CYPRUS | Europe’s Mideast Outpost?

Рет қаралды 67,773

Күн бұрын

The Republic of Cyprus, the easternmost member of the European Union, is at the frontline of the EU’s activities in the Middle East. Throughout 2024, it has received widespread international praise for its crucial role in providing aid to Gaza. However, the growing risk of conflict on the Lebanese-Israeli border has now seen Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, threaten the island. This precarious situation underscores Cyprus's complex geopolitical position, balancing relations between the Middle East and the EU.
Traditionally, Cyprus has maintained strong ties with Europe and the Middle East. The island's history of diverse rulers-from ancient Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to the Ottomans and the British-reflects its strategic importance at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean. Post-independence in 1960, Cyprus navigated complex regional dynamics, forming close ties to its Arab neighbours. The 1974 Turkish invasion, resulting in the island's division, deepened its ties with the Non-Aligned Movement and Middle Eastern countries, particularly as anti-Western sentiment grew. However, Cyprus's EU membership in 2004 shifted its focus somewhat towards Europe but didn't sever its Middle Eastern connections. Cyprus continues to be pivotal in EU's humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, becoming an essential humanitarian hub, especially in crises like the Lebanese Civil War and the recent Gaza conflict. Yet, its increasing collaboration with Israel, especially after tensions between Israel and Turkey escalated, has complicated its position, drawing threats from Hezbollah.
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VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:47 Cyprus as a European and Middle Eastern State
01:36 Cyprus and Its Neighbourhood
02:30 A History of Cyprus: Between Europe and the Middle East
03:44 Cyprus, the Middle East and Non-Alignment
05:30 The Cyprus Problem and the Middle East
07:31 Cyprus, the EU and the Middle East
09:01 Improving Cyprus-Israel Relations
10:49 Hezbollah’s Threat Against Cyprus
12:53 Cyprus, the EU and Irsael: A Strategic Choice?
SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
President of Cyprus
www.presidency.gov.cy/cypresi...
Republic of Cyprus " Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
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#Cyprus #MiddleEast #EU #Gaza #Israel

Пікірлер: 660

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Hezbollah's threat to strike Cyprus was a rather unexpected development - and not a little alarming! However, it also gave me a good chance to examine a topic that's not only very close to home but has fascinated me for a long time: the relationship between Cyprus, the Middle East, and Europe. While we think of the EU frontline states in terms of the Ukraine-Russia war, Cyprus provides a vital link between the European Union and another conflict zone. But while the focus has been on how Cyprus can provide humanitarian aid to the region, Hezbollah's threats have indicated how it may, in fact, face a threat if a war does emerge between Israel and Hezbollah. So, what do you think? Was Nasrallah's threat aimed at Cyprus or Britain? Would Hezbollah ever attack Cyprus? What would the EU do about it? And should Cyprus perhaps look for more balance in its regional relations? As always, I look forward to your thoughts and comments below.

@FlamingBasketballClub 14 күн бұрын

Bro really said Hezbollah is Iranian backed. 🤡

@SpicyTake 13 күн бұрын

It sounds like time for Cypriots to finally give Brits the boot, eh Prof? Causing nothing but trouble as always.

@user-eu3hz3dw5b 13 күн бұрын

LEARN some REAL GREEK HISTORY (instead of repeating the COMMUNIST TALKING POINTS!!)

@georgeagapiou3815 13 күн бұрын

@@SpicyTake Cyprus protected by British by USA and European nations and good friendship with Israel

@alanhamford2538 13 күн бұрын

Hezbollah threatens because they are sending "Humanitarian aid to Gaza". Someone's telling porkies.

@geriatricprogrammer4364 13 күн бұрын

A British politician once said, it's cheaper than an aircraft carrier.

12 күн бұрын

U mean israel ?

@thespiritphoenix3798 11 күн бұрын

he meant the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekhelia in Cyprus

@joeshmoe8345 14 күн бұрын

Thanks a bunch for sharing this with us Big Dog.

