"No Higher Power: A Memoir of a True Diplomat"

Often times people write memoirs as a salute to the life that they have lived and to give opportunity for those interested a glimpse into their most interpersonal lives. Moreover, memoirs are prone to stir controversy because it’s almost certain that something will written and someone out there will find fault to it. So where am I getting with this? 

Most recently ex-US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice published a memoir titled “No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington”. Condoleeza served on both President George Bush and President George W. Bush’s administration and made it clear in her memoir that she worked to defeat the congressional push to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Moreover, she reveals that in 1991 she was specifically had the responsibility of the task “to mobilize an effort to defeat the [Armenian Genocide] resolution in the House of Representatives.” 

She continues on to say that “The Turks, who had been essential in the first Gulf War effort,” Rice remembers, “were outraged at the prospect of being branded for an event that had taken place almost a century before—under the Ottomans!”

“Back then I had succeeded in my assigned task,” Rice congratulates herself, noting that in the years that followed, presidents and secretaries of state continued “to fight off the dreaded Armenian genocide resolutions,” pushed forward, of course, by none other than “the powerful Armenian American lobby.”

Let’s pause for a second here. The fact that Ms. Rice “congratulated” herself for being successful in making sure that the Armenian Genocide resolution didn’t get passed in Congress is truly sickening. How can she deny thousands of Armenians the truth to their past? Our ancestors have been burned, massacred, and raped to death and here she is celebrating the fact that she helped kill a resolution that were the wrong doings of the Ottomans.

Furthermore, she continues to mention the fact that the massacres of 1915 was an event that occurred about “a hundred years ago”, implying that due to the fact that the event happened so long ago it shouldn’t be worth arguing over. Sorry Ms. Rice, but I have to call you out on this one. Just because an event occurred a hundred years ago it doesn’t mean that it is not worth recognizing and worth mentioning. It doesn’t matter how long ago an event or massacre took place, the important thing is that it did happen. She spent paragraphs or even more-so 2 pages describing, trivializing, and denying the events of the Armenian Genocide; mentioning (twice) that the massacres were a disputed-century old issue; and bragging about the fact that she helped kill the recognition efforts twice!

The Armenian community has , of course, raised their concerns and their voices on this issue asking Rice to come forth and explain her intentions behind her actions. Sassounian, a public intellectual in the Armenian community and a key advocate of the Armenian Genocide has Rice should not be allowed to teach at Stanford, stating: “genocide deniers are not welcome at one of America's most distinguished institutions of higher learning." So what does Rice have to say about all of this? Nothing. Like a stereotypical diplomat, she is keeping her mouth shut and not saying a word. 

She truly put thought into her book when she named it “No Higher Power”. 

More Than Just a Blue Mark

How many times have you heard from someone that they are getting a tattoo for one reason or another? A handful of times, I’m sure. Whatever the reason may be for getting tatted up, one thing is for certain: the tattoo has some sort of value and meaning to that person, whether it be good or bad. They are a form of art work that is used to express individuality and define character. However, there are some instances where tattoos are imposed upon without the will of choice. 

“Grandma Khanoum was not like everyone else. As a child I remember her as a wicked woman. She despised physical contact. This was a grandma who never hugged, gave no kisses. And she wore those gloves, which hid her hands and the tattoos. They hid her secret.”  This is the way Suzanne Khardlian described her grandmother. Khardlian, an independent filmmaker and writer, is the director of a new riveting film called “Grandma’s Tattoos” which is based on the thousands of forgotten women of the genocide who were kidnapped and pressured into prostitution were tatted so that they can be distinguished from the rest. 

“Grandma’s Tattoos” explores the secrets of the Khardlian family and eventually exposes the truth behind the tattoo. Suzanne explains that her grandmother was abducted and held captive in slavery for many years in Turkey. She was marked, or tattooed, as property beyond her will. “Grandma Khanoum’s fate was not an aberration. On the contrary, tens of thousands of Armenian children and teenagers were raped and abducted, kept in slavery”, she explains.

Around the of WWI, Allied forces reclaimed about 90,819 young Armenian girls and children who were forced to become prostitutes in order to ensure their survival. Most even gave birth after forced marriages or rape. These women and children were tatted to show that they belonged to their abductor. Soon after, European and American missionaries came to aid, and helped thousands of refugees “ who were later scattered to places like Beirut, Marseille, and Fresno. 

It is needless to say that “Grandma’s Tattoos” is a personal film based in Sweden that embodies the happenings of many Armenian women during the genocide. It’s a story of tatted women that haunt us until this day. A story made up of fragments that we try to piece together. 

The Khandlian story sounds all too familiar.As I child, I can recall looking at my grandmother’s hands and seeing a blue mark; more-so on her wrist than on her hands. I remember looking at it and my grandmother immediately covering it after she noticed it. I knew she was hiding something, but for all I knew my grandmother had a stamp on her wrist- much like the ones I would play with when I was younger. 

