In June 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama visited Egypt, highlighting the country’s perspectives and also its role in the North Africa region and the Middle East.
Since then, nothing has remained the same. The Arab Spring reversed everything. And the peaceful zone that seemed ready to take on new roles literally flamed up, overturning the major global powers’ plans. The previously stable countries are soaked in blood and conflict.
Tunisia cannot recover, Libya faces tension, Egypt is on the verge of a civil war, Syria is literally flaming up and Turkey is dealing with internal agonies and external threats. In this environment, while Greece is facing economic crisis and poverty, it still remains the most stable country of the southeastern Mediterranean, and its geopolitical role is more crucial than ever.
The international community has not valued this advantage of stability enough. Neither the Europeans, Americans, nor even the Russians have appreciated Greece’s geopolitical status and its role in the balance of the broader region.
It is true that Greek diplomacy has not done what it was supposed to in order to promote the importance of an advanced and developed democratic country in this conflict zone. But it is never too late.
The prime minister’s trip to the U.S. offers some potential. It is a chance for Washington to realize the updated geopolitical importance of Greece and behave appropriately.
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