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Tensions between Turkey and Greece deepen, the Western allies do not mediate

2022-09-20 17:52:53Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Tensions between Turkey and Greece deepen, the Western allies do not mediate
Tensions deepen between Turkey and Greece

Territorial disputes are deepening tensions between Turkey and Greece, two NATO member countries. Some analysts warn that domestic politics are fueling tensions, at a time when, as VOA Istanbul correspondent Dorian Jones reports, mediation efforts are few and far between by Western allies, who are focused on the conflict in Ukraine.

During various speeches in Turkey, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stepped up his nationalist rhetoric, warning that Turkey may invade Greek islands, which he claims Greece has sent military assets to in violation of an international agreement. Mesut Casin is an advisor to President Erdogan

"Greece must stop its adventurous attitude, which is not compatible with being a member of NATO. Athens should give up undiplomatic language, because it is creating great concerns in Turkish society and raising the question of whether Greece is at war with Turkey. Furthermore, it is fueling ultra-nationalist sentiments in Turkey."

Athens insists that sending military equipment to its islands is in response to Turkish military threats.

Greece has engaged in a significant arms program, buying weapons from the United States and France and signing military cooperation agreements. Athena says she is ready to face her powerful neighbor.

Cengiz Aktar is a professor of political science at the University of Athens.

"Two important agreements, with the United States and France, greatly increased the capabilities and morale of the Greek armed forces. So they have confidence in themselves."

Domestic politics could exacerbate current tensions as the leaders of both countries face re-election next year.

Mr. Erdogan faces a difficult challenge, as inflation in Turkey has risen almost 100%. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been embroiled in a wiretapping scandal of his political opponents.

Serhat Guvenc is a professor of international relations at Kadir Has University.

"This tension will probably help them domestically. But crossing the threshold can have unintended consequences."

Tensions are not unknown to Turkey and Greece. In 1996 the two countries went to the brink of war over a small uninhabited island. The crisis was averted after Washington's intervention.

The lack of such mediation efforts is a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine and Erdogan's strained relations with Western allies. VOA spoke with analyst Asli Aydintasbas from the Brookings Institution.

"The EU and Washington face great challenges in how to deal with Ankara and Erdogan. So they don't want one more problem".

This month, Turkey and Greece blamed each other for drowning refugees in the Aegean Sea. While none of the leaders seem willing to back down and mediation is lacking, there is a risk that the deaths in the Aegean may not be the last./ VOA


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