The Longest Thaw

David Sibley

Turkey and Armenia have been historically at odds with one another since the days of Sultan Abdul Hamid, whose reign saw the first of the Armenian Massacres in the 1890's. In the 1990's the border with Armenia was closed in support for its ally Azerbaijan. The two nations have had tense relations since. Turkey has just released, on the eve of the anniversary of the massacres, a statement saying that a road map to improving relations had been found. However, reconciliation may be difficult to reach, as the the two nations may have a hard time amongst their own respective people. Furthermore a discussion may be planned for opening the border, though Turkey may be less open to that goal considering the alliance with Azerbaijan, whom still has very tense relations with Armenia that does not seem likely to thaw any time soon. This dialogue also should not come as much of a shock, as Turkey is doing whatever it can to gain entrance to the E.U. without alienating its own national culture and history.