The war with Iran, from Athens where I am these days, has a different dimension than it does when you are in America: it is a real war. It has victims. It causes great damage. It disrupts people’s daily lives. It is the constant topic of discussion. It creates anxiety and fear.
It is not a “television war,” just another Hollywood movie. It is a real war. It’s nearby.
Of course, Greece does not border Iran or the immediate war zone, so it is not in direct danger.
However, there is some concern here because Greece provides facilities to American forces through the Souda base, in Crete.
And as a close ally of Israel, this places Greece on the enemy list of Iran.
Therefore, there is concern that since Iran is launching attacks against various countries friendly to the U.S., it might attempt something against Greece as well—targeting the Souda base.
The threat to Cyprus, however, is much greater, since Iran has already launched an attack against the British base there, which—like others—has been placed at the disposal of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Thus, Greece, in order to protect Cyprus and reassure public opinion there, is sending air and other forces to the island.
This move brings to mind Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and Greece’s inability, amid the chaotic circumstances at the time, to protect it effectively.
However, in my opinion—although it is still early—Greece and Cyprus will ultimately emerge as “victors” of this war.
They will have once again demonstrated their geopolitical importance and their loyalty to the alliances to which they belong, first among them to the USA as well as the role they can play for Israel as a counterbalance to Turkey, which is not friendly toward it.
Meanwhile, Middle Eastern airspace has been closed, resulting in the cancellation again today of Emirates Airlines flights from Athens without a stop in Newark.
One does not feel trapped, since there are many connecting flights via Europe and Turkey.
Nevertheless, it is a reminder that yes, the war is not just on television—it is somewhere nearby, in the wider region of Greece and Cyprus.