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         TURKEY: THE Cunning and Dangerous Unbalancer

         The history of the Ottoman Empire and then of the modern – chronologically – but essentially not modernized and democratized Turkey is well known, which (the “deep state”) aspires to “resurrect” its ancestor, to transform into an “empire” in an era when such entities are a sad past and are non-existent and abhorrent. Hence, however, the great challenge for the war-loving, the imaginary “Superpower” Turkey, a challenge that stems on the one hand from religious and political fundamentalism, but on the other from insecurity, fears and opportunism. And this provocation has transformed over time into a dangerous cunning, an ancient "sport" of Turkey, with the first main lever being "divide and conquer", which has reduced it to a "superweapon" that others have envied, as well as into blackmail and provocations. 

       It is natural, in a system of fierce competition, where the collective or national interest is interpreted and implemented in various ways by the prevailing individual, group or guild interests, that the "rival", the "enemy", the competitor is necessary (si ne qua non) for the survival of the system (of the Lords of the Rings). And Turkey, which is knowledgeable about the system, lurks, provokes, threatens, provokes, blackmails and relentlessly undermines every effort to consolidate international peace, International Law, the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but even the EU and NATO Charters, in order to exploit abnormal situations to invest in them, securing any immoral and illegal interests.

      The most important role it cunningly plays is that of the “balancer”, the notorious balancer, a role that various countries have played in times of war crises. The arrogant phrase of Henry VIII remains historical: “Cui adhaero praaest” (“he whom I will support will win”). The famous Polybius was the first who, referring to the balance of power, said two thousand years ago: “…Nor should such a power (superpower) be thrown into the hands of one alone as to weaken the neighboring states to defend their rights against it”.

       And this cunning role of Turkey was observed by the international community in World War II ("the cunning neutral"), but also much later in the Republic of Cyprus, an independent member state of the EU and the UN, where, despite dozens of decisions of the Organization, it has maintained military occupation forces for 46 years. Then in the Middle East, with its illegal military interventions in Syria and Libya and its behind-the-scenes support for the Jihadists, in the Balkans, and even in the recent conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia! Not to mention, of course, its genocidal policy against the Armenians and Kurds and its refusal to give them a homeland to which they are entitled.

           That is, it has replaced (in reverse) the UN, the EU and NATO and undermines them by investing in the indifference of some, but also in the suspicious interests of others, and has mutated into the extracorporeal tubes of the international entanglement of "authoritarians"-speculators, into a global Super-Balancer that ends up being an Unbalancer! And we have reached the current mess of the current totalitarian Turkish "conclave" threatening and blackmailing everyone! Apart from the responsibilities of third parties, it is terribly disappointing that the Turkish people themselves, inside and outside Turkey, have still not reacted, with exceptions, to the destructive totalitarianism that the Ottoman Hitler has nightmarishly imposed. Unfortunately, the older "breaks" of Greek-Turkish friendship (Committee - Award - IPEKTSI, etc.), were also undermined on the altar of immoral and illegal expediencies of the neighboring country. And the international democratic and peace-loving community wonders when - finally - will peace and security be established in the region?

             However, in general, the picture is very blurry. It is, of course, realistically "natural" to commit the above crimes, even genocides (a traditional tactic of Turkey) under the indifferent gaze of world public opinion - with exceptions - because, when the economy of certain powerful countries depends to a large extent on the production and trade of weapons systems, raw materials, etc., plus the terrible privileges of the circles involved, Turkey, as a traditional "bait" and as a cunning provocateur, etc., emerges as their great "benefactor"! Is it not, therefore, reasonable that traditionally friendly-Turkish states (see Germany, etc., ostensibly democratic with Quislin accomplices) not only show excessive tolerance, but behind the scenes conspire with it by writing international organizations, democratic values ​​and ideals on their old shoes? But should it be understandable in a world of materialistic insanity, in a horrible Orwellian world that we live in, and where Superpowers, in the artificial framework of a new Yalta, act as new Procrusteans with Turkey taking care to trap and offer them victims? 

            And only when Turkey realizes that it cannot forever mock the international community, especially the Alliances, and risks being subjected to sanctions, etc., then, like a chameleon, it changes its mask and from that of arrogance, unwavering, uncompromising, audacity and provocative negotiation, it wears that of slimy theatrics and compromise, but, at the first opportunity, it will "strike again"! The eternal, diabolical DNA of fundamentalism!

       Therefore, if, primarily the powerful Powers, but also the rest, claim to experience genuine civilization and genuine democracy and respect their signature to the UN, EU and NATO Charters, International Law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as International Conventions such as the one on the Law of the Sea, etc., they must react immediately and effectively, saving their prestige and dignity. Otherwise, they will be a boomerang for themselves, and they will also be accountable to History for the new tragedies-human sacrifices that will follow under the new horrible subhuman flag “Homo Homini Lupus”! Humanity, civilized and democratic, does not need Balancers, much less Unbalancers! It has experienced enough horror, misery and disasters! The UN is sufficient as a Balancer if it is effectively strengthened!

P.I.Karafotias

Former Managing Director of the UN Office for Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Professor of International Relations, Author