The nationalist ravings from Erdogan, his minister and the opposition have gone too far. As the ultimate leader, following the July coup, the Turkish president is investing in an explosive mix of Islamism, deconstructing Kemalism and national hysteria, creating another framework of instability in the broader region.
With the so-called “borders of his heart” he started to dispute the Treaty of Lausanne, undermined the talks on Cyprus, lashed out against the Cypriot flags, only for his ministers to bring back the issue of Imia and the grey zones in the Aegean. With the main opposition leaders seeing Erdogan dominate the domestic front, he is trying to outdo him in threats and nationalist outbursts.
However much Erdogan’s explosions aim to consolidate his domination on the domestic front, ahead of the referendum to convert the government into a Presidential republic, they are causing a dangerous and unpredictable scene for Greece. It is very easy, as we have seen in the past, for uncontrolled or even controlled circles to cause a tense situation with unknown implications.
With the EU-Turkey agreement still open, the visa agreement on the brink, it is very easy for an out-of-control leader to open a can of worms. At any moment the relatively limited flow of refugees could get out of hand with painful consequences for our country, as it will be trapped with an unmanageable problem.
The uncertainty in Europe and change of scenery in the USA are causing further concern over how and who can put a stop to the Turkish leader’s aggression. The Greek government has diced to respond to every Turkish challenge, while trying to build a common front with Europe. It is clear that given the problems we face, the last thing we need is another open front with an unpredictable neighbor.
The consensus of all political forces against Turkish aggression is not enough. More meaningful and efficient alliances are needed, both domestically and internationally. It is the government’s duty to create and take advantage of them, without any blinkers or falling victim to a similar nationalist hysteria.
TO VIMA