"The Woz" visits Armenia!

What are the chances of Steve Wozniak visiting Armenia? Well, if you asked me I’d probably be skeptical and say the chances are slim to none. Much to my surprise, Steve Wozniak has arrived in Yerevan, Armenia to receive the “IT” (Informational Technology) award from President Serge Sargsyan. Wozniak is being honored for his endless contributions to humanity. He was greeted by hundreds of fans at Armenia’s Zvartnots airports with enthusiasm, welcoming the one and only “Woz” to their homeland. 

Steve Wozniak, who is best known for establishing Apple Computer Inc. Alongside the late Steve Jobs, will be the second recipient of the prize. The first “IT” award was given to Craig Barret, who was the chairman of Intel Corporation. 

During his visit, Wozniak is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, as well as several university leaders and students. In an interview with an Armenian radio, Wozniak spoke about the importance of good education which will help yield a steady growth of hi-tech industry: 

“Don’t restrict smart young people, whether they have a college degree or not,” continued Wozniak. “It’s not that great when companies require all sorts of degrees or certification. You have to be able to spot young people who will think for themselves and come up with good new ideas — the real innovators.”

The fact that Wozniak puts importance on the fact that one should not be judged based on their level education surprises me. In today’s society education is heavily weighed upon and it is considered one of the most important things for a person to continue their education after high school and get a higher degree. Almost all jobs nowadays require some sort of degree whether it be high school or college. However, what Wozniak stated should not be taken in vain. Many people who are smart don’t have the resources or the financial stability to be able to go to college and get their desired degree. So yes, although going to school and getting an education is important, I also agree with Wozniak on that one should not be judged or restricted bases on if they have a college degree or not. 

Furthermore, the President’s “IT” award serves as a great opportunity for future investments, adds to the prestige of Armenia’s advancement in technology. According to the ‘presidential press service’ the award “adds to the confidence of foreign investors in Armenia. The award consists of Gold Medal, Diploma and Trophy approved by Award Committee.”

On that note, a congratulations is in order for Mr. Wozniak!

Op-ed: Armenia and Turkey Reach a...

“What do you mean an Armenian is trying to rekindle ties with a Turk? Wait, so you mean to tell me that two Archbishops from Armenia want to invest in Turkey? This is absurd. Do they not know the history and the animosity that is present between our people until this day? The Turks have massacred our ancestors, and now we want to do business with bad blood?” Does any of this sound familiar? If it doesn’t, that’s because you haven’t been around Armenians. If it does, that’s because you have been around Armenians and you know that anytime Turkey and Armenia are mentioned in the same sentence it’s going to cause a ruckus.

Recently, an article titled “Ham Ziyarat, Ham Tidjarat: [Eastern] Diocese Sees $$$ in Diyarbakir Church Opening” graced the cover of Asbarez (an Armenian based newspaper), which brought into light that two Archbishops- Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Vicken Ayvazian attended the grand re-opening of St. Giragos Church in Diarabekir. This all seems normal. Archbishops attending a grand opening of a church. No big deal. Now, insert in an alternative motive and it turns out that it actually is a big deal, at least for an Armenian.

The two church leaders had with them an entourage of 26 Armenian-American business individuals to help them discuss investment opportunities with the mayor of Istanbul, Kadir Topas alongside one of the main businessman in Turkey, Ahmet Calik ( owner of Calik holdings, which is one of Turkey’s largest corporations). I’ll give you a second to fathom the fact that Armenians are actually interested in doing business with Turks. 

Moreover, one of the 26 business people was Oscar Tatosian who was quoted saying: “Our people should come together and enjoy a cup of tea. The dialogue starts with arts, culture, academic cooperation and trade. The rest will follow.” What Tatosian is suggesting is something that Armenia as a nation and as a people are not ready for. Sure, in an ideal world an Armenia and Turkey relationship would be commendable. However, until the Turks don’t confess and tell the world that indeed they were the perpetrators of the 1915 Genocide, things will not go forward. At first, the fact that Archbishops were seeking pilgrimage to attend a grand opening of a church in Turkey was seen as admirable, however once it became clear that the pilgrimage served more than one purpose, it was seen as dubious and skeptical. Ara Khachatourian, a writer of Asbarez, was quoted saying: “How easily are people willing to become pawns of the Turkish propaganda machine? These Armenian-American businessmen may have personal gain—and profit—from their behavior. But, the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America engaging in such blatant kowtowing is entirely unacceptable on a moral basis, and, as a practical matter, falls far outside his clerical and spiritual mission.”

