By Ahval
To say that Turkish-Greek relations have hit rock bottom would be an understatement. For months now there has been a harsh exchange of words, even threats, over multiple developments taking place on both sides of the Aegean Sea.
One recent example of a ‘war of words’ between Athens and Ankara is Greek Defence Mnister Panos Kammenos, describing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “mad” and accusing him of illegally orchestrating the arrest of two border guards who are being held in an Edirne prison on suspicion of espionage.
Nikos Konstandaras, in an article he penned for Greek daily Kathimerini, points the finger at the very top of the Greek government, asserting that tensions between Turkey and Greece have been made fundamentally worse by mismanagement on their end.
Instead of a serious and calm policy, Konstandaras asserts, by ‘’reinforcing the country’s alliances, making clear that Greece is in the right and isolating Turkey for its actions,’’ Greek Prime Minister Tsipras allows for Kammenos – whose sole drive, Konstandaras says, is to remain in power – to set the tone of political discourse.
‘’The defense minister seems to believe that he can beat the Turks at their own game of bullying. Instead of pulling him into line, the prime minister’s office has even emulated him,’’ Konstandaras asserts.
Konstandaras notes that even though shows of bravado may warm some “anti-systemic” government heart, in the end, the bill will have to be paid.
