Five years ago, I wrote a series of articles discussing the anger Armenians should feel in regards to our trampled rights. Such anger serves as a rational testament to our humanity. Unfortunately, while much has changed since then, few of the changes have been favorable.
Let’s start with the concept of a commission to “research” the historical “issues” between Turkey and Armenia. For the past 10 years, the so-called historical commission has been floating around in different forms. The genesis of this flawed concept can be traced to the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC). The result at that time was the report prepared by the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) which concluded that the events of 1915 “include all of the elements of the crime of genocide…and legal scholars as well as historians, politicians, journalists, and other people would be justified in continuing to so describe them.” Not surprisingly given the agenda of TARC, the report also concluded that “no legal, financial or territorial claim…could successfully be made against any individual or state under the [United Nations Genocide] Convention.”
Notwithstanding these conclusions, subsequent Turkish governments have repeated the call for yet another “independent, objective historical commission.” From 2003-05, such calls met a positive reception from the Viennese Armenian-Turkish Platform (VAT). In this incarnation, VAT charged Armenian and Turkish academics with supplying up to 100 documents each regarding the events of 1915 with the aim of facilitating dialogue. Ultimately, the Armenian participants resigned.
The recent publication of 179 documents submitted to VAT along with an introduction by the editors help crystallize the issues surrounding a historical commission, both then and now as conceived in the protocols for diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia.
First, the editors repeat the (mistaken) claim that the historical record of 1915 is confused, controversial, and politicized. VAT would thus not attempt to “qualify the events of 1914-1919” yet somehow arrives at a “mutual understanding between Turkish and Armenian scholars.” As we cross into the realm of the absurd, it is near impossible not to be angry.
As Henry Theriault and others have noted, there is a power inequality in the relationship between Turkey and Armenia, Turks and Armenians. In one area only, Armenians have been able to neutralize the imbalance and that is in regards to the historical acceptance of the Armenian Genocide. For decades the Turkish government has spent millions, used intimidation, and offered preferred status to academics, all in a fruitless effort to deny the genocide. Yet power could not overcome truth. Today, the Armenian Genocide is acknowledged and it is only the final resolution that is in question.
Impartiality is not achieved by ignoring the entire body of scholarly research in existence. Turkish-Armenian commissions have been formed by deniers of the Armenian Genocide solely to regain the equality previously achieved through power and ultimately lost through the strength of truth.
This leads me to other commonly stated slogans that lack veracity.
It is often stated that “nationalists” derailed previous efforts at Armenian-Turkish dialogue. It is much more accurate to state that there have been very reasonable objections to the form such dialogue has taken. To date, almost all forms of dialogue have been tainted by covert agendas. One could easily argue that it is the true progressives who have served as guardians of the process by exposing the malicious manipulation of sincere efforts at dialogue.
Proponents of the protocols are also attempting to deflect criticism by insinuating that the ARF’s participation in the coalition government over the past decade prohibits or invalidates all criticism emanating from its members. While there are legitimate criticisms of ARF policy over the past decade, membership in the governing coalition is not one of them. As stated already, efforts counter to Armenia’s national interests have been in play for the past decade, but until recently they have been resisted. The actions of the government in Armenia over the past year naturally culminated in the ARF pulling out of the coalition.
Interestingly, these critics are unashamed to claim the ARF is against dialogue while at the same time finding fault with the ARF’s participation in the governing coalition. A more accurate portrayal is that the ARF attempted to work within the system and only relinquished the strategy with the announcement of the protocols, a capitulation that cuts to the core of our national interests.
The error of the ARF was not in being part of the coalition, but instead relying solely on that strategy. It could not be known when joining the coalition that it would ultimately fail, but such a likely outcome should have been anticipated and alternate strategies implemented at the same time.
It has also been argued that those living outside Armenia lack the legitimacy to even participate in the discussion. Beyond the obvious effort at dividing Armenia from the diaspora, this argument is highly insulting.
