The Armenian Genocide
The Armenian genocide which took place between 1915-1917 was largely forgotten by the western world before Nancy Pelosi’s controversial backing of a resolution in October 2007, that sought to establish that genocide took place.
Unsurprisingly, the resolution met fierce opposition from Turkey, who are the successors to the Ottoman Empire, and many in the U.S who deemed the resolution irresponsible with regards to its political ramifications. The resolution came at a time when U.S relations with Turkey reached critical mass, and the resolution, had it passed, would have likely buried much of Turkey’s support and logistical support over Iraq.
Fine.
I am willing to concede that the resolution may have been unearthed for political purposes. And by raising this spectre of horror, it might somehow destabilize Bush’s control over the region, and give “the folks back home” an additional feeling of isolation and fear. What angers me, is that this is an important topic, but by fighting a battle Pelosi and co. could obviously not win, the entire issue will not resurface for analysis and discussion for some time to come, if ever.
“The Committee demands the annihilation of the last remnants of the Armenians and the government must bow to its demands.” German ambassador Count von Wolff-Metternich, Turkey’s ally in World War I
When one and a half million people are killed, of a race that numbers two and a half million in total. You really begin to wonder. Despite the opposition of then government officials in the Committee for Union and Progress, (Central Committee of the Young Turk Party or CUP) there is evidence that the Armenians were systematically butchered, which indicates government involvement.
Armenians were accused of siding with Russians in the war, when Turkey fought with it’s Central Powers allies. They were subsequently disarmed and forced to work as Hamals or labourers. Now defenseless, the Hamals were easy prey and were killed systematically. One date that is still commemorated by Armenians all over the world, yet another stark indicator of genocide, is April 24, 1915. On this day 300 Armenia’s political, social, and intellectual leaders were rounded up and killed. Now without direction and leadership, the remaining Armenians were taken to concentration camps in the deserts of Jerablus and Deir ez-Zor where they would starve and thirst to death in the burning sun. There are also records of abuse, denial of food and water. In short, a recipe for human rights disaster.
There are lessons to be learned and accountability to be held. Ignoring history will only lead to further cycles of abuse and cover-ups. While I believe it is true that the victors write history, violence is often indelible. As is the case of one and a half million Armenians.
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