Good news

It's often too easy to be dragged down into a state of depression and hopelessness after reading the headlines in Turkey.

As an expat, it occasionally seems better to remain unconcerned with events that happen in and around Turkey. Though after three years I've built relationships here, and since I still choose to call Istanbul home, it's getting harder to remain impartial to all the ups and downs in the region.

The Ergenekon affair, a supposedly anti-secular government, controversial decisions made by the country's Constitutional Court that promise action from the more nationalistic parties, the tiresome headscarf issue that diverts attention and resources from Turkey's more pressing woes, the supposed creep of Islam into the Education sector the never-ending pointless and murderous actions of the PKK... It requires ample time to stay abreast of the news here.

And if I were Turkish I'd be prone to feel rather depressed.

So when I read today that a group of Armenian and Turkish academics were meeting in Yerevan with the goal of moving towards reconciliation, it felt like people were taking a step in the right direction.

Academics grasp mantle of peace

The shared history of the Turks and Armenians is a long one, with many bitter memories since the unclear events of 1915. It's a story that it difficult to unravel as rhetoric from both sides makes it almost impossible for the outsider to grasp any point of view that if free from bias or prejudice.

Any move that will bring about some form of mutual understanding will be welcomed by moderates in both countries and beyond. I hope the discussions will be used to better inform the peoples of both nations. It will be a sign of great political maturity if the two nations can finally work towards peace.