http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/06/obama.turkey/index.html
I sincerely hope that Obama has a grander scheme for this major misstep in political announcing. If he is not, he is going to have a world of problems when the Armenian community, which is largest in the U.S., starts marching the streets. You can’t call a country a model one for the world to follow when they don’t even admit to singularly slaughtering 1.5 Armenians in the last century’s first genocide (contrary to popular belief the Jewish community does not hold that morbid honor). They deny it, refuse its existence, and claim it never happened. And we’re supposed to FOLLOW them??? I take issue with some of what he says:
“I’m trying to make a statement about the importance of Turkey, not just to the United States but to the world…”
It’s only importance is as a political ally and crossroad for East and West.
“It’s a country that possesses an extraordinarily rich heritage but also represents a blend of those ancient traditions with a modern nation state that respects democracy, respects rule of law and is striving toward a modern economy.”
The hell it is…talk to any free-thinking and unbrainwashed Turk and you will quickly find out how oppressive the government is. Journalists still get thrown in jail for saying the wrong thing, you can’t practice your own religion, there is still severe sexism and homophobia (FYI, if you’re gay the only way to escape persecution is to get a sex change and become a woman…no…lie).
The one thing that makes me think that he has an ace up his sleeve is this:
“Turkey is the most important majority-Muslim state when it comes to the United States’ interest in the region,” he said.
Obviously, his recent plans have included mending the shitty broken relations and opinions of Americans worldwide, largely in thanks to Bush, so I can understand his political gameplay and see his strategy. The rest of the article pretty much covers that angle. But if he does not use this new partnership to his benefit to finally get them to admit to their crimes against humanity that happened now almost 100 years ago then I am pretty much off the Obama bandwagon and won’t really offer my support for much. This is a huge issue for many Armenians not only in this country, but also worldwide. Every administration, not including the one in office at the time, has refused to take any steps because of some supposed strategic location of Turkey to the rest of the East. Have they never heard of DETOURS.
Ugh…today…I am disgusted.
Frighteningly accurate Piscean traversing the rhetorical hills and mountains of NYC and beyond while negotiating life in the 30s. Jack-of-all-trades with divergent tastes and proclivities tending too many creative irons in the fire and, thusly, prone to fits of malaise, neuroses, and some light paranoia. A writer, an actor, a baker, a candlestick maker. Ersatz Caucasian with pop cultural obsessive tendencies. Quietly opining with no stick leaving safe no topic - least of all, himself.
