Turkish Democracy: A Model For Other Countries?

As my students investigate the Armenian Genocide the conversation arises why does the United States government deny these actions as a genocide - I try to steer the conversation to the United States current foreign policy stance with Turkey - as an important ally the United States stands by Turkey - this article by NPR provides a look at how Turkey is succeeding and poses the question do they offer a blueprint for other countries seeking democratic government in the region? http://www.npr.org/2011/04/14/135407687/turkish-democracy-a-model-for-other-countries?ft=1&f=100