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"It might be noted that even in photos from the early 20th century, in which most people from most places seem plain by modern standards, the Armenians still looked radiantly beautiful, as conspicuously as they still do today. It was curious among all this to think that the phoenix was born in Byblos and thus given its name from the region of Phoenicia, for though it took its name and colour from the dye-kneaders of that land, as per its superior resemblance to this country’s power of making itself at home in flames, and in its penchant for rising from its own ashes, the bird should more justly have been named the Armenix."

The work-as-a-whole is very good, and the section on the genocide museum moving, but this passage is truly breathtaking writing.

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Having staggered because of, and while recovering from, this compliment, I neglected to let you know that I'm presently engrossed in the life of your (yes, your) Empress Elisabeth and am considering writing about her if I can contrive an angle for doing so.

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Wow -- great write-up! Thank you!

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Good article. A few thoughts (I'm still reading it):

"The country has small but non-geopolitically-significant stores of natural resources like copper, zinc, coal, gas, and petroleum."

This should probably be "small and non-geopolitically-significant".

And there is some room for reasonable doubt over whether Hitler ever said "Who today speaks of the Armenians?" But I do think people in the West should show more support for the Armenians and their struggle than they do.

Edit:

"could make destabilisation through military adventurism on any part seem like too much of a waste of money to both with"

both -> bother

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Thanks for the proofing. And yes I understand the quote comes from the fourth transcription-from-memory of that speech and is held, like the Genghis Khan reference in the same version, in some doubt. I would be very surprised, nonetheless, had such a thought never crossed Hitler’s mind.

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"and those I saw I fancied their chances at making at full recovery from their circumstances"

Should be "a full recovery"

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I’m superficially acquainted with Armenian persecution and massacres, and even less so on history of Armenia, so your comprehensible essay was welcome. The irony of holding a position in society of esteem, yet becoming targeted for malevolent harassment is unfortunately common (Huguenots, Kulaks, and so on). Indeed, as you say, at what point does ‘massacre’ seem an inadequate description? I wonder how karma will one day visit the Turks? Also, the modern, wide-spread problem of elite talent taking flight for greener pastures (i.e., to the West) is a deep conundrum facing the persecuting country. Think Indians fleeing Uganda in the 70’s. Anyhow, your essay and travelogue made me wonder how I can work out a trip someday to Armenia.

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Sadly common indeed, and I have a great sentimental weakness for any party or community that strives so heroically against those kinds of impossible persecutions.

And karma’s certainly an interesting question.

When you put that trip plan together, drop me a line, I’ll give you the full list of points of interest.

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Random German dude: "You've never had spaghetti made from vanilla gelato???"

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It's a German thing?!

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