However, this isn’t the first time that possible relations with Turkey has caused chaos in the Armenian community. Let’s back track to the time when Kobe Bryant was closing his deal with Turkish airlines. It nearly caused an uproar in the Armenian community with Armenian Laker fans feeling betrayed and nearly threatening to never watch or attend a Laker game. Armenian youth organization across the nation began to call Kobe’s publicist and flooded his e-mails notifying him of his wrongdoing. Yes, the story even made it to the “breaking news” segments on local news stations. But wait, Kobe Bryant isn’t Armenian, so why should it even matter? Well, considering the fact that he has a huge Armenian fan base in Los Angeles, it should matter to him. Does he not know that Lamar Odom is married to an Armenian? I’m sure one time or another they’ve had a chat about the Genocide, or maybe not. Fact of the matter is that Kobe’s move was purely business, and yes maybe he should have considered to oversee the option of signing the deal but when millions are involved decisions can be easily swayed. 

Thus, it is clear that morality and bad blood play a vital role when it comes to Armenia and Turkey relations.

Psychology Behind Denial (Op-Ed)

In psychology, denial is a type of defense mechanism developed by Sigmund Freud which is used to describe situations in which people are unable to face the truth. On a recent trip to Armenia, French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that “The Armenian Genocide is a historical reality. Collective denial is even worse than individual denial”. Although Sarkozy’s comment may have been aimed to be political, he may have unintentionally sent a sociological message.

Everyone has been in denial about something one time or another in their lives. According to Freud, denial is a person’s way of defending his or herself from “external realities” that threaten the ego. The ego is made up of logical and rational thinking which allows humans to evaluate the risks and benefits of a situation; “tolerate some pain for future profit”. Moreover, for about 96 years now Turkey has denied the  occurrence of the Armenian Genocide. It is important to note and understand the motivations behind their thinking and mind formulations in order to make sense of their psychology behind the denial.

Ask Turkey to speak of the happenings between the years of 1915-1920 and they will blatantly deny that the genocide ever occurred due to the fact that both Muslims and non-Muslims suffered during those invasions. In a pamphlet on “Armenian Propaganda” published by a Turkish group, it states: “As a result of these conditions, as many as 20% of the deportees, some 100,000 Armenians, may have died between 1915 and 1918, but this was no greater a percentage than that of the Turks and other Muslims who died as a result of the same conditions in the same places at the same time”. Blatant denial presented on behalf of Turkey merely insults the survivors of the genocide and their relatives. In an article written by psychologist and historian, Israel W. Charney, he addresses Turkey’s continuous acts of denial: “...continuing manifestations of the kinds of dehumanization and disentitlement that we know are the basic psychological substrates that make genocide possible to begin with”. 

Furthermore, Charney- an executive director of the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide , embarked on a quest to find out the psychology behind denial. He came to an understanding that those denying the genocide- in particular the Turks, may not be out on a “we hate Armenians” rampage and are quite possibly denying the Armenian Genocide due to personal gain and economic advantage. After doing research by conducting studies on scholars who also deny the genocide, Charney came up with five main categories used to analyze the psychology behind the denial.

1. Innoncence and Self Righteousness 

The respondents claim that they don’t believe that human beings are evil enough to live up to the descriptions of the genocide. They also believe that even though many lives may have been lost, it is time to forgive and forget.

1. Scientificism in the Service of Confusion

     The position take within this category is mainly innocent in the fact that there is not enough to know what the exact facts of the history were.

1. Practically, Pragmatism and Realpolitik

     Dealing with “ancient history is impractical, it will not bring peace to the world in which we live today. One must be realistic and live through realpolitik.”

1. Idea Linkage Distortion and Time-Sequence Confusion
       A simple dishonest linkage of varying ideas which are used to excuse the denial of the facts. “Present needs, whether justified or not, are taken as a reasonable basis for censoring or changing the record of past history.”
2. Indirection, Definitionalism, and Maddening

These are responses that do their best to avoid the issue by not  responding or by going off on tangents about trivial issues that avoid essential idea of whether or not the genocide took place.

In addition to Charney’s findings and explanations behind denial, another added notion may be repressed guilt. Repressed guilt is guilt or burden that we hide and in turn deny by projecting it onto others. The psychology behind repressed guilt works as follows: We live in a competitive world and we’re not guilty of creating what has happened, it’s everybody else out there. Countless amounts of times we have heard Turkey blame the killings of Armenians as a part World War I and not an act that they belligerently committed themselves. So perhaps an added reason to their denial of the genocide may have to do with repressed guilt and their fail to completely accept the genocide as their doing.

"Artists for Peace"

“Artists for Peace” was founded by Flora Martirosian in 2008 in an attempt to increase awareness to better understand the injustices and discrimination that surrounds our world today. Her main goal was to bring together artists from all walks of life in an attempt to educate the world about genocide. 

“Through the universal language of music and art, artists can help influence global change as well as educate and prevent further crimes against humanity...

