Armenian Genocide bill timing

Submitted by sara (United States), Oct 29, 2007 at 16:32

Thank you for your detailed and informed reply. We are basically of the same mindset, but differ on strategic and practical issues. No one can disagree with much of what you state, and I do not have the background knowledge about the history of this bill, so I will take your word for it, that it was in the works for months. This however still does not negate its purpose as a means to undermine the war in Iraq and damage tactical relations with Turkey.

I think you give the democrats too little credit for the desperate measures they will stoop to to bring down the Bush administration and kowtow to their far left anti-war employers. Call me cynical, but that is how I see it. Regardless, the end result of such a bill will negatively impact relations with Turkey, which at this point in time, must remain cordial for the safety and success of our engagement in Iraq.

Again, I agree with you, but you should also agree that the fallout, practically and strategically speaking, is not in the best interests of the US at this time. We are attempting to identify potential allies in the ME and stabilize Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Pakistan in anticipation of the impact of the alliance of Iran with Syria, Russia, NK and possibly China (of course the EU is also complicit due to economic greed).

What exactly is your expectation and hope for an outcome from passing such a bill, strictly in terms of short term success in Iraq? Can you agree that this is not the time for increased division and hostility with Turkey at the hand of the US? We need all of the allies we have, such as they are, I do not trust any of them anyway (grew up knowing the mindset all too well), but everything is appearances in the Muslim world. Noisy protesting reactions to symbolic grievances is the norm (cartoons, kuran in toilet etc).

I think that one of the achilles heels of the US, and the west in general, has been to attempt to negotiate with Muslim cultures with a western mindset. We must begin to address and manipulate their anticipated reactions from an Islamic standpoint, not how we would react as westerners. This is crucial. Deterrence has always worked for example. A strong US is the best negotiating tool we have.

I agree with your analysis of the Islamists in Turkey. If the Islamists in Turkey force a change in policy towards the US, then it will no longer be relevant to delay the bill. This delicate balance exists in all of our ME ally countries and must be closely watched.

As for your comment about my patriotism and fervor, thanks, but I see it as a given that any American should be concerned about the success and status of the US in the ME. We ignore it at our own peril.

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