Afghanistan as a model

\n

to be avoided for Greece

\n

Afghanistan should serve as a warning for Greece and the Greek armed forces. It should be a lesson for us all.

\n

The Americans went to Afghanistan to punish Bin Laden and the Islamist terrorists. They supported the government, trained the army, and equipped it with billions of dollars. They also, for better or worse, tried to build a state according to Western standards. That proved impossible. Afghanistan remains a "failed state."

\n

And when the Americans began to withdraw, the government and the Afghan army did not fight the Taliban. They surrendered almost without resistance. And, as the news bulletins informed us, hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of military equipment ended up in Taliban hands.

\n

The Afghans seem to have become used to being overprotected and underdisciplined. They had grown accustomed to the Americans fighting on their behalf.

\n

In the aftermath, more than one hundred thousand Afghans left, and many want to leave their country in every direction.

\n

Because some people were shouting about the American presence in Afghanistan, might its absence create even more problems? Had the problems already appeared before the Americans withdrew?

\n

Perhaps soon it will become clear that the Americans left a strong cultural imprint in Afghanistan. Perhaps more and more Afghans will want to embrace the better aspects of the Western way of life. And that will be a gain for everyone.

\n

The Americans also have bases in Greece, and they are welcome. Strengthening Greek-American defense cooperation is in the country's interest. And that cooperation becomes even more important when Turkey is a permanent threat to our national security.

\n

Turkey's aggressive actions, despite occasional breaks, have not stopped since 1821. And we should not forget that the Turkish Grand National Assembly has voted a "casus belli" - that is, a cause for war - if Greece extends its territorial waters to twelve (12) miles. In other words, if it exercises a lawful right explicitly provided for by the International Law of the Sea.

\n

I believe that the expansion and deepening of the Greek-American defense agreement is supported by the entire Greek society and by almost the entire party-political system.

\n

It is very important that, at this time, Greece's interests coincide with America's interests in our region, in the Balkans, and in the Eastern Mediterranean.

\n

However, that does not mean the Americans will take care of our national security. No.

\n

If we are not capable, at every moment, of defending our territorial integrity, we would be foolish to expect others to do it for us. No American, no Englishman, Frenchman, or Portuguese will come to fight for the Greeks when the Greeks are indifferent.

\n

First Greeks must fight for their national existence and independence, and then, because of that just struggle, Americans and Europeans will come to help. Any reversal of that logic is extreme nonsense.

\n

It takes real audacity to demand that others save you when you are indifferent to saving yourself. And that also happens. Some Greeks, sipping their frappes at the cafe, complain and say: where are the Europeans to help us now that Turkey is threatening us?

\n

First we ourselves will fight and bleed, and then, because of European solidarity and the Greek-American agreement, Europeans and Americans will come to help.

\n

It is self-evident that in the event of war, there is diplomatic and economic support in addition to military support. And that is invaluable.

\n

I imagine there is no Greek who wishes to share the Afghans' fate. And if that is true, then strengthening the defense capability and combat readiness of the armed forces is a matter of top priority.

\n

It is certain that Greeks are not Afghans. They have learned to guard Thermopylae. The homeland and freedom are inseparable values for Greeks. For those values, they have learned to fight. If you want to be free, you fight for your freedom.

\n

Pavlos Marantos

\n

marantosp@gmail.com

\n