Washington Strengthens Greece Ties as Turkey Tensions Linger
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Greece as an indispensable NATO partner and announced expanded counterterrorism cooperation and a defense agreement worth up to $4 billion. Rubio also supported energy projects including an undersea electricity link from Greece to Cyprus and eventually Israel, while saying the US would never permit a Greek-Turkish military clash. The article argues that closer US-Greece ties could alienate Turkey and worsen divisions within NATO over the so-called Turkish question.
Rubio's trip yielded expanded cooperation on counterterrorism information and a defense arrangement potentially worth as much as $4 billion, adding to Greece's existing F-35 plans and military upgrades. Washington also backed an undersea electricity cable from Greece to Cyprus and later Israel. Greece's Souda Bay facilities and Eastern Mediterranean position give it strategic importance.
The article notes earlier US gestures toward Turkey, including Trump's July embrace of Erdogan and hints at easing CAATSA sanctions and possible F-35 sales, which worried Athens and Israel. Greek-Turkish disputes cover waters, airspace, continental shelf, and island militarization; Turkey ties seabed work to its Libya maritime deal. This can feed a cycle of mutual insecurity.
Closer US-Greece cooperation could affect publics and policymakers across Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and NATO states. Greeks may see stronger security and energy links; Turks may perceive reduced leverage, potentially straining trust within the alliance. Cypriots and Israelis could benefit from planned electricity connections, though maritime disputes may delay them. Broader NATO audiences may debate whether prioritizing one ally undermines cohesion, while regional communities could face heightened uncertainty if tensions persist.