Years ago in an undergraduate history class I undertook a study into one of the many dark patches of the 20th Century, and wrote a small essay regarding the ‘denial of the Armenian genocide’ with a particular focus on Turkey. I was amazed that such a mass relocation and slaughter of an ethnic group could go unnoticed by the history books for so long. I soon learned that the events regarding the Armenian genocide was largely suppressed by the Turkish nation through revisionist history and utilisation of political clout in making sure its ‘allies’ didn’t concentrate to hard on reports which labelled the mass killings of Armenians as ‘genocide’. This was particularly evident during the Cold War, with Turkey’s strategic position between Europe and the Middle East used as a tool for enforcing the ‘denial view’ upon its allies.
However, it seems that this smokescreen is finally dispersing after nearly a century since the killings began, and for once, I’m actually impressed by the stance the that US parliament have taken in passing a resolution to officially recognise the forced relocation, diaspora and slaughter of ethnic Armenians that occurred during 1914 – 1923 as fair-dinkum genocide. The United States is moving towards joining a group of nations that have officially recognised this historical event as genocide, leaving countries like Britain and Israel on the outer. You can read the resolution for yourself right here. Naturally, Turkey haven’t been exactly too pleased about this, and have recalled their ambassador from the United States. All I can say in response to that is that the truth must really hurt. However, I’m not pleased with that imbecile Bush inferring that the truth is a malleable entity that has to be considered in light of political and foreign policy dimensions, by stating that such a proclamation by the United States endangers relations with Turkey. History is history, and criminals must not be allowed to wash their hands of their deeds.
Anyway, to other news of interest.
Radiohead have released their seventh LP, In Rainbows. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to it, but I don’t think I can add anything in a blogosphere that I’m sure is awash with googols of reviews, except for that I am partial to it, and think it’s the best album since Kid A. “Bodysnatchers” and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” are my initial favourites. As many would know, Radiohead have allowed people to choose what they pay for the album, in an experiment where they have assumed that people will pay for something if they believe it is of good quality. I really like this idea. Sure, people will choose to pay nothing for it, but those people are going to be the ones who would have downloaded it for free from illegal sources anyway. I’m sure record companies will be looking very closely at the results (and if it is successful, that’s another nail in the coffin for recording company’s outdated and conservative approach to the internet music distribution).
Well, the weekend awaits – make sure you enjoy it.