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Cheers. Have a great weekend! :-)

@scottodhonnchu5034 14 күн бұрын

Unironically, my first thought when I heard Nasrallah's threat was, 'Hey, doesn't James live in Cyprus now?'. Stay safe man

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Thanks so much, Scott. It was certainly a rather alarming development! But I'm quietly hopeful it won't come to that. However, unfortunately, the threat of war in neighbouring Lebanon is very real. This could put very significant strains on the island.

@hai.1820 14 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsayhaha are you? Visit me in the north some time 😅❤

@jameswolff5200 14 күн бұрын

Hey thanks man!

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

@@hai.1820 I moved back last year. :-) The videos are now ‘Made in Cyprus’. It would be nice to meet.

@basicinfo8786 13 күн бұрын

The problem in Cyprus is the British and their friends the Turks

@hitalia2000 12 күн бұрын

What humanitarian aid island? Stop taking the piss of the people. All the world knows that European Cyprus is a heavy military base for the West and Israel. You made me laugh by saying humanitarian and reminds me of the marine port built by the US in Gaza which was also for humanitarian too 😂

@JamesKerLindsay 12 күн бұрын

@@hitalia2000 Why such an aggressive comment? This could have been phrased in a polite and engaging way. I like to discuss things. You might disagree with what I say, but there is a pleasant way to do it that opens a sensible discussion.

@nk-gp1ml 12 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay Whatever his attitude, the comment is absolutely correct. Cyprus has been used by the US and UK to assist the mass destruction of civilians in Gaza. It’s National Guard have trained with Israeli forces as you mention. The Cypriot government has been playing a dangerous game for some time cooperating with Israel and against the majority of its population which is sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. Israeli citizens have also been buying massive swathes of illegally occupied Greek Cypriot land in the northern sector that even prompted the Cyprus president to raise the issue with Netanyahu in early 2023. Israel is not a friend of Cyprus and it will ultimately be as great a disaster for the island as it has for the entire Middle East.

@haashaas2508 Күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsayBECAUSE THIS IS A TOTAL LIE

@haashaas2508 Күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsaybe Truthful! Not an Islamophobic poster

@luccac6247 Күн бұрын

@@haashaas2508 no such term as Islamophobia. Grow a set and learn to walk right sometime

@tidyjob1 12 күн бұрын

Uk Military airport used, to transport , munitions to support the war in Gaza.

@MarkVrem 14 күн бұрын

We going back to the Bronze Age with this one folks!

@54032Zepol 14 күн бұрын

Well good luck with that.

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Haha! Indeed. 🙂

@user-xs9cr8op3q 13 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay not only bronze age ,but to the time of Homosapiens

@alphalunamare 12 күн бұрын

Cyprus was divided long before the demise of The Bronze Age. Even during the time of The Minoans they drank from different cups across the island.

@GlobalNiko 14 күн бұрын

Cyprus is blessed and cursed at the same time by its geography. So close to so many tense interactions by bigger actors, yet still the fact that it's an island allows it to be removed just enough from them (not counting the frozen conflict it still finds itself in with Turkey occupying its north) to have relative safety and play a mediating role. A precarious balancing act for Cypriot policymakers that they will hopefully be able to continue for the sake of their own security.

@orka6848 14 күн бұрын

Wahahaha... Like Eoka? Enosis?

@billybobjohn8955 14 күн бұрын

Turkey liberated the north otherwise they would have had the same destiny as Gaza, Europe turned a blind eye to the massacre going on perpetrated by EOKA. We shall never forget.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

You are absolutely right. It is an incredibly tricky spot to be in. I think Cypriot policymakers have tended to do a very good job on that score. However, as I suggested, I wonder if their relations with Israel have perhaps been too close for the country's own good in recent years.

