As a result of successive political blunders by the Obama administration, Matthew Bryza was forced to abandon his ambassadorial post in Azerbaijan last week.Bryza
Pres. Obama ignored repeated warnings that the candidate he was nominating as Ambassador to Azerbaijan in May 2010 had serious flaws. Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee accused Bryza of having a pro-Azerbaijani bias and questionable ties toAzeri officials. The Senators were troubled by reports that foreign officials had given Bryza lavish gifts at his Istanbul wedding, during which the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan had served as a groomsman. In addition, the nominee’s Turkish-born wife Zeyno Baran was accused of conflicts of interest while working on Caspian energy issues at a Washington think tank. She had also antagonized the Armenian-American community by testifying against recognition of the Armenian Genocide at a Senate Subcommittee hearing.
When Pres. Obama failed to take these concerns seriously, Senators Barbara Boxer (Dem.-CA) and Robert Menendez (Dem.-New Jersey) had no choice but to place a hold on Bryza’s nomination, effectively blocking his confirmation. Obama then compounded his error by appointing Bryza as Ambassador to Azerbaijan in late 2010 without Senate approval. The President seemed oblivious to the potential damage to his own reputation, the prestige of the United States, and U.S.-Azeri relations, should the Senate not confirmBryza’s nomination, forcing him to leave his post and return to Washington upon expiration of his 12-month appointment.
As Amb. Bryza’s temporary assignment was ending in December 2011, Obama administration officials pressured Senators Boxer andMenendez to allow him to continue serving in Azerbaijan by confirming his nomination. The two Senators remained steadfast in opposing Bryza, even though it is not easy for these Democratic politicians to turn down a request from the President of the United States, who also happens to be the nominal leader of their own party.
The Senators were also pressured by the government of Azerbaijan and its powerful lobbying firms which went into overdrive to justify their exorbitant fees. Through their special connections they were able to get the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post to publish editorials attacking the Senators and the Armenian National Committee of America which had spearheaded a public campaign against this unqualified Ambassadorial nominee.
Not surprisingly, the Wall Street Journal heaped lavish praise on Bryza, calling him a “respected career foreign service officer,” and accused the two Senators of “kissing up to the Armenian-American lobby.”
The Washington Post was even nastier. Its editorial could be described as outright racist and anti-Armenian. Contrary to its claim of defending “the larger U.S. national interest,” the newspaper was actually advocating the confirmation of an Ambassador with questionable credentials who would weaken, rather than strengthen America’s interests.
The Washington Post concluded its shameful editorial by accusing “oil-poor” and “isolated” Armenia as being the biggest loser in theBryza controversy. We beg to disagree. This is an American issue and Armenia had no role in it. In fact, the biggest losers are those who lobbied long and hard for the confirmation of an ill-qualified Ambassador who was more intent on serving the interests of Baku in Washington than those of America in Azerbaijan.
In my opinion, the real losers are:
1) Pres. Obama who picked a poorly qualified nominee and stubbornly pushed for his confirmation when it was crystal clear from day one that Bryza did not have the chance of a snowball in hell to get confirmed.
2) The government of Azerbaijan which spent a fortune on lobbyists who miserably failed to get the job done.
3) Azeri and Turkish organizations, such as the Azerbaijani-American Council, Azerbaijan Society of America, Pax Turcica Institute, US Azeris Network, and Assembly of Turkish-American Associations, which issued countless press releases and sent thousands of e-mails to the Senate — to no avail. By supporting Bryza, they confirmed that in fact he was “their man,” and not an unbiased diplomat.
4) The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post which compromised their journalistic integrity to please their “petro-friends.”
5) The 36 former U.S. officials who signed a joint letter urging the Senate to confirm Bryza. It is no mere coincidence that most of these signatories are currently associated with think tanks and lobbying firms that are funded by Azerbaijan or expect such funding in the future.
There are, however, two clear winners:
1) The Armenian-American community which has sent a loud and clear message to Baku, Ankara, and Washington that it represents a powerful political force to be reckoned with.
2) Matthew Bryza and his wife, who as lobbyists for Azerbaijan and Turkey, can be expected to make millions by cashing in on their high-level connections in Baku and Ankara.
Harut Sassounian is the publisher of The California Courier, a weekly newspaper based in Glendale, Calif. He is the president of the Armenia Artsakh Fund, a non-profit organization that has donated to Armenia and Artsakh one billion dollars of humanitarian aid, mostly medicines, since 1989 (including its predecessor, the United Armenian Fund). He has been decorated by the presidents of Armenia and Artsakh and the heads of the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic churches. He is also the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
The looming threat to American hegemony in international affairs is at stake.
