The US government asked Greece to provide its military bases in Kalamata and Souda, in case Washington decides to directly intervene in Syria.
The two Greek military bases in Peloponnesus and Crete will be used by the US airforce and navy for transportation purposes. According to the Greek daily Kathimerini, the Greek government has agreed to help Washington, but the Greek Foreign Ministry had clarified that Greece is unwilling to participate in a possible direct intervention, due to fears of backlash violence.
Greek military sources told Kathimerini, that Greece’s contribution to the US intervention is important for Washington for two reasons. First of all, the US authorities are reluctant to use the Turkish military bases for transportation purposes because of safety reasons. According to the article, this fear comes from Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian crisis. Secondly, the US was satisfied by the previous use of the Greek military bases during the Libyan war being also familiar with the military facilities.
According to Kathimerini, Greek officials believe that that country has an important chance to upgrade its geostrategic role in the Southern Mediterranean region due to the escalation of tension in the area. However, because of the traditionally good relationships of Greece with the Arabic states, the Greek government wants to avoid any actions which may disrupt the deep ties.
Overall, the key goal for Greece is to manage to find the golden balance between helping its NATO allies on the one hand, and avoid any tension with the Arabic states and Russia.
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