The Complexity of Normalizing Turkish-Armenian Relations
by Torey Holderith
Turkey and Armenia are set to normalize relations today by signing a treaty that would reopen the border between the two countries which has been closed the entire duration of the Armenia’s post-Soviet existence. The treaty seeks to “develop good neighborly relations in mutual respect and progress peace, security and stability in the entire region,” who could be against that right?
Indeed, this is quite clearly a step forward for regional security. With relations normalized cooperation may begin in promoting peace in the caucuses, namely with Azerbaijan and the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, despite the clear gains available to Turkey and Armenia in promoting security and economic prosperity one cannot help but be troubled by the underlying moral dilemma inherent in this agreement.
Aremenian president Serzh Sarkisian claims that this move in no way takes the pressure off of Turkey to admit to what Armenia and much of the world has labeled the Armenian Genocide. Looking at this move though it is difficult to agree with Sarkisian. In allowing relations to normalize without Turkey admitting or apologizing Armenia is losing the bulk of the leverage that they currently have over Turkey. International pressure for Turkey to admit to genocide will surely plummet and Turkey will lose all incentive to do so. With normalized relations and a decline in international pressure how can this be perceived as anything but a removal of pressure on Turkey?
Of course, in the short term physical needs, increased security and economic prosperity may take precedent over moral abstract needs. As Turkey and Armenia place the pen to paper they both understand what is at stake, the Armenians are sacrificing an abstract desire for justice in exchange for real benefits. As protests rock the Armenian Diaspora it is clear they understand this as well.
In the end though, it is clear this is the right move for Armenia. Pragmatism must win out. Not only does it bring gain for Armenia and the region but it also represents progress on a troubled issue which I believe has no other resolution. Turkish nationalism is both highly visible and embedded within the Turkish Republic. Speaking out against the state, “acting in a manner disrespectful of the flag,” or speaking ill of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, are all serious offenses. It is difficult to comprehend any movement by Turkey on this issue when such pride exists in the Turkish republic. Accommodating Armenian demands for recognition of the atrocities of the declining Ottoman Empire would quite clearly be political suicide for Turkish elected officials, and so is currently unforeseeable in Turkey today.
Normalizing relations with Turkey is the right move. It is certainly far from a perfect solution, but it is the best option available in the foreseeable future.
