Last night I recieved the following email:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
CONSULATE GENERAL OF
THE UNITED STATES
Istanbul, Turkey
WARDEN MESSAGE 2007, Number 9
October 9, 2007
This important message was sent out a few minutes ago to all of the
volunteer wardens who assist the Consulate in passing important messages
to American citizens in the Istanbul region. To help speed up the
process we are also sending this directly to everyone registered with
the Consular Section who has provided us an e-mail address. As a
result, some of you will receive this message more than once.
Scott Oudkirk
Consular Section Chief
(Start of message)
This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens in Turkey to
anticipated legislative activity in the U.S. House of Representatives
and its possible consequences in Turkey.
On October 10, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will consider a
non-binding resolution connected with Armenia and the events of 1915.
The Administration has made its opposition to any resolution on this
topic clear. If, despite the Administration’s concerted efforts against
this resolution, it passes committee and makes its way to the floor of
the House for debate and a possible vote, there could be a reaction in
the form of demonstrations and other manifestations of anti-Americanism
throughout Turkey. Demonstrations could occur following committee
action or later, if and when the resolution is considered by the full
House of Representatives. Protestors targeted French interests in
October 2006, after the French National Assembly passed a bill regarding
the issue.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in
Turkey to be alert to the potential for demonstrations, and to avoid
large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens
are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible.
Particular caution should be exercised in places known to be frequented
by Americans.
(end of message)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What is happening in Turkey? Yesterday the Turkish government approved a measure authorizing the Turkish army to move into Iraq. For years now, the Turkish military has been fighting against what they deem a terrorist organization called the PKK. This organization is made up of Kurds living in the southeastern part of Turkey and the northern part of Iraq. The PKK has been causing problems in Turkey for about 30 years now. According to Alper, the PKK has killed more than 30,000 people.
Normally the PKK retreats into Iraq where the Turkish army cannot go. Historically the Turkish army has pursued them over the border, but not much more than a short chase into Iraq. This new resolution is one of two authorizations that are needed for the army to invade northern Iraq, which the US has made clear it does not want. So the US is now voting on a resolution to declare the incident in Armenia a genocide, which will no doubt anger the Turks. So, the US State Department sent me a warning to keep myself safe. Thank you America! 
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