@JJDelft 13 күн бұрын

@@billybobjohn8955 Crazy statement and the comparison to Gaza holds no ground at all, Turkey and Greece both tried to enlarge their territory on Cyprus by cost of the local population. Turkey is just as imperialist as Israël is, but just like Russia they always see themselves as the victim so they'd never admit that.

@cynic5183 13 күн бұрын

@@GlobalNiko North Cyprus is occupied as much as the US is occupied.

@peterkops6431 14 күн бұрын

I had no idea of the importance of Cyprus in modern history. Shame on me.

@shafsteryellow 14 күн бұрын

Or northern Republic of Cyprus

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Don’t worry. Easy to do! :-) It really is a fascinating place with so much history. It’s such an interesting place to study, and a wonderful place to live.

@silahim79 14 күн бұрын

And ancient history. In the north there is no republic but an illegaly occupied area from the turkish army.

@mseeross 12 күн бұрын

There is no history of northern or southern cyprus. Greek and turkish cypriots existed yogether for hundreds of years. Only in recent tine has thrre been duvisuon, because of outside countries@@shafsteryellow

@Platypus882 9 күн бұрын

@@shafsteryellow It does not exist, these are territories occupied by Turkey

@msbayramoglu1 13 күн бұрын

Akrotiri Military Base in Cyprus has always been involved in all Middle Eastern wars and it is involved in the current war in Gaza too. I used to work there, and I know. Whenever a war starts in the region the air activity in Akrotiri multiples by 10-fold. Two weeks ago, I was at Ladies Mile Beach on the periphery of Akrotiri and the air activity was excessively busy just like the 1967, 1973, and 2006 Middle Eastern wars. In 2006 Akrotiri was used to bomb Lebanon. In 1967 & 1973 the targets were Egypt and Syria. Now once again if a war starts the target will be Lebanon

@tekinmoustafa8141 12 күн бұрын

senin ve benim yazilarima cevap vermiyecek. hosuna gitmiyor dogrulari okusun.

@msbayramoglu1 12 күн бұрын

@@tekinmoustafa8141 Tekinmoustafa8141, I have been following Professor James Ker-Lindsay for a very long time … Professor James Ker-Lindsay is a decent/honest man, and his analysis of events worldwide is in-depth, precious and often objective and unbiased. However, whenever he tries to analyse the Cyprus issue his objectivity and unbiased attitude do not apply. He is pro-Greek. I heard that he has some personal links to Cyprus and all I can think is that this link prevents him from being objective unbiased and pro-Greek on the issue of Cyprus. Many times, I stated on his website that there is no such thing as a Cypriot Nation. There are Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Maronites and Gypsies (please see the 1960 Cyprus Constitution) living in the Island of Cyprus. But to no avail Professor James Ker-Lindsay still argues that there is a ‘Cypriot Nation’ there is a ‘Cypriot Identity’ that one day this ‘Nation’ this ‘Identity’ will re-unite. This is a completely false idea and a completely false expectation. Tekinmoustafa8141, you say he does not and will not respond to our texts That may be so but we still write to Professor James Ker-Lindsay with what we believe to be the truth. Mehmet Salih Bayramoǧlu

@alondon6950 5 күн бұрын

Akrotiri and Dekeleia should been given back to Cyprus.

@the_watcher_abc 13 күн бұрын

Outstanding overview.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!

@timor64 13 күн бұрын

Thanks again for a great video. It's interesting that you now live in a place worthy of a video. It moves from acadameic interest to lived reality.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thanks so much. Indeed! But this is obviously a little too close to home for comfort - quite literally, as I live about a close to Lebanon as one can be on the island. But overall Cyprus is a wonderfully interesting place to be.

@lars2007 13 күн бұрын

I’m surprised that the houthis have not attacked Cyprus after all the RAF has attacked Yemen from their bases there

@artman12 10 күн бұрын

The Houthis are quite far from Cyprus. I don’t think their drones have that range.

