(Thumbnail Image:  War Crimes TV)

­The U.S. may be adding to trouble in the Middle East with one word--Genocide. That's how a House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to brand the WWI killings of more than 1 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks.  

That vote comes at a crucial time in US attempts to reconcile Armenia and Turkey-- but the U.S. could suffer worse consequences with its own Turkish relations.  (Video: BBC)

A similar resolution passed the committee two years ago, but never made it to a House vote after pressure from the Bush administration. Financial Times looks at how the debate played out in Washington.
 
ROHRBACHER:“Today we confirm our commitment to truth-- the truth of history-- and we offer a sincere hope, as well, that our friendship with Turkey is strong enough to withstand the acknowledgment of a darker moment in that country's history."

BURTON: "There's no question that these things happend.  But the question is-- Is it the right today to pass this kind of resolution. What good is it going to do?"

The Armenian Weekly reports the Armenian Foreign Minister praised the resolution but Turkey responded by pulling its ambassador out of the U.S., saying:

“We condemn this resolution accusing Turkey of a crime that it has not committed.”

A Turkish reporter warns Press TV the resolution will tarnish Turkey's reputation.

“There would be no real effect legally if the resolution was adopted, but it’s a psychological one. If the U.S. does this, it will be put Turkey on the list of countries labeled with genocide. One way or another it will leave a black mark on Turkey’s international recognition. “

But an analyst on Al Jazeera English says the most damaging outcome of the vote could be a breakdown between Turkey - U.S. relations.

“Bilateral relations will enter into a new crisis-- which will have important effects for U.S. policy in the Middle East and U.S. policy in Afghanistan- and especially on Iran as well-- because Turkey is an important ally on all of those fronts.”

Some argue the resolution endangers U.S. use of critical military bases in Turkey potentially hindering troop movements and supplies into Iraq and Afghanistan.  A France 24 correspondent reports Turkish support of U.S. sanctions on Iran could also be key in the U.N.

"As support for the resolution increases, so do Turkish threats of taking retaliatory measures. I think at this stage Turkey is not going to withdraw from NATO. Its instiutional links with NATO are very strong and it's very proud of them. But it will apply pressure on the American military."

President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have spoken out against the measure.  Lawmakers say the resolution will go to a full Congressional vote later this year.

Writer: Chelsea Donohoe

Producer: Newsy Staff