Peleus
Studien zur Geschichte Griechenlands und Zyperns
Herausgegeben von Heinz A. Richter
Band 100
John Sakkas, THE CYPRUS CRISIS. The Greek Dictatorship, the Superpowers, and the Middle East
ISBN 978-3-447-11501-8
online bestellen
This book examines the Cyprus crisis of 1967-74 and pays particular attention to the specific
objectives of the Greek junta in Cyprus and the different approaches of its leaders to the
issue as well as to Turkey’s strategic considerations in the island. Its author argues that
the Greek military rulers sought enosis (unity) with Cyprus mainly for reasons of national
and political concern. They attached special attention on Cyprus, a great national – and
emotional – issue, and a solution in favor of an “honorable settlement” was deemed essential
to their ability to remain in power. Like their predecessors, they were prepared to achieve
enosis by making concessions to the Turks, but unlike them, they were determined to move
against Archbishop Makarios, the Cypriot president, who was opposed to such a solution,
and neutralize him either by peaceful, or even violent, means.
The Cyprus crisis of 1967-74 cannot be analysed and understood in any depth without
seriously and systematically taking into account the determining political influence
and degree of involvement of external agents in Cyprus. The book focuses on the
attitude of the superpowers and examines their strategic objectives in the eastern
Mediterranean and the Middle East in relation to major regional actors such as
Turkey and Israel. The author’s central hypothesis is that the 1974 invasions
took place for reasons other than those claimed publicly by Turkey – to protect
its minority and to prevent enosis (union) of the island with Greece – and that
the USA and the USSR were primarily concerned with the island’s effect on the
balance of power in the Near/Middle East rather than with the geostrategic
significance of Cyprus itself.