@user-vr6io5xb9e 4 күн бұрын

@@lars2007 soon

@roniberahaquartet477 13 күн бұрын

Dont forget Israeli rehab program in Cyprus for heavily wounded IDF solders and survivors of Nova festival

@panagiotischatzimichail4139 5 күн бұрын

Aside another comment made, I am grateful for your work professor. As a Cypriot, I always value and appreciate your perspective. Not only for showcasing high academic quality and expertise, but for making sure that as viewers we a) understand the complexity and versatility of some issues, but more importantly b) for providing a good basis and necessary context, which viewers many times require but not always granted. That's, for me at least, very important and more so the way is done. I believe you do provide that and done so, without having us feeling overwhelmed by what's presented or feeling unable to further dive on briefly presented issues, as from my experience I can always check your material as a starting reference. In my view, at a time of overflow of information/disinformation and polarisation, doing so helps build a mindset that fosters a culture of not only knowing what is happening and analysing it through our own beliefs, but rather building a better understanding, combining the different info and perspectives that help complete such complex puzzles. 🌍🇨🇾🙏🏻

@JamesKerLindsay 5 күн бұрын

Hello Panagiotis, thank you so much for the incredibly kind comment. I really and truly appreciate it. Sadly, YT (and other social media) have become so toxic and are so often filled with abuse these days that it is really nice to hear such a positive message. It makes a huge difference. I know many don’t agree with my views on some subjects. But I make these videos in good faith and in the hope that they will provoke a good discussion. Όπως ίσως έχετε δει σε άλλο μήνυμα, μένω ξανά στην Κύπρο. Μετά από πολλά χρόνια στη Βρετανία, επέστρεψα το περασμένο καλοκαίρι. (Είναι τόσο ωραίο που επιστρέφω.) Ίσως έχουμε την ευκαιρία να συναντηθούμε κάποια στιγμή. Μέχρι τότε, σας ευχαριστώ πολύ για άλλη μια φορά. 🙏🏻🙂

@michaelpilos 4 күн бұрын

Nice ❤

@MENSA.lady2 12 күн бұрын

Important to note that the 2 Sovereign Base areas are not part of Cyprus. Under the 1960 Independence Agreement they were ceded to the UK. As such they have a status similar to Gibraltar or the Falkland Islands. Any attack on them would be seen as an attack on the UK and therefore an attack on NATO.

@joeyjojojrshabadoo7462 11 күн бұрын

Nato is a little unclear if article 5 covers overseas territories.

@nezperce2767 11 күн бұрын

Indepen-dance act?

@user-mm2yy4ve2n 10 күн бұрын

Nevertheless UK , and as a guarantor power of the Cyprus independence ,have the obligation to protect the island

@RedgeNumber1 12 күн бұрын

War aside, Cyprus is a super interesting place. I'd recommend staying in Nicosia to hear both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot's side of the story and experience their culture.

@JamesKerLindsay 11 күн бұрын

@@RedgeNumber1 Thanks. I completely agree. A really interesting place to visit, for so many reasons.

@nezperce2767 11 күн бұрын

Turkish culture? Don't you know thay in their theological universities arabic and persian langs are major subjects to study? Why?

@TTTCyprus 11 күн бұрын

You don't need to stay in Nicosia.. There is a a ' mixed ' village in the South.. Cypriots ( Turkish speaking and Greek speaking ) live side by side..

@nezperce2767 11 күн бұрын

@@TTTCyprus turks were after the rest of the isle via the " green line " and the mixed villages

@TTTCyprus 11 күн бұрын

@@nezperce2767 hmm is that so ?? You know this village ?

@Mubbasher-mz3hc 9 күн бұрын

Well explained 👏

@JamesKerLindsay 9 күн бұрын

Thank you very much!

@Salsaman34 12 күн бұрын

I wonder what really the EU plans to do in case Iran attacks Cyprus!? Sounds like a bold empty statement.. Cyprus is geographically vulnerable with lots of domestic issues.. Thanks for wise analyses!

