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Strategic Maneuvers in Greek Cyprus: A Spark in a Volatile Region
Greek Cyprus, an island on the cusp of centuries of conflict and division, is still a buzzing with the faint hum of military drills. Known for its beaches of white sand, this Mediterranean playland is just as tranquil under offers as out, although the geopolitical currents beneath its waters aren’t all that serene. Tensions have been rekindled, with recent developments – most notably the set up of training camps for armed forces in Greek Cyprus – casting a cloud of uncertainty over an already fragile relationship between Greece and Turkiye. But as the camps get started, they contribute to the already complicated web of alliances and feuds involving not only Cyprus, but Kurdish interests, Turkish ambitions and Middle East peace.
When you look back to 1974, when Cyprus was split after a Turkish invasion sparked by a Greek led coup, you need to understand what the stakes are. Since then, the island has been a fault line between Greece and Turkiye over their relations, with Greek Cyprus internationally acknowledged but Turkish Cyprus as a de facto state, recognized only by Turkiye. For decades, the two NATO allies turned adversaries have used Cyprus’ strategic location as a mould, whose moves are often influenced by Cyprus.
Cast in the new phase of Athens’ civic engagement in the island’s military expansion…