Political "Total War"

It seems that the "soft talk" days between Europe and Greece are long gone. The escalating distaste on both sides has sparked a new set of actions and statements that have departed from basic nobility and gentleness in conduct and what has remained is an outright exchange of insults, accusations and criticism. While the austerity policy imposed by the Institutions upon Greece in the past were perceived domestically as a Social "Total War" in terms of its detrimental effects on society, the same neglect for all civilian resources is now being demonstrated and seconded on a political level, as well. Miscommunication is followed by misinformation, as reading the domestic and the international press on the subject of Greece these days, leads to the impression that one is reading about two unrelated topics.

And though it is probably safer to rely on the European version on the presentation of the facts, the underlying interpretation and the motives on each side need to be deciphered here. Domestic press is understandably polarised to the extent where it either blindly backs and supports the actions of the novice Government, or where it fanatically condemns its actions as being the actions of political rebels who are audacious enough to disrupt the European balance, while the international press is only reporting actions that are not conform with western mindsets and the pursuit of objectives. No matter what is true and what is false, the outcome is bitter as it does not safeguard an easy solution to the problem. While Greece is presented as a partner that has lost its orientation in the negotiations with its European counterparts and has no focus anymore, what has probably really happened is that both sides are bad listeners in their conversations. Greece has been yelling since January 25, 2015, that the austerity period has terminated and whatever new Deal will be negotiated between Greece and its partners needs to provide for feasible measures, the European partners are shouting back at Greece that there is no intention to loosen the shackles of the austerity programme that has been imposed upon the entire European South. Greece is yelling back that the repayment of the debt to the lenders should happen on a basis and formula that is linked to the country's growth, probably with a view to portray the true dimensions of the Greek debt problem, while Europe is insisting that the money-addicted patient should take another instalment and agree to further austerity policies. One of the two sides better be the keeper of the "Universal Truth" that will lead to the solution of the problem, though Greece at this point may have the edge by simply arguing that is it the keeper of the knowledge of what has failed so far.

And I think, that having lived in several countries during my professional life, I have seen corruption being omnipresent in every environment. Corruption is not unique to Greece, and everybody knows that, yet it seems that it is a "handy" argument in the analysis of the Greek situation. Europe wants an "A La Carte" cleansing of the Greek corruption, which leaves them harmless, though fact is that behind every major financial scandal of this country, there is either a German, a French or a Dutch party that is also involved. And while it is easier to shy attention away from oneself by hammering at the other, it seems that this Government is being essentially accused for pursuing that cleansing without "pampering" the foreign element or without safeguarding its being kept harmless. And while Germany is relentless in its determination to not entertain the Greek claims -valid or not remains to be seen- it is employing the wrong tactics to reprimand the "insignificant, non-obedient 2%" of the Eurozone, while Greece is equally incapable of levelling the game by indulging in stupid threats involving the confiscation of German assets in Greece. And both are changing the subject of the agenda altogether by making the conflict personal and both are running the risk of causing irreversible damage. But to whom?

Greece may soon find itself out of the Eurozone and will probably accuse its European partners for applying "double standards" within the Eurozone (when France is given a two years extension to do its housekeeping, while the same is being denied to Greece) but also arguing that all the benefits that were granted to Germany by the Super-powers after the end of WWII, Germany itself is now denying to Greece. On the level of arguments nothing is black and white. On the level of individual suffering things are different when they hit you and they are easily distorted, if viewed on a television screen. I am not sure whether Greek voters fully understand that they are essentially being manipulated to vote for the exit from the Eurozone in any upcoming referendum, as the mastermind behind that decision is heavily relying and utilising the "infamous" Greek pride element, which will render the choice easy to the average Greek the day when he will cast his vote to return to the Drachma, which could also mean his return to the "financial dark age". Most already argue that they are not afraid of any haircut on deposits, as most do no longer have any, as they are not afraid to exit the Eurozone, as they can't afford foreign products anyway. Europe in turn, will have killed two birds with one stone, as she will have gone rid of the Greek thorn and will be able to quietly return to its agenda towards completion, while the entire South will have gotten the message that no one really messes with the core of all powers.