@roddychristodoulou9111 14 күн бұрын

I'm a retired Brit living in Cyprus so when I first heard these threats they come across as very concerning . Although when I gave it some thought I was convinced Nazrallah was referring to the British bases which have been used in the past for Israels security . We've got enough on our plate with Turkiye so the last thing we want is another war front to open up . The Cyprus economy is very dependent on tourism especially in the summer months so any kind of conflict is strictly a no go area for the Cyprus government . However being a small country it doesn't have much say in what the bigger countries plans are and it may be the case that the British base in Akrotiri is used again in either supplying Israel or even bombing Israels enemy's . Cyprus really is in the hands of the EU and Britain and far as this issue is concerned so the quicker we get peace in Gaza and the Lebanon Israel border the better for all .

@msbayramoglu1 13 күн бұрын

@nickchristoforou7850 13 күн бұрын

@@msbayramoglu1 A disgrace really, when Britain is obligated to safeguard the island's territorial integrity under the treaty of independence which granted them the bases - that Britain stood by when Turkey invaded, yet uses the bases to engage elsewhere.

@msbayramoglu1 13 күн бұрын

@@nickchristoforou7850 invasion of the island of Cyprus took place on 15 July 1974 by Greek Junta in Athens 5 days later Turkey reacted by partitioning the island… as per the constitution Britain should have allowed Turkey to land troops through its military bases but she didn’t so Turkey done it alone. Turkish Cypriots from Paphos Limassol and Larnaca and all the surrounding villages were made prisoners by the Greek National Guard so we had no option but to flee to the north obviously Greeks had no option but to move the south at least in Cyprus we had somewhere to go unlike the Palestinians

@JamesKerLindsay 12 күн бұрын

Hi Roddy, drop me a line. I’m now back living on the island.

@micheypatsa 12 күн бұрын

@roddychristodoulou9111 I think we proved in 1955 that we in fact are not in the hands of the uk.

@michaeljoiner2503 3 күн бұрын

Thank you James

@JamesKerLindsay 2 күн бұрын

Thanks so much. I hope it was useful.

@mouniash 13 күн бұрын

I didn't know anything about this topic before watching this video. But when I googled it, I found that according to both Haaertz and DeclassifiedUK, the British bases in Cyprus are being used by the UK and US to supply weapons to Israel. There was even an article in The Guardian that discussed such allegations. Also according to The Guardian article, the 2 bases are used by the UK and the US to attack the Houthis in Yemen

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

The Bases have been used against the Houthis, but I’m not sure about supplying Israel with weapons.

@sheilamargaretwardstoriesa494 3 күн бұрын

Thank you for your excellent breakdown of the situation.

@dorotheadiallo5790 3 күн бұрын

thank you for explaining everything about Cyprus so clearly. It finally makes sense to me

@loughs 3 күн бұрын

Difficult to take you seriously James with how you present Cyprus as a major aid delivery hub to Palestine, without a single mention of how the UK & US use the military bases on the Island to run reconnaissance & surveillance missions in Gaza & the West Bank and then feeds the intelligence to the IOF. Could this, perhaps, be why 'Iranian-backed' Hezbollah forces take issue with Cyprus's role? Also, if you're going to say 'Iranian-backed' Hezbollah, for balance & fairness you should say US & UK-backed IOF. I guess you're a party man.

@dev.0122 14 күн бұрын

Your videos are so precise they give history, Geography, demography and current situation. The context building is amazing. Although I request a longer video with more in depth analysis. Like 20-25 mins video once in a while would be great!

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thanks so much. I really and truly appreciate the kind words. It means a lot. As tempting as it is, I don’t think I could. The problem is that I do a video each week. Writing a 4000 word script is an even greater undertaking than the 2000 words I do at the moment. And doubling the editing time would be just too much. It’s already a huge commitment every week. Sadly, with YT viewing figures down (and with it the limited ad revenue I and other creators used to get to help pay for the videos) and the spread of cheap poor quality AI content many creators are already finding it tough going. To be honest, and added to the growing abuse I’m getting in the comments section these days, I’m even starting to have serious second thoughts about continuing!

