Letter: Don’t let Armenian genocide be forgotten

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007 | 7:03 a.m.

Much, but not enough, has been said regarding the issue of the nonbinding congressional resolution to recognize Turkey's responsibility in the genocide of Armenians during 1914-16. I would like to add a few thoughts as an Armenian-American.

First, the "alleged" atrocities have been clearly and carefully documented over the years, beginning with the then-U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Henry Morganthau, together with missionaries working in the country at the time.

Second, Turkey's refusal to acknowledge its direct role in what historians refer to as the 20th century's first genocide is based on what it clearly sees as the weak-kneed resolve of the U.S. government to alienate a marginal ally in the Middle East. Hence the issue becomes a matter of political expediency. Consider the bewilderment of the world community if Germany had denied its role in its Holocaust. For our nation to kill this resolution, as President Bush is urging Congress to do, would allow politics to trump what is morally right.

Third and finally, while maintaining a delicate political balance with allies is clearly in the interest of U.S. security, the larger issues of moral leadership and long overdue justice are what should prevail after nearly a century of wrongdoing.

John H. Esperian, Las Vegas

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