Armenia if we become fully democratic instead of this nonsense oligarchy, could mean that we could overtake the Usa.sorry to sound power mongerring but I learned it from america. We could be great friends
Two things that we as Armenians all over the US needs to do:
1. Thank the 2 Senators for standing up and doing the right thing.
2. Have Armenians in every community contact both the WSJ and the Washington Post to let them know of the communities displeasure of their nonsensical and hurtful editorials.
That’s right, state corruption in Armenia is our weakest point. Spoils almost everything, every concerted long-term plan. If only that miracle could happen Armenia would really be a force to reckon with in the region.
You are flying over the Moon again. I think that you Armenians have made a big mistake as the Turks will highly likely to make this guy the next American president
I might agree or disagree with Mr. Sassounian, but your statement “the Turks will highly likely to make this guy the next American president” is hilarious, are you trying to compete with Necati?
So before the Turks weigh in and directly influence the U.S. Presidential elections, they need to put their own house in order. I’m sure you know what I mean. As a nationalist Turk, you are intoxicated by fabricated news that is circulated by think tanks and PR firms who are funded by Turkish government.
The days of “zero problem with neighbors” is gone. The “humanistic mission” of Turkey in the region is exposed. Do you remember the times when Mr. Davoutoghlu was always in the spotlight, traveling here and there promoting his world views through his famous book “Strategic Depth” and how he was trying to solve regional issues. The media made him ME’s Superman.
As the Unites States’ regional influence was decreasing in the Middle East, Turkey jumped in to fill the leadership vacuum by the blessing of the U.S. Turkey was trusted to “manage” the region and at the end to rip economical benefits.
During this time, Turkey was on PR campaign utilizing paid think tanks to present Turkey as a “local leader” and a positive force compared to “foreign” and non Muslim force. Turkey spent millions of Dollars in constructing a positive image. Turkey tried to down play the Ottoman occupation in the ME, instead, presented herself as a Muslim neighbor with a similar cultural and religious tradition. She tried to “clean” the negative part of the Ottoman history by offering economical incentives. Turkey invited Arab scholars to Turkey with a mission to translate Turkish literature into Arabic, signed trade agreements with major Arab countries in the region and so forth.
Subtly, Turkey was able to infiltrate Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and to a certain degree the Gulf countries. Turkish expansionist plan was on its way without a hindrance until December 17 2010.
A brazen act by Mohamed Bouazizi who set himself on fire on December 17 2010, has triggered the Arab Spring which grew out of control and spread in the region where Turkey had been working and investing for couple of years.
I’ll say this, the next thing after Armenians the Turkish government hates is Mohamed Bouazizi. By triggering Arab Spring, Turkey was caught by surprise and unprepared for the events that had to come. Those events changed the political dynamics of the region and more importantly the Arab psyche.
Now Turkey’s priority became damage control and maintenance of the leadership image that she had projected to the world. Mean while the U.S. was relying on Turkey and holding her responsible for managing the new situation in the Arab world.
Now, couple of points on recent developments in ME:
• Mr. Erdogan was a key factor in deposing Husni Moubarak in Egypt. When the Arab Revolution begun in Egypt, President Obama consulted Erdogan and was assured that things were under control, and that Turkey will support the revolutionaries which the majority happened to be Islamic Brotherhood. After recent Turkish elections, Erdogan visited Egypt hoping to be received as a regional hero, instead Islamic Brotherhood asked him to leave Egypt alone, and that they do not need a foreigner to advise them how to rule their country.
• Libya. During the initial stages of Libyan uprising, of course Mr. Erdogan sided with Qaddafi, and when French government decided to interfere on behalf of the rebels Mr. Erdogan was not pleased. After some unsuccessful confrontations with French President Sarkozy, Mr. Erdogan pleaded his case with President Obama in order to pressure France not to go solo and to act under Nato’s command.
• Iraq. An unsuccessful attempt by Turkey to counter Iranian influence in Iraq. Turkey placed her bet on Ayad Allawi who lost to Nour Al Maliki in recent Iraqi elections.
• Syria. Do we need to talk about it?
• Lebanon. Erdogan’s favorite man Saad Hariri leader of 14 March and the Prime Minister who happens to be Sunni. Mr. Hariri’s government was sacked by the opposition while he was on a mission out of the country.
• The Kurdish issue: Now this is a huge issue and it’s getting out of control. Mr. Erdogan almost begged the United States to assist Turkey in gathering intelligence on Kurdish Freedom Fighters. Still, with U.S. assistance Turkey is incompetent to face the Kurdish insurgency. You might not like the news, but Independent Kurdistan is already in the making, its right around the corner.
• Ergenokan cases, Alawi minorities and their relation to current Syrian situation, imprisoning reporters and violations of human rights.