@lukejohn6139 13 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay whoa, that would be a shame Professor. I think it's amazing that we have direct access to the thoughts of real experts such as yourself these days. But I agree about the YT platform. Actually, I tend to just watch my favorite channels or do specific searches now - too many adds and so much low value stuff. Hope you find a way to keep enjoying making your valuable content.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

@@lukejohn6139 Thank you. KZfaq really needs to have a think about its model. Sadly, it’s just becoming unsustainable.

@geriatricprogrammer4364 13 күн бұрын

It's not our cypriot policy, it's your British policy enforced by the British bases that's the problem. The UK government desides to assist Israel with recognises flights, now ordinary Cypriots are under threat.

@louisbeerreviews8964 3 күн бұрын

That’s is not true

@muslimresponse103 Күн бұрын

@@louisbeerreviews8964yes it is!

@theirishvideos Күн бұрын

I was in Cyprus recently. It is truly a beautiful country. No wonder everyone wants a part of it.

@JamesKerLindsay Күн бұрын

It is indeed a very special place! (And also my home.) I hope you had really a nice time.

@theirishvideos Күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay Thank you, I really enjoyed every minute there. Everything from the weather, people and history met or exceeded expectations. You are lucky to live in such a beautiful country.

@mertaslankilic8967 7 күн бұрын

Turkey invaded cyprus for 2 reasons 1. Greek Cypriots massacred turkish Cypriots. You can search what EOKA is or what bloody Christmas is. 2. Cyprus wanted to unite with Greece. This was against the agreement between the aforementioned countries. Why nobody stopped Turkey from invading Island is because we were a guarantor country as the video mentioned and it was our right to take an action if our rights were abused

@shakiMiki 14 күн бұрын

Wow. That was a fantastically informative video.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

@harryagrotis326 10 күн бұрын

Cypress through the ages has been the victim of conflicts you never wanted to be involved in in the first place.

@happydays4302 11 күн бұрын

What are your thoughts on the british spy planes using it as a base for thier regular flights over Gaza?

@ethan.A3 2 күн бұрын

Great video. I live in Paphos but travel around the island regularly. My personal opinion and one that the majority of my Cypriot friends share is that Cyprus should stay as non aligned and as neutral as possible. But Sticking to humanitarian efforts. As a British citizen it to say the least sickens me how the Uk government is currently using the bases on this beautiful island in support of Israel, supplying arms and intelligence as well as logistically for the USA and Israel. It certainly isn’t for the good of the UK or its people let alone Cyprus. The past couple of years with Cyprus becoming closer to Israel I’ve found bizarre due to the fact Cypriots tend to be very sympathetic to the Palestinians who are also occupied.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Ethan. I really appreciate it. I also live here now. (I lived here before for many years. My family has in fact been on the island for 35 years.) You are right. There has been a real change in Cyprus’s foreign policy towards Israel. I always remembered people as being very pro-Palestinian. But I do think things have changed a lot over the last decade.

@TheWazzoGames 14 күн бұрын

Surprised that in the brief history bit of the video, you didn’t over the Condominium of Cyprus; when the Byzantines and Arabs both held joint rule over the island for 300 years and it was strangely peaceful. This marks the current divide between the island as not the first time the island had been contested by two powers.

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Thanks. Great point. I sort of touched on the Arab period. But there were far too many issues to explain in detail as it was!

@LondonPower 13 күн бұрын

Arabs never took hold of Cyprus you confused the island with Sicilia

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

@LondonPower They sort of did. It was a strange arrangement. They didn’t settle. But they had an agreement with Constantinople. And there were raids.

@user-eu3hz3dw5b 13 күн бұрын

WHERE did you READ your fantasies?? The Arabs CONQUERED Cyprus and WE GREEK BYZANTINES LIBERATED it! And WE GREEK BYZANTINES kept it UNTIL Richard the Lionheart CONQUERED it during the Third Crusade! BUT the POPULATION was always GREEK, GREEK speaking, GREEK ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN!!

@rudolfohisena5701 12 күн бұрын

Cyprus, in my opinion, should keep its neutrality status. Conducting military exercises in its territory with Israeli navy and air force is not neutral.

@user-mm2yy4ve2n 12 күн бұрын

Similar military exercises ,happening also with Egypt , Jordan , and other western countries... There is no wrong about ..

@micheypatsa 12 күн бұрын

We don't care 😊

@rudolfohisena5701 12 күн бұрын

@@micheypatsa don’t care about what? It’s not cool to be stupid, for stupid decisions by the government impacts millions of people.

@micheypatsa 12 күн бұрын

@@rudolfohisena5701 We don't care what the UK has to say.

@mseeross 12 күн бұрын

@@micheypatsaIf a wider war happens in the middle east, Turkey could easily use Cyprus' support of Israel as an excuse to finish the invasion. Turkey has 40k troops on the border. I don't think they will do it, but it is something to think about.

@IrishPartizan 12 күн бұрын

The Cypriots are caught between a rock and a hard place. If they tell the US & British to get lost, like they did in 1973, they could suffer the consequences. If they go ahead with providing the US and British with air bases and thereby supporting Israel in any future conflict with Hezbollah, they also could face the consequences.

@andrigeogiou8420 12 күн бұрын

@@IrishPartizan nice ,. They said " IF you can not avoid the " Rabe ".. better enjoying it "

@user-jj2dk5ew9j 9 күн бұрын

what? like they did in 1973? where you read or see that? for what that big lies,fallacy. docoument show if or not? all about NATO Grecee Gov docoument show that you are out, open any book i.e Papachellas, Droysiotis, G Kliredes, Kranidiotis, A Papandreou,

@hwica2753 Күн бұрын

When Israel attacked the Turkish aid boat, why didn't Turkey, a NATO member, invoke Article 5? Although I can't see the US going against Israel no matter what Israel does.

@trodoss 12 күн бұрын

The most Eastern land in EU is not Cyrpus, but Finland. See: The easternmost point of Finland and of the continental part of the European Union is located on an island in Lake Virmajärvi, which is found in Hattuvaara, a village in the municipality of Ilomantsi.

@JamesKerLindsay 12 күн бұрын

Haha! There’s always one! 🙂 But the most eastern member is Cyprus - as measured by the capital.

@antoniescargo1529 8 күн бұрын

Europe is from Ireland to the Ural Mountains.

@chewbacca3269 2 күн бұрын

Eastern is not a geographical term but a political one. It has been since the 19th century and the western interests into the riches of the middle east and ottoman empire.

@turan2815 10 күн бұрын

50 years of peace left the chat Cyprus would have been another Palestine Isreal If we wouldnt have split the island in 2 This is fact

@MC-bu6ez 12 күн бұрын

By the way neither Greece nor Turkey decided at any time that Cyprus should become a republic, that decision was taken by Britain to appease the Turks, the colonial masters just couldn't do the decent thing of supporting Enosis.