Let me get this straight, my grandparents were orphaned during the genocide, endured slavery, yet somehow overcame unimaginable horrors to arrive on these shores. By some miracle, generations later I have somehow retained some obligation to Armenia and now I am told not to stick my nose in what is claimed to be other people’s business. I am outraged and you should be too!
Armenians who echo such sentiments are serving the interests of others, not Armenia.
The diaspora is a result of the genocide, not a diaspora of choice. Against substantial odds, the diaspora has gained influence to the point of being a major asset for Armenia, an asset that is being squandered. We should not be helping to seal our own coffin.
Finally, what can be done today?
The leadership in Armenia has staked much on the variance between the language in the protocols and the rhetoric emanating from Turkey that would link diplomatic relations with Armenia to progress between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the status of Artsakh. Both immediately before and after the signing of the protocols indications are that Armenia has appeared to be more intransigent on the issue. It would seem Armenia is locked into this strategy at least until the Turkish Parliament ratifies or rejects the protocols. We will never know if this approach is as a result of diasporan pressure or possibly in response to repeated Turkish claims that the two processes are linked.
Armenia needs a much more active strategy, something it has been severely lacking. Whether it is incompetence, laziness, personal agenda, or foreign agenda, the reasons for Armenia’s passive approach do not matter. Turkey is ascending in power and flexing its muscles. We need a clear understanding of the interests of Russia, the United States, Turkey, Israel, Iran, the European Union, China, etc., in order to a effectively utilize conflicts to advance our own interests.
Contrary to popular belief, there has not been some miraculous confluence of all interests against Armenia that have led to the protocols. To believe so is truly naive. It is not just Armenia’s interests at risk with the ascendant power of Turkey. Others are taking note and that creates opportunity.
It is time for those with the “credentials” and initials after their names to earn the inflated opinion they have of themselves. We do not need defeatism disguised as realism any longer.
George Aghjayan
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Dear George,
While I remember you from a conference in N.Y more than a dozen years ago,I have now and then read you online.I am surprised that no one has so far made mention of the “Ottoman Turkish Military Tribunal”..(see prof.Vahakn Dadrian´s book on that, dug up from their government archives)
Their own tribunal…that passed judgement on the criminals Talaat,Enver,Jemal and the rest of the bunch condemning them.Indeed we all know that these criminals then escaped supposedly, to Malta, Italy ,Berlin and other areas in order not to be punished.
But they did get punished as they deserved by our avengers..
So why so much fuss about their ahving to be proved again and again…
This is pure turkish concocted up tries to prove otherwise.
I repeat, THEIR OWN MILITARY TRIBUNAL passed pretty fair judgement on them.The masterminds of the Armenian Genocide!!!!
HOW FORGETFULL CAN THESE ARMENIANS BE…loss of memory?
Hama HaIGAGANI siro,
GAYTZAG PALANDJIAN
Excellent, George, as always!
George,
Your last sentence says it all: “We do not need defeatism disguised as realism any longer.”
Our community’s civic discourse, far too often, becomes defined and even dominated by a small minority relentlessly pushing a particularly fatalist brand of world-weary cynicism that reflexively counsels surrender in the face of each and every challenge.
Let there be no mistake: This is a sickness.
That is not to say that we should ignore words or warning or fail to heed calls to reason.
What it does mean is that we must make a special effort to understand the roots of such persistent strains of defeatism, and, armed with this knowledge, show and teach and inspire the doubters among us that hope and hard work are brothers.
Aram
It is not a far stretch to understand that a phony elected unqualified president will act in a way and create policy that is in no way beneficial to the whole? The protocols are as much of a sham as Sargysian. The fraudulent system needs to go! For far too long the diaspora Armenians have had a hands off approach to Armenian politics thinking we are all in the same boat. The diaspora can not and must not allow corrupt men and systems to dictate to the whole anymore. It will sink all of us. UNDERSTAND THIS: The Turks in no way will ever admit, let alone offer any form of compensation to the Armenians. That is a pipe dream. We were gullable in 1915 when the Turks told the Armenians “not to worry” and we must not be gullable now!
Dear George,
I would like to refer only to two of the points mentioned by you .One, “Finally what can be done today?”
And “others are taking notes and that creates oppertunity”.
My response to these,antichronologically:-
Whom do you refer to, the most important “Trio”,namely Hillary Clinton,Javier Solana and Lavrov that showed up at the Zurich protocol signing ? you truly expect these having taken note-as you write-they can be relied on to profess sympathy towards us….I doubt that very very much.They will not do that.They are governed by their ultimate interests only,period.And that again means support to their”ally” great Turkey and in extension to the oil rich little brother Azerbaijan.
I f you wished to convey that many other”watchers”, i.e. not directly involved states, then please be informed that they are excluded by the aforementioned present “world policy makers”,nay directors. Now to the question you pose as ” finally what can be done today”. My “suggestions”now:-
1. While our present efforts “trusted” to ,or just plain carried forth- as they wish- by a few Armenian political parties and their offshoots, in Diaspora and or Homeland, trying very hard to convince the above trio that they pay attention to our plight and plea may go on -rather futile attempts,by the by-for they are guided only by their own interests in the area(viz.the Caspian basin and adjacent Caucasus states) it behooves them(both RA government and Diaspora, to begin to seartch “partners” elsewhere.This is being conducted meanwhile -whether you like it or not-only by Homeland-yes Serj´s government. Whereas, unfortunately the few Diaspora political parties are spending much of their time and efforts and lobbying,not to mention meagre funds ,(as compared to great Turkey´s) this ought to go on indeed , I am not against it, with the trio,but fruitless strifes. Or at the most ,like mentioned get some symbolic handouts.
2.Some ,who like to believe that our recently re-independent Republic can act against the “wishes” of the trio are in for yet another blunder,surprise and/or wishfull thinking negative results. Neither the Homeland nor its Diaspora can achieve substantial objectives on the international political scene. This, by the by has been proved several times over. All that can be expected from these are”promises” of some sort and /or symbolic handouts, instead. As I indicated in my previous above post,even without our such efforts “their”,i.e. Ottoman Turkey´s “Military tribunal” did that long ago.
3.I am afraid the present Diaspora´s structure,needs to be re-structured around other than just political parties that hardly present any percentage-admirers included too.Regretfully these have been neglected . Our Huge Collectivities that can today come forth as a Dynamic supporting wing or better yet an as an organized Entity that is comprised of 100,000 strong “Professional Colleagues Associations”members,both with their human resource and above all a”National Investment Trust Fund”,in this respect please visit my web page http://www.ARMENIDAD-worldwide.org,especially read my Pre Conference 2002 up on top and also Bulletin No.7 to the right of it.To resume now:-
We must mobilize our so far neglected-sorrowfully-above BODY of ours that needs to be put into action.Thanks for reading me and hopefully visiting my site.
Hama Haigagani SIRO,
gaytzag palandjian
ex-Board member of the 1979 Armenian Congress of Paris
Dear Gaytzag,
Thank you for your comments, but I beg to differ – which was really the point of the article.
Whether purposeful or not, whenever I (or others) state that certain things can be achieved, the chorus of discent inevitably reponds that we are weak and the the strong are governed by interests not sympathy. This is a sickness we must be cured of as a community!
Please indicate where I have said that the U.S., Russia or any other country will forgoe their interests for ours. What I am saying is that to believe that our interests NEVER align with those of more influential powers is as naive as what you attribute to me.
Do we have no one that can analyze the interests of these countries to find areas of common interest? Are we that pitiful?
My reference to others taking note of Turkey’s ascendent power was to countries like Israel, for instance. And if they are not taking note, then it should be us that points it out.
George
Dear George,
Firstly nowhere in my above post have I attributed to you -personally-what is being conducted w/rgd to the powers(the trio)of today.It was meant to our joint,nay sepertely conducted efforts by our political parties.Again ,not you.Now back again -chronologically-to your last line especially.
You must be aware that Harut Sassounian,our ex-officio spokesman is doing that quite well,i.e. pointing out to Israel especially.Surely you do read his column.Then that is taken care of,however,I doubt it if Israel and Turkey will ever become antagonists or mildly put ,competitors…
Then again you still delve into ,further up “do we have no one that can analyse the interests of these countries to find common interests? you ask.No, a blatant NO!
The only -we thought-advantage – interest- or item of interest was Armenia being -as many many times over repeated its Geographic position.Not so,regretfully.See what the great Oil producing companies did when they decided they would pass the Oil pipeline-side stgepping RA…Now they speculate-through great Turkey the Nabuco such line.Their FM recently mentioned ,as alternative Armenia could be a good transit one—no doubt using it as enticement.When in my writs I have previously hinted that if and when we -very hypothetic-gain recognition of our Genocide, we might through the government sof those Oil companies press that a cdertain percentage of oil transit duties be paid to Armenia and Armeninians,which might be another way to have Turkey pay reparations-compensation.I like the last one though and that for BLOOD MONEY.Land reparations is a very long period issue .Their diplomacy,viz. <Turkey´s, is very much aware of this that is why they make such hints-that again a supposition.Their line is and will be very adamant in refusing to accept that their predecessor govfernments committed that horrendous crime to us.The only way they may be disposed to ,or better yet cede to accomodate us is via “others” transit duties..
Now,protocols:-They expect to gain from the signing of these,not loose anything.Thus, if and when borders are opened ,we all know they will swarm the small Armenian markets-already well furbished-supplied with their cheap and semi cheap goods and PLUS, any exports from Armenia will be subject to Turkish Transit duties.That is what they are working at. One more thing.If some “paremid” not to say “barzamid” compatriots think THEY WILL NOT COME TO TZITZERNAGAPERT and kneel there and pay homage and regrets,they are very much mistaken.The turk will notg only kneel but kiss the ground-all this to appease and caress the aforementioned barzamids..
Actually their style is to come to that, very slowly.Remember,or do you? not ever the word “Ermeni” was uttered by their media or otherwise only a few years ago..Now their press,T.V. etc.does nothing more than bring up the “Ermeni” question-protocols what not..which goes to show their very carefull ,slowly coming to grips-like they did for long -not recognizing that the “mountainturks” were actually K U R D S..also by and by softening their attitude to the latter.Just read the news in this respect.
That is Ottoman inherigted richly cunning mode of handling delicate matters.Meanwhile, we think they will never do that.What a big mistake.They will in said fashion,but always evade “compensations” reparations. Indeed I can fortell , as yet another enticement -appeasement ,they will most probably-they ar already doing it ,what with repairs of ANI ruins-throw in Mount Ararat with its surrounding area as a symbolic gesture-ABOVE ALL TO SHOW TO THE WORLD THAT THEY ARE INDEED VERY GRACIOUS AND KIND TOWARS THEIR PREVIOUS “RAYAS”…
THAT IS WHY i HAVE INSISTED AND STILL DO ,OUR 500 strong BAR associations int´l attorneys should carefully prepare OUR CLAIM FOR ….”blood money”..
Only day before yesterday the Greeks(Istanbul patriarc or metropoli, whatever) began to drop hints of lodging a claim of no less than 400 billion dollars for Greek .Pontian etc.,monuments ,churches etc., destroyed by Turkey and7or confiscated. Times change very rapidly,while the Armenian Diaspora slumbers and is content with political give and take on very old style…
Please ..E.&.O. excepted-
Gaytzag palandjian
I never heard of this “Viennese Armenian-Turkish Platform.” I found this blurb on it: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=9601. Apparently, along with the Armenian and Turkish academics, “Austrian experts will also participate in the meeting.” Substitute “Swiss” for “Austrian”, and you have the Protocols’ “Historical Commission.”
I am surprised no one from the Armenian community wants to have their history examined by historians.
There is so much we can still learn from the past.
