OPINION

Security, a safe turn

The dismantling of Greece’s terrorist groups is well under way, overcoming initial skepticism and reservations. After the surrender of Dimitris Koufodinas, November 17’s chief operative, a result of intense pressure on the broader anti-establishment network, no one can question the will and the effectiveness of the police authorities. Even the most skeptical are now convinced that the authorities are proceeding on the basis of a comprehensive plan and in an unprecedentedly mature fashion, avoiding extreme tactics. And they do not give in to pressure from the media – especially private television channels. The success of the police authorities reflects detailed preparation and a solid political will. Above all, it shows that the forces of armed struggle have been defeated and that their influence has evaporated. In terms of future developments, the authorities will most likely disrupt Revolutionary People’s Struggle (ELA), May 1, the Revolutionary Nuclei and other guerrilla groups, unveil their ties with other groups in Europe and the Arab world, and disclose subsidiary circles that have been riding the terrorist network for their own objectives. The government, as Prime Minister Costas Simitis’s speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair indicated, has invested heavily in the case, seeing it as a springboard for a political comeback. It’s no coincidence that its new dogma, as sketched out by the premier, revolves around the idea of security. This is a clear attempt to respond to society’s current conservative momentum, coming across as a guardian of Greece’s households. Simitis is essentially trying to penetrate into the class of conservative urbanites as he did in 1996 and 2000. Back then, his «infiltration» was based on the economy. This time it is security. The government will highlight the issue and try to capitalize on the cracking of terrorism. Time will tell what the result will be.

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