Tensions Flare As Greece Tells Turkey It Is Ready To Answer Any Provocation

Over the last few weeks, European countries, especially Germany and the Netherlands, have found themselves in an escalating war of words with Turkey. President Recip Tayyip Erdogan has even accused them of being Nazis for banning Turkish politicians from campaigning within these countries. But while these comments might sour the political relationship between the countries, it is unlikely to result in anything more dangerous.

The same cannot be said for another of Turkey's European "enemies": Greece.

Historically, Greece and Turkey have had a strained relationship at best. From classical antiquity through to the modern era, wars have been fought over the control of the Aegean Sea separating the two countries. Even in recent decades, despite both countries being part of NATO, Turkey and Greece almost went to war over the island of Cyprus, divided between ethnic Greek and Turkish populations.

Since last year's failed coup attempt in Turkey, however, relations have once again hit rock bottom. Angered by the decision by Greece to grant asylum to several officers involved in the coup, Turkey has taken a series of dangerous provocations. Turkish jets regularly enter Greek airspace, while Turkish research vessels engage in deliberately antagonistic actions in their border waters.

Neither country wants to fight an actual war, and both are aware that Turkey's actions amount to little more than political theater designed to rally nationalist sentiment at home, however, the danger of escalation is real. Due to the nationalist sentiment which runs high in both countries, a mistake could easily devolve into an open conflict, as neither side could politically afford to back down.