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"Amid the evolving political-military environment in the Middle East and Ukraine, Cyprus must be particularly careful in its foreign policy moves so as not to become either a target of terrorists or lose Russia's support."  
These are among other things stated in an interview with Antigone Solomonidou - Drousiotis, in Philelefthero (31.08.2014), by Dr. Aristos Aristotelous, head of the Cyprus Center for Strategic Studies, while simultaneously underlining the increased strategic importance that Turkey has acquired. 
The interview is as follows: 
AD: What's going on in our neighborhood?
A.A.: The Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East are characterized by conflicts, unrest and terrorist activity. The authoritarianism in these countries, the absence of democratic institutions, the social conditions and the strong religious-ideological beliefs constitute fertile ground for these phenomena.
AD: The crisis in Ukraine?
A.A.: The situation there is a result of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the security vacuum that had been created in the former socialist countries. The US, on the one hand, and Russia, on the other, are competing for control and influence. For Moscow, these countries are crucial for its national defense and security and it could go to extremes.
A.D.: How long will the above anomalies last?
A.A.: These phenomena do not seem to be going away, at least not in the foreseeable future. On the contrary, they will continue to be a source of concern, loss of life, suffering and enormous economic losses. Inevitably, these also have political implications internationally, as well as economic ramifications that affect all of humanity.
A.D.: How do the EU and the US deal with this?
A.A.: The EU remains a political dwarf in dealing with developments. The US, operating based on its interests, while being forced to shift its resources to addressing significant challenges and threats in Asia, is simultaneously trying not to leave gaps in the Caucasus and the Middle East.  
AD: The role of Turkey?
A.A.: Turkey has its own "big idea" in exerting influence in the region. Its strategic position has been strengthened by developments. The US wants it to have a bulwark role against Russian influence and Russia's exit from the Eastern Mediterranean. They are also betting heavily on it in addressing challenges and threats in the region.
AD: Cyprus?
AA: It should have no illusions about being an "important strategic partner" and the preferences of the US. It should also be careful with its political choices so as not to become either a target for terrorists or lose the support of the Russians. 
CYPRUS CENTER FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES