Obama’s Genocide Dilemma: My Solution
In several days, Barack Obama will visit Ankara. In largely Muslim Turkey, America’s popular president is still a favorite. But how will Obama deal with a human rights issue he has long considered a matter of principle?
President Obama will undoubtedly be asked by journalists in Turkey of his views about a newly introduced Congress bill recognizing the WWI Armenian Genocide.
How will he react? How should he react?
Scenario A: Obama will avoid public questions about the genocide. Asked by reporters if he supports the congressional resolution, Obama will stay away from comment or say he doesn’t oppose it. This is what many Armenian-Americans hope for: if Obama stays out of the genocide resolution, it will pass. But by staying out from such a vibrant development, Obama will let Congress undermine his authority as foreign policy chief. He can’t afford Congress run the show.
Scenario B: Obama will acknowledge in his reaction the Armenian Genocide (like he did in 2005 in Baku when confronted by angry Azerbaijani journalists) and try to justify the move. Obama will have limited time and much pressure in his reaction. It won’t be a good articulation and he may regret the consequences. He can’t afford ruining a press conference in his first foreign policy trip.
Scenario C: Obama will say he doesn’t support the resolution, condemn the Armenian Genocide but use the most elegant linguistic exercise to avoid usage of “genocide” itself. If his does this, he will mimic George W. Bush. Obama can’t afford being George W. Bush.
Is there hope for genocide recognition without nationalist backlash in Turkey and without undermining the presidency in the US? Yes there is – but there may be one and only one option: Obama needs to be proactive.
Most scenarios on Obama’s handling of the Armenian Genocide issue are of reactive measure: how he will respond and what he will answer. Instead, Obama needs a proactive approach.
In his Turkey speech before the Q&A, Obama should talk about honor and genocide. He should say the following:
“I represent one of the best stories on earth, one of the best countries in history, and of the most proud places in the Universe. And the country I love more than anything else has its dark sides. You see, America was founded on the corpses of its native people who were subjected to genocide and destruction. Acknowledging this fact doesn’t make America a worse place. In fact, it is by recognizing history that Americans can claim greatness. It is my hope that the great people of Turkey will do the same – acknowledge and denounce the destruction of the Armenian community during WWI who, like Native Americans, saw genocide and destruction.”
Many Turks have justly noted that America should see its own problems before denouncing others’. If Obama recognizes the genocide of Native Americans in Turkey, he will maximize the chances of finding an audience ready to listen and accept. And after that speech, there won’t even be a need for a congressional resolution.
4 Responses to “Obama’s Genocide Dilemma: My Solution”
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Onnik Krikorian on 27 Mar 2009 at 12:36 pm #
Well, there’s a fourth scenario too. That is, allow the congressional resolution to continue without interference and to allow a free debate on the subject based on informed opinion on whether there is a genuine desire in both Armenia and Turkey to resolve this issue.
If it turns out that such a possibility is very real, let Congressmen decide if they want to destroy the opportunity for rapproachment and regional stability. Let Obama and them steer clear of involving themselves in a matter which is first and foremost more important in Turkey and not the U.S.
If it turns out that it wasn’t real, there’s also next year — or if it turns out that people aren’t convinced this year, it will pass this year. However, it should be remembered that for Obama, the U.S., Armenia and Turkey, there are far more important issues at hand than those U.S. politicians who seek each time to attract the Armenian vote.
The question the Diaspora needs to ask itself is do they want the U.S. to recognize the Genocide now, or for Turkey to own up to its past while also reducing the leverage Azerbaijan has in NK negotiaions because of the closed border?
Anyway, for U.S. foreign policy, Turkey is key and it is likely that Obama will not risk provoking a nationalist backlash which will destroy all chances of any real moves forward. If Armenia and Turkey are genuinely close to resolving this issue (and this depends on what is being said behind closed doors), the U.S. would be irresponsible to openly interfere.
On the other hand, it won’t hurt for Obama to put the pressure on Turkey indirectly publicly — directly in private discussions. In a sense, I consider this to be the proactive response.
Raffi on 28 Mar 2009 at 8:12 am #
It’s so easy. Simply say, yes, there was a genocide, that much is known beyond a doubt. That’s all. Sometimes the simple thing, the right thing, is easiest. Let them explode, have their tizzies, sit dumbfounded, whatever they like… just let the government know that they’re alone in their official denial, which it seems few actually believe.
I’m sorry that the Turkish ploy which I thought was used to death, seems to still be working on people. Oooh, Turkey’s close to treating Armenians like human beings, let’s all bend over and see what they have in store for us. Yeah right. They need to learn that they can’t keep being animals towards Armenia, and be rewarded for it by continually saying progress will be ruined if anyone says the “g” word. Come on. That’s what they tried with TARC, that’s what they’ve been dragging out for a while now with Armenia. They want to open an embassy in Armenia, let them do it. They don’t want relations? That’s their choice, and it is not going to change by continuing to let them use imaginary “progress” as a threat.
I for one am tired of it. Let the US behave like the beacon of democracy it likes to say it is, and let the Turks grow up and stop punishing Armenia for not all having died when they were supposed to.
Time for Obama to show what kind of a man he is, and what kind of change he represents.
Hayaser on 30 Mar 2009 at 7:54 pm #
he will fall in place like every other pres before him
if he is to be and remain pres, he must follow zionist jew doctrine. JFK refused to do so and look what happened to him
they shot his ass and sent message to all others seeking that office that you must bow down your ass to us or else…
Ani on 06 Apr 2009 at 7:01 pm #
Simon, good call on Obama at least mentioning Native Americans in his Turkish Parliament speech. Apt analogies can move things forward.