Written by Michael Holihan, on 10-10-2007

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The dream of "Time-Travel" where one could return to the past and make a beneficial change to the history of humanity has always been a tantalizing allurement. However, when the United States Congress attempts this political "time-travel" by passing a resolution to label the events that occurred between Turkey and Armenia almost 100 years ago as "genocide", it is a dangerous journey that will only bring back a hideous monster.

The ramifications of attempting to "alter" or "re-label" by Congressional vote the dreadful days of 1914-1917 when the Ottoman Turkish empire was locked in a battle with Russian forces during World War I is foolish and dangerous.

History:

1. In November of 1914, the declining Ottoman Turkish Empire entered WWI, siding with the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungry and Bulgaria. With battles raging and men dying, the Ottoman troops attacked Russian forces and invaded the Caucasus with the strategy of capturing Baku in Azerbaijan and the seaport of Batum in Georgia. Of course, this would take the Turkish forces directly through the Eastern part of Turkey which was home to a large population of Armenians.
2. The Turkish Army was not adequately prepared for this bitterly cold winter campaign and after a bloody battle with fierce Russian resistance; the Turks suffered the loss of 75,000 soldiers at the Battle of Sarikamish. The defeated Commander begin to publicly blame the military loss on the clandestine support of the Armenian population in eastern Turkey as well as the Armenian Volunteer units that faithfully served the Russian Army in annihilating the Ottoman Army. The need for the Ottoman government to cast blame for this major defeat as well as the continued Armenian resistance inside the borders of the Ottoman Empire prompted the Turkish rulers to legalize the forced deportations of Armenians from Anatolia, (Turkey).
3. Just like any nation at war, liberty, rights and morality become buried under an avalanche of ethnic strife, political fear and unbridled carnage. The loss of live, from all participants in this Global War to end all wars, reached almost 20 million. The retribution, atrocities, and deaths during this dark period of humanity are immeasurable and incalculable.

Today, almost a century later, the US Congress is preparing to pass a non-binding resolution that will categorize the Turkish decision to forcible expel Armenians from their country during WWI as an act of "Genocide." The House Resolution 106, officially known as the "Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide", has been relentlessly pushed by Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D) from southern California which has the largest concentration of Armenians in the country. The House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), which has another large Armenian population, has stated she supports bringing the Resolution to the House floor for the first time for a full vote. More than have of the House members have signed on as co-sponsors.

Any member of Congress may offer a resolution that represents certain concerns of their constituents. However, if that Resolution has the distinct potential to put at risk our military men and women in the Middle East; jeopardize a strategic relationship with a member of NATO (Turkey) and likely damage our single strategic, military Muslim ally (Turkey); then it is time to unplug the political "Time Machine."

Our troops on the ground in Iraq receive 70 percent of air cargo and 30 percent of fuel supplies through the vital air & land bridge of Turkey. The goodwill of the Turkish government to allow the free flow of US military hardware and personal in and through Turkey is vital to our troops that risk their lives in the battle against militant Islam and terrorist. As the Turkish Ambassador has stated, "...(this resolution) would be very injurious to the psyche of the Turkish people" and could ignite a "backlash" in Turkey against the United States.

America is not part of the problem or solution between the former Ottoman Turkish Empire and Armenia. The Congress does not have the ability, wisdom or technology to heal the century old rift between these two nations. Instead, let the members of Congress dismantle this un-calibrated "Time Machine" resolution and refocus their combined efforts on the present realities and struggles that now face the American people.

Michael Holihan is the author of the book "The Epiphany Deception" as well as the popular ETI article "The Painted Corner" If you would like to contact Michael, try leaving him a comment on his profile.

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