Brief analysis: Turkey ratchets up tensions in Eastern Mediterranean

Just to keep you posted on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, on a front not directly connected with Syria.
The Greek military has been placed on “Orange Alert” one level before “Red”, after Turkish forces abducted 2 Greek servicemen on the land border between the two countries, whom they are charging with “spying”, despite the fact that the men were in full uniform.
Turkey has further issued illegal NAVTEXs reserving areas in the Aegean that include the Greek Island of Kastellorizo, for naval drills with live fire.
Worth noting that Turkey has recently escalated its provocations against both Greece and Cyprus with increased violations of airspace and territorial waters and political rhetoric that threatens the territorial integrity of both mainland Greece and the Island of Cyprus.
In a recent analysis of mine, I predicted that the Turkish military’s failure to capture the small enclave in Afrin, Syria, would lead to provocations against both Greece and Cyprus which Erdogan hopes will give him either political or military victories, which he would take back to his people as evidence of what a “great leader” he is.
Both Greece and Cyprus are not responding to these military provocations but are keeping the dispute on a political level, while at the same time taking the necessary measures to defend themselves against any acts of desperation by the wannabe Sultan.
Originally appeared in George Ades E-News. Opinions are those of the author alone and may not reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Hellenic Insider, its publisher, its editors, or its staff, writers, and contributors.