We must do everything we can so that, in this day and age and beyond, we make sure we educate our youth to be more understanding and harmonious”

The event is going to take place at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk on November 1 with the likes of: Chaka Khan, Eric Benet, Pras, Malina Moyr along with Flora Martirosian, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, and Alexia Vassiliou. This year, the “Peace Concert” will honor Stevie Wonder for his continuous efforts serving as the United Nations Messenger of Peace: “It is with great respect and pleasure that we are able to give the United Nations Messenger of Peace, the legendary Stevie Wonder the AFP Angel Award for his ongoing work to help others through change.” (Martirosian)

The proceeds from the concert will benefit specific foundations and charities supported by the artists themselves such as: Childrean with Leukemia in Armenia, The Chaka Khan Foundation, We Are You Foundation and the Genocide Memorial Museum. Tickets start at just $40 and can be bought through Ticketmaster.

It is wonderful to see artists putting their differences aside and uniting together to promote a wonderful cause. Hopefully by creating awareness of past genocides, it will help prevent future genocides from occurring.
  

Here are a Couple Op-eds I Found Interesting...

Op-ed example #1

Op-ed example #2

Zaruhi Petrosyan: Victim of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is never an answer to solve any problem. Unfortunately many couples around the world endure domestic violence and most don’t know how to get out of it. A recent case in Armenia was no different. 

Zaruhi Petrosyan was a 20 year old wife and mother who’s life was cut short because she was beaten to death by her husband and mother-in-law. The reasons behind the  beatings were due to the fact that her husband and mother-in-law wanted to extort money from Zaruhi and her family. Anytime they would ask for money and their demands were not met, Zaruhi would be severely beaten. Zaruhi’s sister, Hasmik remembered the hardship her sister had to encounter:

“My sister was constantly beaten to the point that many times, with her nose and mouth full of blood, she would faint and fall on the floor”

Seeing what their loved one was going through, the Petrosyan family reached out to law enforcement a numerous amount of times emphasizing to them the severity of the situation. However,  the law enforcement in Armenia did absolutely nothing. According to Hasmik, the neighbors provided endless amounts of eyewitness statements and evidence of the abuse, but they were told that the evidence weren’t important and that it didn’t matter. The most disturbing part of it all was that during the time of the abuse, Petrosyan was pregnant. Instead of the government stepping in helping the situation they became blind to it. If dealing with domestic violence isn’t important, then what is? After much speculation, her husband, Sarkisov, was soon arrested but of course denied committing any crimes stating that he did not do anything and that “she fell and died”.

Though there are many stories similar to that of Zaruhi Petrosyan, none of have become public and received as much attention as that of Petrosyan’s. According to the Amnesty International Report, there are over a quarter of women in Armenia who have been victimized by domestic violence and authorities have time and time again failed to “investigate and punish violence against women”. The main reason for this, one that I think is unjustifiable and a bit coward-like, is because there is this onset taboo in the Armenian community when it comes to the issue of domestic violence. The man in the relationship is often looked at as superior to the women, and thus any power ensued on the woman is seen as tolerable. Hence the reason as to why authorities in Armenia see domestic violence issues as none too worthy of investigating. This mentality took at turn with Zaruhi Petrosyan’s story going viral and grabbing the attention of the diaspora who raised their voice against domestic violence. 

Hundreds of men and women gathered in Little Armenia to march to end violence against women. Many angered Armenians both in the homeland and the diaspora demanded that the “government pass comprehensive domestic violence legislation and work to prevent and punish familial violence.” On October 14, Yanis Sarkisov, who was accused of beating his 20- year old wife to death was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the “maximum penalty under the Armenian penal code’s Article 112: Intentional serious or heavy damage to health”. 

The government in Armenia has come a long way and it is finally good to see that they are taking initiative to investigate and sentence those guilty of committing domestic violence. To know that Zaruhi Petrosyan’s death was not in vein sets some sort of closure in helping ensure that those involved in unhealthy relationships will be able to gather strength to leave and seek help.

Roots of Turkish Genocide Denial

The term ‘genocide’ was created by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish-Jewish scholar in 1944. The word was derived from two different roots: the greek word ‘genos’ which means race and the Latin word ‘cidium’ which means killings. Lemkin first used the word ‘genocide’ to explain and justify the events that took place in 1915. Genocide is an inhumane form of killing who’s main goal in the end is to completely wipe out a targeted group or nation. Many genocides have taken place over the years and they all have had a great amount of impact on history. One may wonder, if a country sees that another is suffering from genocide and inhumane acts, why would they want to repeat the barbarity that effected so many people. The answer is simple, selfishness. Those who kill in masses or those who kill in general, kill for their benefit only. They only take into account how they feel, instead of opening their eyes to the world and seeing what really is going on. Nonetheless, genocides have happened and they still continue to take place. Moreover, the issue of the Armenian Genocide is one that has been addressed and analyzed numerous amounts of times. There have been analyses made as to why the genocide is being denied in the states and what can be done for the genocide to be recognized. However, the issue as to why the Turks repeatedly deny the genocide  hasn’t been really put into question. It is important to understand the roots of the Turkish State Policy of the genocide denial and what the modern forms of genocide denial  entail. 

