Mixed signals
Ankara finally realized, perhaps also thanks to international pressure, that its latest gesture was too provocative by any measure.
Meanwhile, however, it was welcome to see the reflexes of the government in Athens. The reaction to Turkey’s notice seeking to reserve a large area of air space over the Aegean for a military exercise until the end of the year was swift, level-headed and well coordinated.
That said, the incident left a bitter taste. Greece is under great pressure and the international environment is volatile. It is inexcusable that the government is a mess in many respects.
The SYRIZA-led administration must realize that the current situation leaves no room for blanket accusations, groundless pledges and ambiguous rhetoric. Most importantly, one cannot expect to benefit from engaging in direct confrontation with everyone, otherwise Greece may find itself in a very nasty situation.
