Turkish Analyst: Greece Used the Calm to Quietly Rearm
A Turkish analyst writing in Cumhuriyet, one of Turkey's most prominent newspapers, is arguing that Greece used the recent period of de-escalation in Greek-Turkish relations to its own strategic advantage, quietly building up its military capabilities while Ankara pursued a policy of regional calm.
The columnist, Ahmet Suha Omar, writes that Turkey's AKP government "zero problems with neighbors" approach gave Athens valuable time on the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, and Cyprus disputes, where Greece has shown no willingness to compromise. According to Omar, rather than moving toward any settlement, Greece used the quiet period to strengthen its position at Turkey's expense.
"Zero problems with neighbors" gave Athens valuable time on the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, and Cyprus disputes — Ahmet Suha Omar
As specific examples, Omar points to Greece's acquisition of Patriot air defense systems from the United States and Spike NLOS missiles from Israel, which he says Athens plans to deploy across Aegean islands and Western Thrace. He also cites Greek military and state leadership visits to Aegean islands and recent Hellenic Air Force activity, which he describes as deliberate shows of force.
The article extends its concern to Cyprus as well. Omar argues that Nicosia's purchase of Barak MX air defense systems from Israel and its potential acquisition of BrahMos missiles from India should be read as part of a broader coordinated strategy between Athens and Nicosia.
The piece concludes that the calm in Greek-Turkish relations did not soften Greek positions on any open dispute. Instead, according to Omar, it gave Greece room to deepen its defense posture and expand its international partnerships across the region.
The article reflects growing unease within Turkish commentary about whether the de-escalation period served Ankara's interests at all.