Unlike Holocaust denial, which is not the product of any state (and certainly not an official policy of the Federal Republic of Germany); Armenian Genocide denial originates from the Turkish state. The initial position of the post World War I government in Turkey was to condemn the massacres and favored holding trial for those involved. There were clear indications that the Turks were ready to punish perpetrators in order to secure their sovereignty. However, this sentiment quickly gave way to protecting suspects and avoiding prosecution once the Treaty of Sévres , a peace treaty between the Ottoman Empire and the Allies, and partitioning of territories became a likely reality. When it was no longer in the interest of postwar Turkey to punish the perpetrators of genocide, a policy shift to denial was implemented. By 1920 most of the victors no longer included punishing Turkish war criminals in their postwar objectives. The inability to prosecute led to a large portion of relevant documents being lost or destroyed and never gave an opportunity for eyewitness testimony, on the record, in a court of law. While it is incomprehensible to understand why Allied authorities did not pressure Turkey to turn over the myriad documents showing the genocidal intent of the Young Turk regime, the lasting effect their destruction has caused can be seen in Turkey’s current denialist policies.  

 Since this time period, the Turkish government has used different revisionist tactics to steer away attention from the genocide. These include claiming that Armenians and Turks had lived together for centuries in peace and harmony, and what happened during World War I, while regrettable, was a necessary national security precaution in response to Armenians taking up arms against the Ottoman Empire. After all, it was World War I and the killings that occurred were done on both sides. Any accusation of massacre is perceived to be not just an insult to Turkey, but to Islam as whole because no Turk could ever have been conceivably responsible for a crime as heinous as genocide.This sentiment is highlighted by a message by the League of Nations secretariat saying:

“A long intolerable whine from the Turkish Minister, the burden of which is that no Turk ever hurt a living creature, but that everyone bullies Turks and the Assembly was 

monstrously unfair.”

Turkey’s lead negotiator for the Treaty of Lausanne laid out the first declaration of what would become the official Turkish position on the killings: “[T]he Turkish government and nation were forced to take punitive measures and to respond fully, but always and without exception only after their patience was exhausted, the responsibility for the disasters that befell the Armenian community within the Turkish Empire belongs entirely to the Armenian community itself…For as long as the Christian elements did not abuse the generosity of the country in which they lived for centuries in comfort and plenty, the Turks never denied them their rights.”

The main reason for enduring contentiousness which surrounds the Armenian Genocide is the efforts made on behalf of the Turkish government to avoid responsibility for the events that are in question.However, this policy of avoiding responsibility has transformed into an active policy of genocide denial. This denialism is represented in academia through sponsored “university chairs” and is present in various areas of parliamentary aspects such as: the high-priced lobbying firms who are paid to convince legislators to avoid using the “G-word”, it is present in the public through Turkish consulates around the world who monitor and “counter Armenian claims”, and it is omnipresent in Turkish itself, where “insulting the Turkish nation” is a crime that is followed with a prison sentence. Moreover, Turkish dissident scholar Taner Akçam states that: “Denial of the Armenian genocide has developed over the decades to become a complex and far-reaching machine that rivals the Nazi Germany propaganda ministry…This machine runs on academic dishonesty, fabricated information, political pressure, intimidation and threats, all funded or supported, directly or indirectly, by the Turkish state. It has become a huge industry.” 

Within the academic society, “scholars” such as Bernard Lewis, Justin McCarthy and Health Lowry (who all receive funding from the Turkish government), work to show the events of 1915-23 to be “an Armenian version of history” which is not genocide.  This is done by trying to minimize the numbers of Armenians killed, blaming famine and disease for the deaths, and putting fault on Armenians for instigating civil war by siding with Russian troops.  While the overwhelming majority of legitimate scholars in the field recognize the events of World War I to be genocide, individuals like Lewis, McCarthy and Lowry seek to raise doubt with the guise of academic objectivity.   

In politics, Turkish denialism is represented by multi-million dollar paid lobbying firms where former Congressmen are hired to use their connections to block legislative recognition of the Armenian Genocide.  People like former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and former Louisiana representative Robert Livingston are on the direct payroll of the Turkish government.  “In 2003, Gephardt cosponsored a resolution that put the “Armenian genocide” in company with the Holocaust and mass deaths in Cambodia and Rwanda. In 2000, the Missouri lawmaker backed a similar measure, [saying] he was ‘committed to obtaining official U.S. government recognition of the Armenian genocide.’  Now Gephardt is a foreign agent lobbying on behalf of Turkey, and he’s got a different view of the world. He’s working to stymie the latest version of an Armenian genocide resolution.” Bob Livingston went so far as to record an online video plea to Congressmen not to support House Resolution 106 in 2007. By stating that Turkey is a secular democracy in the Middle East who is a needed ally in the war on terror, these lobbyists continue to play off of American national security concerns to put aside affirmation by the United States.   

