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Day Old Hate

by Rachel Price

Genocide: the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group (1944)ⁱ

The subject of genocide in Armenia is not a new one. It is in fact a genocide that occurred nearly one hundred years ago, gaining momentum in 1915 and not ceasing until 1919. Upwards of 1.5 million people, women and children not spared, were brutally forced from their homes into the desert and either bludgeoned with bayonets, or left to starve to death. While Turkey insists that these numbers are grossly inflated, there is clear evidence of wrong-doing. It is a travesty that only in recent years has the United States government been “considering” acknowledging these atrocities as genocide. The U.S. is reluctant to concede to this disclosure solely due to the fact that Turkey is one of America’s closest aides in the war on terrorism in Iraq. Turkey banning much needed use of their airspace for military war efforts fuels the fear of ruffling feathers. The only culpable solution to this dilemma is for the U.S. to take responsibility for standing by and allowing these atrocities to continue and accept whatever consequences Turkey bestows on them.

In 1908 the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) took power of Turkey. This groups was, for all intensive purposes, believed by the western world to be a democratic assembly. It was believed that they would put liberal terms in place within the Ottoman Empire. The sad reality was that their nationalist beliefs far outweighed their liberal political views. Mid 1914, World War I broke out and the CUP opted to abrogate on the sovereignty of the Armenian areas of the Empire. Soon thereafter the Ottoman Empire, much to the worlds dismay, joined the war as well. The battle of Sarikamish delivered a detrimental blow to the Ottoman Third Army, who in turn blamed the Armenians and labeled them as a whole a perfidious people.ⁱⁱ

In April 1915, the deportations began of Armenians and Greeks, both of Christian belief systems. The deportations grew in size and number followed by mass killings of non-Turkish people, mostly Armenian. No one was spared, pity was not given to women or children, not even infants. One Armenian Catholic Bishop from Trabzon, the hub of these atrocities, reported this ghastly scene:

““Having gathered together 1,000 little children, the governor-general Mustafa Abdulhalik led them to a place called Tashod where he had them burnt to death in the presence of notables and Turkish crowds, at the same time shouting at the top of his voice, “It is necessary to erase once and for all the Armenian name in these provinces for the security of Turkey.” Their remains, along with those still alive, were afterwards thrown into ditches prepared especially beforehand; the moans of those not yet completely consumed could be heard for days.”ⁱⁱⁱ

Very early on in 1915 the world was made aware of the atrocities occurring in the region, yet most were very hesitant to get involved. Henry J. Morgenthau Sr. was a chief voice in America, he sent multiple correspondence to the White House depicting the events and imploring action. President Woodrow Wilson empathized with the Armenian’s plight, but never endeavored to actually aide in their liberation. Much press was made of the Armenian genocide which resulted in many American’s giving money for aide groups but there was not enough public reinforcement to give reason for action. By entering the war and not declaring one on Turkey as well, America became hard pressed to force any type of resolution on Turkish government. Their policy of non-interference was a slap in the face to the Armenians, practically condoning the Turks behavior.^iv

Eventually the Turk’s resolve waned, but still, no one was brought to trial. Even today, we balk at using the term “genocide” to describe thousands upon thousands being brutally slaughtered or left to die of starvation. In October of 2006, France took a much needed step in the right direction when lawmakers passed a bill making it illegal, with fines up to $56,000, to deny that the Turkish killed mass quantities of Armenian. Those contesting this measure can also face jail time.^v In 2007 a congressional panel passed a bill that would recognize these killings as genocide, much to President Bush’s consternation, but once arriving for the house approval, fell short on necessary votes to pass.^vi Bush was concerned about the bill passing. Why? You guessed it. Airspace. Turkey, meanwhile, believes that since it did not pass then it should not be brought about again.

President Barack Obama made a solemn vow when running for his prestigious post. He vowed to recognize the Armenian Genocide and call it appropriately. He made this statement: ;

Two years ago, I criticized the Secretary of State for the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after he properly used the term 'genocide' to describe Turkey's slaughter of thousands of Armenians starting n 1915. … as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide.