Rocket strikes at Greece’s image
Yesterday’s pre-dawn rocket attack on the US Embassy in Athens is more than a symbolic strike against Washington. The rocket also struck at Greece’s national interests. Greece has paid a hefty price for the activities of the disbanded November 17 terrorist group – also on the diplomatic and economic levels. The dismantling of the left-wing terrorist organization marked the end of an era as well as the end of constant outside pressure on Athens about the issue. International experience shows that terrorist activity can never be completely eradicated but rather tends to reproduce itself. Police authorities must prevent copycat militants from developing similar operational capabilities. Yesterday’s embassy attack was an alarm signal: The rise of a new generation of militants would have catastrophic implications for Greece.
