David Ignatius American journalist and writer of Armenian descent Date of Birth: 26.05.1950 Country: USA

1. David Ignatius: Armenian-American Journalist and Author
2. Davos Incident with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan

David Ignatius: Armenian-American Journalist and Author

David Ignatius is an Armenian-American journalist and author who is currently a columnist for The Washington Post. He is known for his novel "Body of Lies," which was adapted into a feature film of the same name directed by Ridley Scott.

Davos Incident with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan

In January 2009, Ignatius gained worldwide attention after an incident at the World Economic Forum in Davos. While moderating a discussion between Israeli President Shimon Peres and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ignatius interrupted Erdogan's emotional speech citing time constraints. Erdogan protested, pointing out that Peres had been given 25 minutes to speak while he had been allocated significantly less.

Erdogan requested additional time, to which Ignatius granted him one minute. Erdogan continued to make accusations against Peres, stating, "I am very sorry that people have been applauding Mr. Peres's words today. Because many people died in Gaza... And I think this is wrong and it is inhuman."

Ignatius responded, "We cannot open a discussion again. We simply don't have the time." Erdogan pleaded, "Please let me finish," to which Ignatius said, "We really do need to get people to lunch." Erdogan subsequently left the hall, stating, "Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. I don't think I will be coming back to Davos after this."

The incident gained significant attention after it emerged that Ignatius, the discussion's moderator, was of Armenian descent. He had previously disclosed his Armenian heritage in an article published in The Washington Post on October 14, 2007, stating, "I am an American Armenian, and some of my family was killed in the Armenian genocide."