US sees Greek role in possible Syria strike

[jakeXT]

Source: ANSAmed / Kathimerini

President Barack Obama is considering military options to help end the Syria crisis, daily Kathimerini reports that Washington has asked Athens, a NATO ally, to provide permission for US military ships and aircraft to pass through Greek territory as well as use of the Souda Bay and Kalamata military bases.

The allied presence in the southeastern Mediterranean region is reportedly larger than usual, which some analysts suggest indicates a decision for military intervention has already been made following the August 21 mass gassing of civilians by President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

France and Germany, which refused to support the 2003 Iraq invasion, suggested Monday that they may take part. Russia claims any such intervention would violate international law. Greece contributed to NATO's 2011 operation in Libya, using its air and naval assets and providing its main bases. Meanwhile, Ankara's political involvement in the Syria crisis has made the allies skeptical about using Turkish military bases and passage routes.

However, Greek officials have ruled out the possibility of active military involvement. They say the armed forces would only be mobilized in a bid to remove Greek nationals from the area in the event of all-out war. (ANSAmed).


Read more: http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2013/08/27/Mideast-US-sees-Greek-role-possible-Syria-strike_9203762.html

[dipsydoodle]

1. Greek officials have ruled out the possibility of active military involvement.

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.

See 10.50am BST http://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2013/aug/27/syria-crisis-military-intervention-un-inspectors

There's enough violence in Greece without adding the importation of blowback.

[newfie11]

2. Greece has the money to do this?

Or are we paying them.

[Arctic Dave]

3. Of course we are paying them.

Or should I say, the 1% will let a few payments slide.

[adirondacker]

4. I'm sure they have plenty of poor that can be placed on the front lines. nt

[leftynyc]

5. Military service is mandatory in Greece

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Greece

[newfie11]

6. I was just thinking about the costs of weapons, bullets,

Jeeps, and all the war equiptment. Maybe we supply all that to.