The seismic demise of a hated Middle East dynasty after more than half a century of iron fist rule and despite the fact that Syrian realities remain largely volatile and embroiled in the risks of unpredictable jihadist intentions, yet another historic toppling of the old guard is creating conditions for key regional players to strengthen their position in a country stumbling forward towards a new uncharted future, albeit still celebrating the release of Assad’s choking grip.
Turkey is most assuredly one of the big winners, having banked on the right anti-government paramilitaries, including mostly extremist groups and in line with its policy of clamping down on the Kurdish forces supported by the United States. Well, at least they have the upper hand at this early stage of the Syrian complex state of affairs.
Cyprus, navigating critical and potentially dangerous surroundings as one of Syria’s closest neighbours, is taking steps on a number of levels aimed at forging new alliances and deepening existing ones, through one its one strongest cards, an internationally recognised geopolitical value, not least aided by its humanitarian aspect, vis a vis the Gaza crisis and the maritime corridor, indeed an Amaltheia.
According to a Costas Venizelos analysis, based on a number of sources, the Republic of Cyprus is looking for security and protection by primarily strengthening its defence capabilities with new military hardware and weapons systems purchased but also freely provided by friendly nations (now even friendlier).
The United States has been dynamically added to the fold of defence strengthening partners, joining Israel, France and Serbia, as Russia is duly replaced with the systems acquired virtually obsolete, due to the lack of spare parts and maintenance, a result of Ukraine sanctions.
A new country will soon be added to the mix, according to defence sources pointing to the fact that its weapons production is a match for Cypriot needs. In addition, the rejuvenation of the UK bilateral relationship, post-Brexit and the Starmer lightning visit were the introduction to a 2nd Strategic Dialogue with the UK, which needs the bases more than ever and is now perhaps willing to give back something more.
In the framework of the ‘geopolitical value in action’ dogma being strongly pushed forward by the Christodoulides administration, the Republic of Cyprus is operating in terms of mutuality. A give and take if you will, with states who wish to utilise relevant infrastructures on the island or ask the government to facilitate certain actions.
That way, Nicosia is cashing in its position with big power protection and weapons, something unlikely to have been thought of in the past. Largely due to unfavourable circumstances, now being forged by the fast paced geopolitical quakes offered up in a volatile region. It’s all about location.