Ramazan: Your comment seems to ignore the fact that Armenian history has been examined by historians, be it Armenian or non-Armenian, over the past hundred years. Do you think that because a historian is Armenian, then s/he is not a historian? Note: I am not saying that this examination is final and definitive, but there are some facts that need no further examination.
Folks, let’s not ignore the power of the state, any state, to create and dispense lethal propaganda that motivates – at the very least – the basest instincts of their military, police and other armed members of society, and to use that power against its own citizens. Let’s not forget that what happened from 1915 onward was the creation of a rogue government bend on destruction and theft, done under the cover of a larger war that was not cultivated or created by the minority group they targeted. This was the Turkish government of that time, what was left of the Ottoman Empire, using its last gasps to destroy one of the largest minority groups and steal their land, their homes, their businesses, etc. and distribute them to newcomers to Anatolia and to those who supported the genocidal effort. While ordinary Turks were not planning this campaign, many of them certainly shared in the spoils. The tribunals – which were completed in the pre-Ataturk era – convicted hundreds of CUP members and supporters for what can only be described as crimes against humanity. Many were sentenced to execution for their crimes, but the key element is that institutional anti-Armenian bias did not end in Turkey. In fact, it continues to this day. Yes, the Erdogan government is making small steps to reverse and correct some of this bias, but it has not done enough. The notorious law 301 remains in effect, the genocide cannot be officially discussed in a fully open manner and secret elements still work to intimidate Armenians, as evidenced by the Hrant Dink murder and others. If some Turkish people maintain an anti-Armenian mindset, I believe it clearly comes from the top, from the education system and from subtle mind games and propaganda, even if it is challenged at other levels of society who find it dishonest and distasteful. In sum, the power of the state to either support or destroy is clearly demonstrated in Turkey. This is why we should not only push, but also support efforts to make substantial changes on behalf of history and honesty within Turkey. It is good for Turks and for Armenians, as well as for others who feel the sting of the state, such as Kurds.
Karekin,
I am surprised that you went back TWO years,viz comments on top of yours that dat
e as exactly two yrs, 2009 Nov. It coukld be that the Administrators /editors did that.
However, very timely a Flashback, let´s say.
I presume-maybe wrong though-what spurfred myou to write above is the Zarakoglu case, the good publisher/writer intellectual that has been jailed in great Turkey…
I agree with you it is their subtle(I´d add cunning mindset)mind games and propaganda machine.Which is reminiscent of the Nazi Germany´s…very similar.Fact of t he matter is Turks have always been with German wrongdoers since 1900´sor even earlier than that in the 1890´s.Anyhow, I also accept that we should support the enlightened Turks as much as possible. But….it is not only that unfortunately, there are other elements from within any country that still is pro dictatorships and/or basically defends these for their own benefits..namely the Liquid gold or other such riches that entices them to support the deep state countries.Latter actually is what we are up against,not the general public of great Turkey. This againbacked up as we all know by similar ,but under ¨other ¨ masks. So we have a tough road ahead of us. We must buckle up and do as you say Push and Make Efforts…
Please excuse me if I add my own SCHEME of making efforts, no not only BY OUR POLITICO , but through our Huge collectivities which I believe very stronly reside in our PCA´s (Professional Colleagues Associations) Five on the secne already, need 10 more then on..through these more than a 100,000 strong PCA members establishment of the ¨¨National Investment Trust Fund¨,when we shall be empowered both by huge Human RESOURCES AND THEIR ECONOMIC POWER!
For without funds ,sorry to say we cannot accomplish much!!!
Vartan,
Your response to Ramazan was pathetic at best! Who examined Armenian records 100 years ago, as you stated? Considering almost all of the comments here, not a single one of you should object to having a true historical commission be set up and completely review everyone’s archives to the fullest! Turkey is already on record as saying that they will abide by whateverthe final outcome and decision may be from the scholars! Can Armenia say the same…Especially on the record? I highly doubt that it ever could (and you all know the reason why)! None of you can even agree to a basic debate…how could you then possibly ever go on public record to abide by something as important as a scholarly makeup of a neutral historical commission?!!