Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2006-11-15 Ataturk and genocide

Mediation Case: Ataturk and genocide
Please observe Etiquette and Talk Page Etiquette in disputes. If you submit complaints or insults your edits are likely to be removed by the mediator, any other refactoring of the mediation case by anybody but the mediator is likely to be reverted. If you are not satisfied with the mediation procedure please submit your complaints to Wikipedia talk:Mediation Cabal.

Request Information

 * Request made by: AW 19:59, 15 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Where is the issue taking place?
 * Mustafa Kemal Atatürk


 * Who's involved?
 * myself, other editors, mainly User:A.Garnet


 * What's going on?
 * I put in a sourced section that states, basically, that some people claim Ataturk instigated or led two genocides, and that others disagree. It has been removed many times saying it's a minority opinion, extreme, etc. The section had been requested on the talk page by others, and includes both sides of the argument.

Currently the page is blocked to all editing after an edit war.


 * ''What would you like to change about that?
 * I believe it should be left in or expanded and made more balanced. I've made a better version here Talk:Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk


 * Would you prefer we work discreetly? If so, how can we reach you?
 * no, and reach me on my talk page or via email, awiseman at gmail dot com

Mediator response
I think the paragraph on genocide should be removed unless more credible sources can be used for reference. While Wikipedia is against censorship, it also desires the highest quality of articles possible. Serious charges (e.g. genocide) need to rest on solid ground. Trusted sources in print should be used to reference such claims.Shawn Fitzgibbons 15:08, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Compromise offers
This section is for listing and discussing compromise offers.



Discussion
I agree with mediator Fitzgibbons comments from 21 November. The article is lacking certain critical information regarding Ataturk's post-war actions and policies towards minorities and in regards to forceful implementation of policies regarding/affecting such and related commentary concerning his use and application of power and authoritarian approach (and resitance to such) - however there does not exist credible cooraborated evidence linking him in any way with the Armenian Genocide proper - as it is known - covering the periods from 1915-1918 (during WWI) - at best (to my knowledge) such is speculation and heresay. --THOTH 17:49, 27 November 2006 (UTC)

Discussion
If someone can get hold of Niall Ferguson's new book The War of the World, he recounts some genocidal activity by Ataturk, in his army-officer days. I regret that I don't have a copy, but that's a readily available print source by a reasonably respected historian who cites his sources. --Andersonblog 21:36, 15 December 2006 (UTC)