For many months, we heard that Cyprus would become a corridor of aid. The initiative was named Amalthea, after the nourisher in mythology. The name was cleverly chosen, as Amalthea was the nurse of Zeus when his mother hid him to escape his father, Cronus, who was known for consuming his own children.
As part of the highly publicized Amalthea initiative, a ship carrying 80 tons of aid, including medical supplies and other essential items, departed in late December. The aid was primarily contributed by Cyprus and the UK. Since then, Amalthea, which had been in the headlines for months, disappeared. Instead of becoming a corridor of aid, Cyprus turned into a launching pad for war.
Some may argue that it’s not Cyprus but the British bases that are the issue. We hope the Houthi rebels understand this so they can distinguish between Limassol, Nicosia, and other areas from the British bases in Akrotiri, where fighter jets take off. And if they have seen the news from yesterday, they shouldn’t think that only the 300 people outside the Akrotiri bases on Sunday disagree with using Cyprus as a military launching pad. Most Cypriots would prefer Amalthea over attacks by anyone, be it a terrorist or a rebel.
Why did small Cyprus want to be the protagonist in such a big conflict? We don’t know. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain chose to remain neutral and not get involved in military conflicts. Erdogan, who lately portrays himself as a peacemaker, condemns the attacks, saying, “They want to turn the Red Sea into a sea of blood.” Many analysts agree that the strikes will strengthen the Houthis. “It was not a miscalculation by the Houthis. This was their goal. They hope to see a regional war and be on the front lines,” writes the New York Times.
Unfortunately, Cyprus found itself on the front lines. And as much as the government pretends to be unconcerned, international media are buzzing. References to Cyprus are not only about the airstrikes originating from the Akrotiri bases. An article presents Cyprus as the headquarters of an American agency tasked with collecting information.
However, when asked about Cyprus’s involvement and the risk that arises when someone enters the lion’s den, the President reassured us that all necessary measures are being taken and that authorities are on alert. Phew, now we can relax.
