State of insecurity
No one could have expected that we would be preparing for the Olympics in such a tense international climate. The terrorist attack in Madrid, the successive blasts across Iraq and the ongoing suicide bombings in Israel and Gaza have created a widespread climate of fear. Indeed, a year after the launch of the US-led campaign against Saddam Hussein’s regime, our world is even more insecure than ever. When the citizens of all the capitals of Europe are living in fear, something is obviously not right. And Athens is no exception. There is no difference whatsoever between the threat faced by Rome, London or Paris, despite the fact the French leadership was the first to question President Bush’s tactics following the fatal blast in Madrid. And the recent joint statement by the French president and German chancellor reminds us of a chilling truth – that we are all equal targets of terrorism. The above should be self-evident. But many – and indeed the majority of Greeks – believe that it is possible for a country to escape the threat of terrorism if it displays a more sympathetic stance toward the Arab world and avoids any involvement in US military campaigns. Many believe that by supporting the popular struggle, a country automatically becomes a low-priority target. Unfortunately, many people also believe the anonymous statements issued after the fatal blast in Madrid, warning the Spanish government to withdraw its troops from Iraq by June…
