Turkish-Armenian Diplomacy

Currently the expectation of a signed diplomatic accord on the parts of Armenia and Turkey is occupying the forefront of middle-eastern political controversies. Given the bloodiness of past international relations amongst these two nations, a projected decision to open up their diplomatic ties and respective borders constitutes a step of enormous historical significance, and has been met by some vehement opposition by groups of passionate nationalists within both countries. This normalization process has been carried out in Switzerland, where officials from the United States and Russia are mediating discussions amongst Armenian and Turkish diplomats. The United States has been prompted by a series of mixed motives to pursue its agenda of interests in respect to the status of Armenian and Turkish relations. The contentious issue at hand refers primarily to the mass genocide of 1.5 million Armenians, subjected to the violent repression of the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Although ample evidence of genocide has consistently been confirmed by the work of historians internationally, Turkey continues to deny genocide, arguing that the deaths of 1915 occurred as a direct consequence of civil war throughout Armenia. Needless to say, this egregious loss of life tied to these nations shared history, is a sensitive issue amongst natives of both countries, igniting immense opposition and widespread protest over matters of reconciliation. The elite self-serving nature of genocide on the nation of Armenia raised the international prowess of the Turkish authoritarian elite, at the expense of oppressing the Armenian population (on the grounds of religious subservience; Armenia is a Christian nation, while Turkey and the Ottoman Empire is/was devoutly Muslim). This exploitation of a single group for the advancement of another would be greatly disapproved of by Rawls, who within his principles of justice emphasizes that if those who occupy a position of relative supremacy are given an advantage, their actions must directly benefit the lowest classes. In short, the exploitation of Armenian civilians on the parts of Turkish authorities is considered terribly unjust.  Opposition towards diplomatic efforts in Turkey, has been led by the Republican People’s Party, who insist on fighting any concessions to Armenia, and urge that Armenian-Turkish relations can only be repaired with an Armenian withdrawal from its current occupation of Nagorno-Karbakh. Throughout Armenia, resistance has been observed in the form of mass protest, where thousands of citizens have demonstrated. Proponents are enthusiastic about the prospect of free trade with newly opened borders.  

Works cited: www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hMIVhRL1IZsbsjcPwt34qFbwo...