Until now, lobbying efforts have had a keen effect, helping to prevent the full House of Representatives from voting on Armenian Genocide recognition resolutions in 2007 and 2010.  Furthermore, President Obama, who was outspoken about the genocide as an Illinois Senator, has steered away from describing the events as “genocide” in his annual statements, instead referring to the massacres as “Meds Yeghern” the Armenian term for “great calamity”.  

“Turkish groups have also recently attempted to take denialism into United States 

courtrooms.  In January the United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal on a case filed by a Turkish group which sought to force inclusion of Armenian Genocide denial materials in the Massachusetts education curriculum. In March of this year US District Court Judge Donovan Frank said that the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies was protected by academic freedom when it told  students that the Turkish Coalition of America’s (TCA) web site was unreliable and rejected the TCA’s  claims of defamation. These lawsuits, although unsuccessful, show the evolution of the Turkish government’s strategy on dealing with the genocide issue.”  

 Perhaps the most dangerous facet of Turkey’s attempts at historical revisionism is the 

suppression of free speech within the Republic of Turkey itself.  Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code states: 

1. Public denigration of Turkishness, the Republic or the Grand National Assembly 

of Turkey shall be punishable by imprisonment of between six months and three 

years. 

2. Public denigration of the Government of the Republic of Turkey, the judicial institutions of the State, the military or security structures shall be punishable by 

imprisonment of between six months and two years. 

3. In cases where denigration of Turkishness is committed by a Turkish citizen in 

another country the punishment shall be increased by one third. 

4. Expressions of thought intended to criticize shall not constitute a crime. 

Amnesty International has called Article 301, “a direct threat to freedom of expression, as enshrined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and in Article 10 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR)” this statute has been used to prosecute human rights activists, journalists and civil society members who have spoke out in public about the Armenian Genocide.  

Notable examples of those who have been prosecuted under Article 301 include, Nobel Prize winning author Orhan Pamuk, Turkish dissident Ragip Zarakolu, and Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink.  Dink, who was the founding editor of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian newspaper Agos, was an outspoken figure who called on dialogue and understanding to overcome the evils of the Armenian Genocide. He has served as a viable voice on behalf of the Armenians and was one who advocated peace and justice.He considered himself to be a proud Armenian and a proud Turkish citizen; however he was prosecuted three times under Article 301 for “insulting Turkishness”. These prosecutions made Dink into a public enemy in the eyes of nationalist Turks.  As a result, Dink was assassinated in front of his office in January of 2007 by a 17-year old gunman.

Article 301 not only restrain free intellectual expression in Turkey, it prevents any discourse related to Turkey’s pre-1923 history. In a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seven former presidents of International Association of Genocide Scholars said, “Because Turkey has denied the Armenian Genocide for the past nine decades, and currently under Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, public affirmation of the genocide is a crime, it would seem impossible for Turkey to be part of a process that would assess whether or not Turkey committed a genocide against the Armenians in 1915.”

Whether or not Turkey will ever accept the Armenian Genocide is a question that may or  may not be answered. For as much as we know, denial of the Armenian Genocide on behalf of the Turks will continue, and until Turkey doesn’t recognize the atrocities of 1915 as “genocide” neither will United States.

                                                                         BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. KEITH DAVID WATENPAUGH, THE ORIGIN OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DENIAL 

AND LEAGUE OF NATIONS’ HUMANITARIANISM 1920-1922.  Armenian Review Vol. 52 

Number 1-2. p. 45 (2010).  

2. FRENCH SOCIALIST PARTY TO SUBMIT BILL ON PENALIZING DENIAL OF 

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN FRENCH SENATE. http://news.am/eng/news/53356.html 

3.   TANER AKCAM, A SHAMEFUL ACT: THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND THE 

QUESTION OF TURKISH RESPONSIBILITY. p. 366 (2006). 

4.  KEN SILVERSTEIN, DICK GEPHARDT LABOR AND LOBBYING. Harper’s Magazine. 

http://harpers.org/archive/2009/03/hbc-90004531 

5. BOB LIVINGSTON: HR 106: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE?” 

http://capitolhub.com/video/6591/bob-livingston-hr-106-armenian-genocide 

6. SENATOR OBAMA DISCUSSES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwR83GZjwdo&feature=related 

7.  STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON ARMENIAN REMEMBRANCE 

DAY. http://www.armenianweekly.com/2010/04/24/statement-of-president-barack-obama-on- 

armenian-remembrance-day-2/ 

8.  TURKISH SUIT AGAINST U. OF MINNESOTA DISMISSED, Asbarez Daily Newspaper. 

http://asbarez.com/94521/turkish-suit-against-u-of-minnesota-dismissed/ 

9. Turkey: Article 301 is a threat to freedom of expression and must be repealed now! 

http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?lang=e&id=ENGEUR440352005 

10. LETTER TO TURKISH PRIME MINISTER RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN. Written by seven former presidents of IAGS (Helen Fein, Roger W. Smith, Frank Chalk, Joyce Apsel, Robert Melson, Israel W. Charny, and Gregory Stanton). (2009).

