US Congress panel accuses Turkey of Armenian 'genocide'

[maddezmom]

Source: BBC

US Congress panel accuses Turkey of Armenian 'genocide'

A US congressional panel has described the killing of Armenians by Turkish forces during World War I as genocide, despite White House objections.

The non-binding resolution was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The administration had warned the panel that the vote would harm reconciliation talks between Turkey and Armenia.




Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8550765.stm

[MinneapolisMatt]

1. It's about time.

n/t

[atreides1]

5. But

The previous administration which was full of war criminals is still walking around free.

The US government is still protecting a man who blew up a passenger plane.

The head of our infant space program was a major in the SS.

Call me when the US Congress refers to the killing of American Indians as genocide, calls the first Texans traitors, and lists the wholesale internment of Japanese Americans as nothing more then racially motivated, and they admit that the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy was illegal.

Maybe then I'll consider them to have any credibility in this subject, until then it means nothing.

[proteus_lives]

6. +1

[Malikshah]

7. Are you even remotely familiar with the history?

Just wondering; it's not popular to discuss, I understand, but this tragedy has been largely overlooked in a very myopic way for decades.

Too bad that the committee didn't do their homework.

[MinneapolisMatt]

13. I don't understand your post.

And yes, I'm very familiar with the history of this subject.

[Malikshah]

18. Then why is it "about time"? The tragedy that occurred is constantly

being equated with the Holocaust-- a clear fallacy.

The history of the events is not allowed to be discussed by both parties involved....

Have you read Robert McCarthy's coverage of the horrific event?

[yava]

23. a grandfather from Armenia and yet...

Yes, while there was genocide, I wonder why it is now "nicely" recognized by the US after 1 century.
The so-called Armenian lobby has a pull but this is beyond its power.
I think the pro-Israel lobby is punishing Turkey, showing teeth.
That I don't really mind but they are wrong: since the EU said no to Turkey, they turned eastwards with success in the ex-Soviet Tartar lands (several nations) and Azarbaijan.
To imagine that committees in the US senate dictated by lobbies can change the fast evolving world around us is wishful thinking.

[BreweryYardRat]

25. No shit.

What the hell TOOK so damn long?!

[Deep13]

2. It's only been 95 years. Let's not rush into anything.

Still, I have to wonder what practical benefit this will be.

[sasquatch]

3. Me too, will Turkey turn east because of it

[muriel_volestrangler]

11. Meh - the Council of Europe recognises it as genocide, and Turkey's a member

They just didn't sign that particular declaration: http://assembly.coe.int/Main.asp?link=/Documents/WorkingDocs/Doc01/EDOC9056.htm

Turkey wants to join the EU, and the EU parliament says that Turkey needs to admit it before they're admitted: http://www.armenian-genocide.org/Affirmation.341/current_category.7/affirmation_detail.html

Hell, loads of bodies call it genocide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_the_Armenian_Genocide

I don't think Turkey is going to 'turn east' because of another mention in the USA.

[Chulanowa]

16. So what?

I man that seriously, so what? Let Turkey do what Turkey wants to do. if htey want to "turn east" well then bully for them.

[rooftoprevolutionary]

4. Obama only promised to recognize it

when he was campaigning.

how politically ironic that he would object to it, after not having recognized it on the anniversary last year and promising to do so...sigh...

i'm glad that a congressional panel finally decided to move forward with this. it's not like it's a secret what happened.

[AllentownJake]

8. This event inspired Hitler

convinced him win or lose, no one would care what he did to the minorities in Germany.

[SlingBlade]

9. True ! But what's the saying about Little Glass Houses ?

In the name of Destiny, In the name of God .....

[AngryAmish]

10. I'm sure this will end well.

[Leftist Agitator]

12. And wait for Abe Foxman to start bitching in 3, 2, 1...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Foxman#Armenian_Genocide

The man is an embarrassment to the Jewish people.

[Chulanowa]

15. That's also the official position of Israel

"it's a matter of historical debate!"

David Irving should sue for Plagarism.

[Goldstein1984]

14. Obama on January 19, 2008...

"The facts are undeniable. An official policy that calls on diplomats to distort the historical facts is an untenable policy. As a senator, I strongly support passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106 and S.Res.106), and as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide."

More of a familiar pattern of behavior hiding behind the excuse of "moving forward."

Source: http://www.barackobama.com/2008/01/19/barack_obama_on_the_importance.php

[gerenimox]

17. great

christian politicans are writing history.
so when will we see them recognizing the Native American, Bosnian, Algerian, Azeri and Turkish Genocides by christians? or does it only count when christians die?

[BuddhaGirl]

26. what is the "Turkish Genocide" by Christians??

do tell...

[Happy Hippy]

19. Good news...

Sometimes the right thing to do, isn't the easy thing to do. I'm glad we got this one right. Congrats to all my buddies in Glendale, Cali. They have unfortunately waited a long time for this.

[angelicwoman]

20. Kick. The House showed independence, by not heeding Obama's and Hillary's opposition n/t

[yava]

24. have a lot at Haaretz on this

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1154423.html

[harun]

21. House should mind its own business. Like we don't have real legislation to work on.

[jannyk]

22. That's nice. So, we should be hearing something about Darfur in 2098 or thereabouts

:puke: