The Cyprus dispute: a major source of tension in NATO

Key points:

• The Cyprus conflict: The ongoing division between the Greek and Turkish sides of Cyprus is a key NATO tension.
• Aegean disputes: Greece and Turkey face unresolved maritime disputes, risking conflict.
• Diplomacy Required: Resolving these issues requires careful diplomatic efforts within NATO.
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Ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey, particularly over Cyprus, which remains divided between a Greek-aligned south and a Turkish-aligned north since the 1974 conflict. Cyprus is today NATO’s most important internal issue, with an area UN buffer and unresolved disputes over its future as a unified or two-state entity. Further tensions between Greece and Turkey involve territorial disputes over islands in the Aegean Sea, which have brought the two nations close to conflict in the past. Although the situation is tense, there is a possibility of resolution through careful diplomacy, reflecting the complexities and challenges within NATO. Despite these internal conflicts, NATO remains a historically successful alliance, and there is optimism that its members can address these issues.

The Cyprus problem: a persistent internal problem for NATO

• Cyprus is a divided island with significant Greek and Turkish populations, leading to long-standing tensions between Greece and Turkey.
• The conflict dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, intensifying in 1974 when a Greek-backed coup led to a Turkish invasion.
• Today, Cyprus remains divided into the Republic of Cyprus (Greek-aligned to the south) and Northern Cyprus (Turkish-aligned), separated by a UN-imposed buffer zone.

Additional points of contention between Greece and Turkey

• Maritime disputes in the Aegean Sea: Greece and Turkey have disputes over control of several islands in the Aegean Sea, many of which are very close to Turkey’s Anatolian coast.
  • These disputes almost led to war in 1996, when tensions escalated over allegations of Greek militarization of the islands and an incident involving a cargo ship and the downing of an F-16.
  • Another crisis occurred in 2020, highlighting the continued volatility of the situation.
• Historical and territorial tensions: Disputes over territory and maritime boundaries stem from unresolved issues dating back to the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which were reopened after World War II.

Prospects for resolution and diplomatic efforts

• Tensions between Greece and Turkey are characterized as “tense but savable” with the potential for resolution if both sides are willing to engage in careful and diplomatic negotiations.
• American intervention has previously played a role in preventing conflict between the two NATO members, suggesting that external mediation may be necessary.

Conclusion: NATO’s permanent challenges and future prospects

• Despite internal conflicts and tensions, NATO remains one of the most successful and long-lasting alliances in history, fulfilling its stated purpose of collective defense.
• The way forward for NATO will depend on managing domestic politics and maintaining a willingness to resolve disputes among its members.
• Although NATO’s future is uncertain, there is reason for optimism if the alliance can effectively deal with its domestic challenges.

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