"Lost and Found in Armenia"

It has been a while since there was anything cultural that shed a  positive light on Armenia. Don’t worry, your prayers will soon be answered. For the first time there will be an all Armenian financed motion picture that will star the likes of Jamie Kennedy and Angela Sarafyan. The movie is titled “ Lost and Found in Armenia” and is set to premiere in United States around Christmas. Moreover, the film features bilingual dialogue and is directed by Gor Kirakosian and produced by Maral Djerejian (Sideways). 

The plot revolves around the son of a U.S. Senator who goes missing while on vacation in Turkey. After a facing a few challenges along the way, he finds himself in a small village in Armenia where he meets a young woman who joins him in his escapades. 

It is finally good to see some attention revolving around Armenia and Armenian issues that doesn't necessarily involve the Armenian Genocide. There are many talented Armenians in the entertainment field and it's wonderful to see how far we've come not only as a race, but as a nation:

“There are many talented actors in Armenia, there are many experts but they lack the experience of working with modern cinema. The problem will be solved if people engage in film production in Armenia,” said Djerejian, adding that "a single film could greatly promote general knowledge about Armenia worldwide".

Enjoy!

Got Noor?

“Noor” in Armenian means pomegranate and serves as a symbol for Armenia. Recently, I was asked why “noor” is symbolic of Armenia. Not knowing the answer to the question made me realize that maybe it’s time I educate myself as well as others. After all, I am Armenian. As I stumbled upon a few sites on my quest to find an answer, I realized that the explanation isn’t long and complex, rather it is simple and distinct: “pomegranate symbolizes fertility and abundance”. It is a staple in Armenian households and is seen infinite amount of times in Armenian books, film, history, and mythology. Although I expected that there would be a longer reasoning as to why noor is the national fruit of Armenia, I guess a simpler one would have to do. 

Noor is not only the symbol of Armenia, but it is also the symbol of many other cultures as well. For instance, Judaism teaches that pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness due to the fact that it has 613 seeds which coincides with the 613 commandments in the Torah. Hence the reason as to why most eat noor on “Rash Hashanah”. In ancient Rome, noor was used to symbolize richness and fertility. Furthermore, Renaissance painters began to use noor in their paintings that included baby Jesus. The fruit was used as a symbol of a new life in humanity. Moreover, noor is also mentioned in the Qur’an and is referred to as an example of good things that are created by God. 

                                                   

                                                               “Madonna of the Pomegranate” by Sandro Botticelli

Aside from being a symbol for more cultures than one, noor has proven to be an important staple in a person’s diet as it serves an important role nutritionally. They contain:

1. Antioxidants: help neutralize free radicals while preventing cell damage
2. Rich in Potassium: electrolytes that help keep your body in balance and essential for muscular activity 
3. Vitamin C: helps support immune and nervous systems; it also doubles as an antioxidant and helps absorb 

Have some noor and enjoy your day!

An Intellectual with a Specific Purpose

Who is Harut Sassounian? Many of you, if not most, may have not heard about him and his attributions to Armenia. Harut Sassounian is a public intellectual who has stepped up and become an ambassador of human rights and an activist of the Armenian cause. The Armenian cause has been a forefront issue for all Armenian organizations who actively fight (not literally), protest, and lobby to get the Armenian Genocide recognized globally, specifically here in America. Moreover, Harout Sassounian has become an advocate for the Armenian cause through his articles in Asbarez (Armenian newspaper based in Los Angeles), The Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, among others. He has been seen giving speeches all over the world as well as supporting various charities along the way.

 Harout Sassounian was born in 1950 in Aleppo, Syria. He attended Columbia University where he received his Masters in International Affairs and later continued his academics at Pepperdine University where he received his MBA. From the years 1978-1982, he served as an international marketing executive for a company in Geneva called Procter & Gamble. Later, he became the non-governmental delegate for human rights at the United Nations in Geneva. Thus, Sassounian played an important role in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the “UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities”. He is an Armenian-American writer and an activist who serves as the publisher for “The California Courier”- Sassounian’s Armenian weekly column. He is also the President of the United Armenian Fund which has helped raise approximately $460 million in an effort to provide “humanitarian assistance” to Armenia. In addition, he was the Vice Chairman of the Lincy Foundation which was founded by Kirk Krikorian in 1989 after the tragic earthquake that devastated Spitak, Armenia. The Lincy Foundation was able to provide housing to those who were misplaced as well as help rebuilt the roads and infrastructure. However, in 2011 The Lincy Foundation closed its offices and transferred its assets to the University of California, Los Angeles and is now known as the “Dream Fund”, which helps support medical and academic programs. Alongside being an activist, Sassounian has written a book titled “ The Armenian Genocide: The World Speaks out, 1915-2005, Documents & Declarations”, as well as producing an award-winning documentary titled “Armenia: Bittersweet Freedom”. Currently he takes part in the Leadership Council of the University of Southern California’s Institute of Armenian Studies and is on the Board of Directors of Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA.

