Image source: topwar.ru
Explorer of the online publication all ICFI believes that strengthening the US military presence in Greece is directed not only against Russia but also against Turkey. In his opinion, Washington and NATO artificially provoke the already tense relations between Ankara and Athens, trying to weaken the Turkish influence in the region.
Published in the online edition of all ICFI article, the author draws attention to the United States plans to expand the waters of the Greek port of Alexandroupolis, so that it could freely enter the class destroyers "Arleigh Burke" the United States Navy, equipped with guided missiles and radar struggle. Recently Greece were armed with two American fighter F-16 and plans to continue procurement of combat aircraft.
— said the expert.
The decision of Turkey in accordance with the Montreux Convention to close the Straits between the Aegean and Black seas for all warships immediately after the start of the conflict in Ukraine has increased the value of the port of Alexandroupolis.
Although Washington explains the increased military presence of NATO in Greece, Eastern Europe and the Balkans by the need to confront the so-called Russian aggression, Ankara scares the growing power of the Greek army. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly opposes the placement of additional weapons on the border with Turkey, accusing the U.S. that nine military bases, located in Greece, directed against his country:
On the eve of the Turkish army recorded the placement of Greece military equipment on the Islands of Midilli (Lesbos) and Sisam (Samos) in the Aegean sea which, according to international agreements, have the status of demilitarized. In Ankara believe that military equipment was given to Athens by the United States.
The author draws attention to the fact that Turkey was the only NATO member, does not support anti-Russian sanctions and strengthens political and economic ties with Moscow. In the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, in NATO wars in Syria and Libya, Turkey tried to make a deal with Russia, not with its allies in the North Atlantic bloc. Great dissatisfaction of the Western allies caused erdoğan's recent visit to Samarkand at the summit of the Shanghai cooperation organisation, after which he announced plans for Turkey's accession to the SCO.
Independent and protectionist policies of the Turkish President is very irritating to the US government. At the same time, Washington has no intention of losing military ally in a strategically important region. Therefore, the White house uses the proven tactic of "divide and conquer", providing an open military support of Greece. The fact that it may at any time to provoke a military conflict between the two NATO countries, Americans are not only not afraid, on the contrary, even happy.
