By Alex Aliferis
7/29/24
In recent years, Greece has faced a hostile Turkey at its borders with threats of war.
Greece faced a massive migrant invasion being weaponized by Turkey in 2015. Italy faces the same situation as Greece. This invasion hit the rest of Europe.
The Greek military took control by building a heavily fortified border to keep out migrants. It constructed sea barriers so illegal rafts/boats could not reach Greece.
For many years, Europe was divided amongst itself according to Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. The Italians need to realize that most Italians are of Greek origin. The similarity between Greeks and Italians is food, drink, common ancestry, and culture. Some towns still speak Grieko, a Greek dialect in the Calabria region of Italy.
In fact, young Italians from Calabria have discovered their Greek roots. A popular band, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, in Calabria (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-IfNJyxA8w), includes songs in Greek. This band travels worldwide for concerts to promote Greek and Italian musical heritage.
Magna Graecia in the Ancient times refers to South Italy and Sicily. When I hear Griko spoken, I understand the Greek they speak.
Italy and Greece face huge threats from their water borders. The Greek Navy and Air Force can offer training and experience to the Italian Military. Italy must support Greece in the face of Turkish threats. Greece and Cyprus hold vast amounts of oil within their borders.
The cultural similarity and link between Greece and Italy will strengthen their cooperation. Italy’s industry can assist the Greeks in building an industrial base. The Greeks own the largest maritime shipping fleets around the world. Greek-owned shipping companies can offer deals to transport Italian goods and products.
The recent government of Georgia Meloni is making Italy great again. Italy is spending money to upgrade its military. It will try to begin mandatory military service for those age 18. Greece has mandatory military service for all men due to threats of war by Turkey. Italy is buying new weapons. Italy will build 1,000 new combat vehicles.
The Greek-Italian alliance will support the Greek-Christian Island nation of Cyprus. Such an alliance will not allow Turkish war threats to take Greek islands. Yes, there are statements by Turkey’s leadership that say the Greek islands are Turkish. This is where the pressure against Turkey by Meloni can assist the Greeks in stopping this threat. After all, Turkey is a NATO nation in a state of war against Greece and Cyprus.
It is time for a Greece-Italy Alliance.
Alex Aliferis has worked in Washington D.C. on issues linked to Greece, and Cyprus.
For More Information:
Greece Military Strength
https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=greece
Italy Tees up $5Billion plan program to build 1,000 combat vehicles.
Italy Military Strength
https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=italy
Italy’s Lost Greece
Greek Cities of Magna Graecia and Sicily
https://www.amazon.com/Greek-cities-Magna-Graecia-Sicily/dp/8877432993
Griko Villages in Calabria
https://www.puglia.com/grico-salentino/
Turkey Tries to Claim Greek Islands
https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2022/05/31/greek-islands-14-turkey-claims-soverignty-cavusoglu/
Greek Military Repels Migrant Invasion
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/01/world/europe/greece-migrants-border-turkey.html