It is needless to say that Sassounian’s contributions to humanity is endless and that his actions have helped influence many. However, his greatest accomplishment to this date has been the time and effort he has spent towards bringing awareness to the Armenian Genocide in the diaspora. As an Armenian-American it is hard when the country you live in constantly denies the realities of your past. America has done just that. Specifically, the president. Numerous times we have been promised that if we elect and support a candidate, than that candidate will promise that he/she will lobby for us in Congress to get the Armenian Genocide recognized. Lies.  President Obama is no different. In an article titled “ Obama’s Lack of Credibility Undermines His Initiative on Genocide Prevention”, Sassounian boldly put the Commander in Chief on blast for not being able to follow through in bringing change to the American public:

        “Regrettably, within weeks of taking office, Pres. Obama proved that he     is just another unprincipled politician by going back on his solemn promise of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and playing immoral word games for which he had chided his predecessors. Since then, he has not kept his word on hundreds of other issues, thereby undermining his credibility and causing his popularity to plummet like a lead balloon.”

He then continued to criticize the President by bringing to light Obama’s claim that  “preventing mass atrocities and genocide is a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility of the United States.”  How can he try to prevent future genocides if he and the rest of Congress are blind to past genocides? This issue that is raised by Sassounian is one that is important and sentimental. Before the president can begin to try to prevent from future atrocities from happening he has to take the time to acknowledge the tragedies that have taken place. Is the relations between the US and Turkey more important than being logical and rational? To those who this issue is of no interest, the answer would most likely be yes. Their thinking may entail the importance of the US and Turkey relations vs the relations between US and Armenia. After all, relations between US and Turkey have far more positives than that between US and Armenia. Let’s face the truth, the partnership between US and Turkey is too important to jeopardize. If this is the case, then why do politicians go around making promises that they clearly cannot keep? Why can’t they just be honest with Armenian-Americans and just tell us to stop and give up. Let them tell us that our efforts in protests and lobbying of resolutions will not amount to or even compare to what it will take to get the Armenian Genocide recognized in United States. Let them tell us to give up. Honestly. They will do themselves a favor and us as a people a favor. The fact that we try every year and get shut down constantly gets old after a while. How many protests and meetings can be organized without getting different results. It gets annoying and old after a while. Moral of the story, if you can’t keep any promises, then don’t make them. 

In addition to criticizing the President for his lack of actions towards the Armenian Genocide, Sassounian has also taken the initiative to criticize the Armenian diaspora:

 “It is a shame that the largest Armenian community in the Diaspora has failed to take advantage of Pres. Obama’s visits to California to protest his refusal to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. Last October, when he traveled to Los Angeles and Glendale, not a single Armenian confronted him at his public appearances”

This was Sassounian’s effort to assemble Armenians in California to take advantage of their rights to freedom of speech and thus, voice their concerns and thoughts. Often times we jump at the opportunity to say what we feel and bring to light issues that we disagree with. However, when given the actual chance to voice our concerns to an individual of power and stature, we tend to back down and keep quiet. Why? Are we afraid of what others might think, or are we afraid of being the first to voice our thoughts. Either way, we have to learn to stand up for what we believe in and make sure that our voices are heard. Let’s take for example the countless protests that occur in France. Every chance they get to protest and voice their concerns over something that they believe in, they do it. So why can’t we? Why are we so apathetic when it comes to actually taking action? Wish I knew the answer. 

Moreover, Harout Sassounian has become the epitome of a public intellectual to Armenians around the world. But what makes a public intellectual? According to Stephen Mack’s post “The “Decline” in Public Intellectuals?” in his blog “ The New Democratic Review”, a public intellectual is someone who cares for the people and their well being and there mere effort to help the public should not be affected by who they are as an individual: 

“our notions of the public intellectual need to focus less on who or what a public intellectual is—and by  extension, the qualifications for getting and keeping the title. Instead, we need to be more concerned with the work public intellectuals must do, irrespective of who happens to be doing it.”

This falls true  to who Sassounian is. It doesn’t matter that he has written book or served on countless committees, what matters is the fact that he has been able to bring attention to a cause that is not only important to him, but also important to his race. He has spent selfless hours debating, serving, and volunteering for a nation that he strongly believes in. So who is Harut Sassounian? He is a public intellectual who fights for the rights of Armenians and more specifically, humanity. 


To read Harut Sassounian's articles visit Asbarez.com and www.huffingtonpost.com