This has led to an inconsistent history that ignores the time-tested principles of historical research. Yet when the histories of Turks and Armenians are approached with the normal tools a logical and consistent account results. Few of us have specified who we are referring to in that statement. It is now time to do so. There is a vast difference between history written to defend one-sided nationalist convictions and real accounts of history.
History intends to find that the truth is illusive.
Historians know they have prejudices that can affect their judgement. They know they never have all the facts. Yet they always try to find the truth, whatever that may be. Nationalists who use history have a different set of goals. They use events from the past as weapons in their own nation's battles.