have problems with. What about the Kurdish extermination which was another genocide committed in the 30's. This is a part of history that should be addressed as well. Their poor human rights record is a clear obstacle in the eye of their social and political development and the credibility of democracies in general. However, this is a matter of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice not the US congress. Obama has to be careful not to overextend the arrow of playing the savior of the world. Although he seems to be doing a good job of bringing leaders together we have to carefully follow the implications of his actions. He acts after all as the main perpetrator of US interests. The effects and impact of his policies remains to be seen.

]]> By: Sonata http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-2/#comment-660793 Sonata Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:59:57 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660793 Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group as it is mentioned in 1948 UN Convention. During World War 1, the Russians militarized the ethnic Armenians in Eastern Ottoman soil to attack the Ottoman Army and civilians. As a result the Ottomans (Turks) attacked back to the Armenians who were Ottoman citizens as well. There was no plan or whatsoever during the 600 years of the Ottoman Empire where the ethnic Armenians have lived a life in prosperity and with religion freedom. This issue should be left between the 2 countries to deal with, with the help of historians opening the archives, not politicians from other parts of the world. I am sure Mr. Obama will make a very sound decision regarding this issue. Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group as it is mentioned in 1948 UN Convention. During World War 1, the Russians militarized the ethnic Armenians in Eastern Ottoman soil to attack the Ottoman Army and civilians. As a result the Ottomans (Turks) attacked back to the Armenians who were Ottoman citizens as well. There was no plan or whatsoever during the 600 years of the Ottoman Empire where the ethnic Armenians have lived a life in prosperity and with religion freedom. This issue should be left between the 2 countries to deal with, with the help of historians opening the archives, not politicians from other parts of the world. I am sure Mr. Obama will make a very sound decision regarding this issue.

]]> By: jake http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-2/#comment-660790 jake Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:52:36 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660790 Amerca has several interests in this region. Why should Congress care about something have occured between Armenians and Turkish 100 years ago Amerca has several interests in this region. Why should Congress care about something have occured between Armenians and Turkish 100 years ago

]]> By: Travis Eliades http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/06/obamas-turkish-dilemma/comment-page-2/#comment-660789 Travis Eliades Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:50:13 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=33569#comment-660789 If the historians cannot agree that a "genocide" took place, it's tragic that politicians and statesmen for the sake of political currency are willing to risk such significant and irreversible repercussions to the US - Turkey relations. It's notable that the Turkish president, as I understand it, has on a number of occasions reiterated that Turkey would agree to a joint- committee of historians comprised of Turks, Armenians, French and Americans, and make available all of the Ottoman archives, and that they would accept the findings of the committee as the truth. Why is this proposal not being considered by our politicians who seem so willing and keen to illuminate the truths of the past century at such great peril? I guess there isn't much potential for future political electorage if the task is left for the true historians. If the historians cannot agree that a "genocide" took place, it's tragic that politicians and statesmen for the sake of political currency are willing to risk such significant and irreversible repercussions to the US – Turkey relations.

It's notable that the Turkish president, as I understand it, has on a number of occasions reiterated that Turkey would agree to a joint- committee of historians comprised of Turks, Armenians, French and Americans, and make available all of the Ottoman archives, and that they would accept the findings of the committee as the truth. Why is this proposal not being considered by our politicians who seem so willing and keen to illuminate the truths of the past century at such great peril? I guess there isn't much potential for future political electorage if the task is left for the true historians.

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