I figured I should give the class an update on the Turkish Denial. A short summary of the articles above is that President Obama, in a speech memorializing the Armenian Genocide, refused (as he has done previously) to use the word "genocide," despite saying he would during the campaign. Now, I must say that, ideally, a US president should call it a genocide. Turkey, however, geographically, militarily and economically is a makor US ally. Although President Obama promised speak out in the campaign, Turkey is not a country we want to alienate. I find it to be very disappointing that candidate Obama would make a false promise just to gain the vote of the Armenian American population. I, however, understand that as a president, he cannot call the genocide as such during a time when the Middle East (in which Turkey is one of our few allies if you count it as part of the Middle East) is so unstable. Although President Obama's actions are reproachable, they are necessary. We cannot think that the fault lies on the US. The blame for our president's actions must be firmly placed on Turkey. They are the ones instituting the gag rule. The denial is their fault. It almost seems petty that, to them, the difference between the words "atrocity" and "genocide" is the difference between an enemy and an ally. Thus, though I would like the US to acknowledge the genocide, it is not our fault that we cannot. It is Turkey's.
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Monday, April 26, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)