So based on the news, Turkey is not in a prime position in the region; she has a lot to do locally. First, put your house in order and then think twice before interfering in US elections.
john the turk says”
Mr Sassounian, You are flying over the Moon again….as the Turks will highly likely to make this guy the next American president…
sounds like john the turk might be flying (over the moon) toooooo…
but I do have to wonder if perhaps some Turkish dollars aren’t funding Rick Santorum…
Everytime I see your name before even reading your nonsense comments, I sit in my preferred armchair where I can laugh with my whole body without restrictions! Lol…
Can I advice you and other Turks/Azeri well wishers that you better off keep supporting that two faced Obama (already at white house) who was able to decieve his own constituent and party, cause Byrza with his credentials can only hope to become a Turkish or Azeri Prime Minister… nothing else!
John the Turk- or Turk the john.. so sorry for you that you guys are in deep mislead. .
We, all Armenians around the globe do represent a strong and integral power which no one can disregard and we will succeed in the realization of sll of our national goals..which are anchored on basic concepts of human justice and truth.
The time for the worldwide recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide will come soon and liekewise the time for compensation of all of our LOSSES, including the loss of our Motherland, Western Armenia.
Don’t be selfish and arrogant- try to be a little bit more realistic considering the latest developments in the world.
Wow, one of the only acts by Barbara Boxer that I have ever agreed with. Good for her for standing firm! To John the Turk; Mathew Bryza as POTUS!? What a laugh!
What is true in my view your view are exactly the opposite so If I was the commander who came to Turkey some 1000 years ago. I would go back to Mongolia as soon as I learn how you think the way that is true as I can not stand people like Armenians
The United States government stop this ambassador for pro-Azerbaijani bias and questionable ties. American president Obama should nominate Azerbaijan Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov to the post! Sharifov is an agent of the United States government under Obama, in the past worked for CIA, to promote American interests in the region. America friend Sharifov is not helping the people of Azerbaijan, and he can’t be trusted anymore!!
jonh the turk
The only thing I can understand clearly from your last “declaration” is that you can’t stand Armenians. So, either you should get out of these columns, for your own sake, or go first to some language school and improve your English before making yourself time and agian a laughing stock.
The looming threat to American hegemony in international affairs is at stake.
Armenia if we become fully democratic instead of this nonsense oligarchy, could mean that we could overtake the Usa.sorry to sound power mongerring but I learned it from america. We could be great friends
Mr. Sassounian,
Two things that we as Armenians all over the US needs to do:
1. Thank the 2 Senators for standing up and doing the right thing.
2. Have Armenians in every community contact both the WSJ and the Washington Post to let them know of the communities displeasure of their nonsensical and hurtful editorials.
Thank you.
That’s right, state corruption in Armenia is our weakest point. Spoils almost everything, every concerted long-term plan. If only that miracle could happen Armenia would really be a force to reckon with in the region.
Vartzgernit gadar Hayortiner.
Mr Sassounian
You are flying over the Moon again. I think that you Armenians have made a big mistake as the Turks will highly likely to make this guy the next American president
I might agree or disagree with Mr. Sassounian, but your statement “the Turks will highly likely to make this guy the next American president” is hilarious, are you trying to compete with Necati?
So before the Turks weigh in and directly influence the U.S. Presidential elections, they need to put their own house in order. I’m sure you know what I mean. As a nationalist Turk, you are intoxicated by fabricated news that is circulated by think tanks and PR firms who are funded by Turkish government.
The days of “zero problem with neighbors” is gone. The “humanistic mission” of Turkey in the region is exposed. Do you remember the times when Mr. Davoutoghlu was always in the spotlight, traveling here and there promoting his world views through his famous book “Strategic Depth” and how he was trying to solve regional issues. The media made him ME’s Superman.
As the Unites States’ regional influence was decreasing in the Middle East, Turkey jumped in to fill the leadership vacuum by the blessing of the U.S. Turkey was trusted to “manage” the region and at the end to rip economical benefits.
During this time, Turkey was on PR campaign utilizing paid think tanks to present Turkey as a “local leader” and a positive force compared to “foreign” and non Muslim force. Turkey spent millions of Dollars in constructing a positive image. Turkey tried to down play the Ottoman occupation in the ME, instead, presented herself as a Muslim neighbor with a similar cultural and religious tradition. She tried to “clean” the negative part of the Ottoman history by offering economical incentives. Turkey invited Arab scholars to Turkey with a mission to translate Turkish literature into Arabic, signed trade agreements with major Arab countries in the region and so forth.
Subtly, Turkey was able to infiltrate Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and to a certain degree the Gulf countries. Turkish expansionist plan was on its way without a hindrance until December 17 2010.
A brazen act by Mohamed Bouazizi who set himself on fire on December 17 2010, has triggered the Arab Spring which grew out of control and spread in the region where Turkey had been working and investing for couple of years.
I’ll say this, the next thing after Armenians the Turkish government hates is Mohamed Bouazizi. By triggering Arab Spring, Turkey was caught by surprise and unprepared for the events that had to come. Those events changed the political dynamics of the region and more importantly the Arab psyche.
Now Turkey’s priority became damage control and maintenance of the leadership image that she had projected to the world. Mean while the U.S. was relying on Turkey and holding her responsible for managing the new situation in the Arab world.
Now, couple of points on recent developments in ME:
• Mr. Erdogan was a key factor in deposing Husni Moubarak in Egypt. When the Arab Revolution begun in Egypt, President Obama consulted Erdogan and was assured that things were under control, and that Turkey will support the revolutionaries which the majority happened to be Islamic Brotherhood. After recent Turkish elections, Erdogan visited Egypt hoping to be received as a regional hero, instead Islamic Brotherhood asked him to leave Egypt alone, and that they do not need a foreigner to advise them how to rule their country.
• Libya. During the initial stages of Libyan uprising, of course Mr. Erdogan sided with Qaddafi, and when French government decided to interfere on behalf of the rebels Mr. Erdogan was not pleased. After some unsuccessful confrontations with French President Sarkozy, Mr. Erdogan pleaded his case with President Obama in order to pressure France not to go solo and to act under Nato’s command.
• Iraq. An unsuccessful attempt by Turkey to counter Iranian influence in Iraq. Turkey placed her bet on Ayad Allawi who lost to Nour Al Maliki in recent Iraqi elections.
• Syria. Do we need to talk about it?
• Lebanon. Erdogan’s favorite man Saad Hariri leader of 14 March and the Prime Minister who happens to be Sunni. Mr. Hariri’s government was sacked by the opposition while he was on a mission out of the country.
• The Kurdish issue: Now this is a huge issue and it’s getting out of control. Mr. Erdogan almost begged the United States to assist Turkey in gathering intelligence on Kurdish Freedom Fighters. Still, with U.S. assistance Turkey is incompetent to face the Kurdish insurgency. You might not like the news, but Independent Kurdistan is already in the making, its right around the corner.
• Ergenokan cases, Alawi minorities and their relation to current Syrian situation, imprisoning reporters and violations of human rights.
So based on the news, Turkey is not in a prime position in the region; she has a lot to do locally. First, put your house in order and then think twice before interfering in US elections.
john the turk says”
Mr Sassounian, You are flying over the Moon again….as the Turks will highly likely to make this guy the next American president…
sounds like john the turk might be flying (over the moon) toooooo…
but I do have to wonder if perhaps some Turkish dollars aren’t funding Rick Santorum…
@ john the turk,
Everytime I see your name before even reading your nonsense comments, I sit in my preferred armchair where I can laugh with my whole body without restrictions! Lol…
Can I advice you and other Turks/Azeri well wishers that you better off keep supporting that two faced Obama (already at white house) who was able to decieve his own constituent and party, cause Byrza with his credentials can only hope to become a Turkish or Azeri Prime Minister… nothing else!
John the Turk- or Turk the john.. so sorry for you that you guys are in deep mislead. .
We, all Armenians around the globe do represent a strong and integral power which no one can disregard and we will succeed in the realization of sll of our national goals..which are anchored on basic concepts of human justice and truth.
The time for the worldwide recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide will come soon and liekewise the time for compensation of all of our LOSSES, including the loss of our Motherland, Western Armenia.
Don’t be selfish and arrogant- try to be a little bit more realistic considering the latest developments in the world.
Wow, one of the only acts by Barbara Boxer that I have ever agreed with. Good for her for standing firm! To John the Turk; Mathew Bryza as POTUS!? What a laugh!
What is true in my view your view are exactly the opposite so If I was the commander who came to Turkey some 1000 years ago. I would go back to Mongolia as soon as I learn how you think the way that is true as I can not stand people like Armenians
The United States government stop this ambassador for pro-Azerbaijani bias and questionable ties. American president Obama should nominate Azerbaijan Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov to the post! Sharifov is an agent of the United States government under Obama, in the past worked for CIA, to promote American interests in the region. America friend Sharifov is not helping the people of Azerbaijan, and he can’t be trusted anymore!!
jonh the turk
The only thing I can understand clearly from your last “declaration” is that you can’t stand Armenians. So, either you should get out of these columns, for your own sake, or go first to some language school and improve your English before making yourself time and agian a laughing stock.