@Trophonius 12 күн бұрын

England put Turkey in an agreement and cooperation both and also with Makarios of Cyprus, to invade the Greek island because the British have bases there and they did not want to lose them when they would pass to Greek sovereignty and then also the Americans could have their own bases there, if was becoming union with Greece. Makarios just didn't want to lose his position and political power and for that he became a common traitor. The English were competing with the Americans there and the Greeks, so they co-oparated with Turkey. That's all and that's the truth Turkey simply took this tremendous advantage of this lucky situation for her, and invaded as the British had told them to do after they said to Makarios in the UN to say that it is not a coup, but an invasion from Greece (!?). This happened because there are 3 guarantors forces for Cypus (Greece, England and Turkey). Since Greece was told by the British to say Makarios in the UN to represent Greece as an "invader" (?) and not as a movement against Makarios for union with Greece (as it was), then the the law of guarantor powers was activated and the other two guarantor powers were England and Turkey. The English of course would do nothing against Greece to clash openly, and so they simply said to Turkey to do the "dirty job"..Ofcaurse Turks wouldn't have losed such a tremendous opportunity, who are constantly looking to grab something from Greece or others. But the English did not tell them to take a third of the island, but only a port.

@Trophonius 12 күн бұрын

Turkey is now itself trying again to take advantage of this turmoil that is happening in the Middle East for to find again a pseydo-"legal" excuse to invade Cyprus again, or legalize the illegal possession (since Turkey can not be on the Island according to the UN laws, UN decision after traitor Makarios said "it's ok Turkey to invade", was only Turkey to go as a supposed "guarantor power" -in reality for Makarios to take again it's political power and the British to hold the bases - and then leave, but between them secretely, Turkey British and Makarios, they have said to Turkey "you can hold a port after the invasion, its ok" ) since they are afraid of Greeks and face them face to face, and cannot invade to Greece (because they know that Greece is not Cyprus, and that they will smash their faces in a wall...) directly so they choose to bully on Cyprus

@anonymousanonymous7250 14 күн бұрын

I was expecting this week's video to be on the UK elections.

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Blimey! It was only last night. Give me some time! As it happens, I have a video planned on one important issue that Labour will have to tackle fairly soon.

@anonymousanonymous7250 14 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay Let me guess, it rhymes in exit.

@JamesKerLindsay 12 күн бұрын

@@anonymousanonymous7250 Yes and no. :-)

@fatihyavuz2246 10 күн бұрын

The greek administration is south Cyprus makes a huge mistake with to make south Cyprus to an israeli base. If you continue this politics, greek cypriots will be in the middle of middle eastern conflicts.

@blueisland24 10 күн бұрын

Republic of Cyprus is not an israeli base. On the other side, turkey is a base of all the terror organizations like hispolah, isis etc etc

@paulsiam1859 10 күн бұрын

excellent,, and very well prepared and researched, thank you!

@JamesKerLindsay 10 күн бұрын

Thank you so much. I appreciate it enormously. It’s a subject very close to my heart.

@EmmaMaySeven 14 күн бұрын

Although not the main point of this video, I admit to not really thinking of Cyprus as a Middle Eastern country. It's strange---at least from the point of view of an ordinary Westerner---to realize the strong links and interactions the country has in the region just in the last few decades. Maybe it's simply my naivete, as it makes sense why it would pursue politics with its neighbours to the point of not merely being an European outpost but a participant.

@DuckDodgersWannabe 14 күн бұрын

I was wondering when the next video about Cyprus would drop. It is basically a tradition by now to expect at least one per year - although this one doesn't deal with the Cyprus Issue, to my great sorrow. Still, there was much new stuff to learn about Cyprus' foreign policy. Also, pretty unrelated but I keep forgetting that the Non-Aligned Movement still exists. My bad, NAM.

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

You can't really blame me. If there is one issue that I have worked on, it's Cyprus. And one a year is still only 2%. Frankly, you could be getting a lot more of them! :-)

@DuckDodgersWannabe 14 күн бұрын

Even more Cyprus content?! Don't threaten me with a good time, Professor!

@georgechristodoulou6495 14 күн бұрын

I think you have failed to note Turkeys role in this development as it is disturbed by Cyprus gaining importance for EU and Nato. Thus it is logical to think that Hizbollah threats come after Turkeys advice and not Irans.

@ataardaozkan942 14 күн бұрын

Ilk bakista bu soyledigin mantikli gibi duruyor ancak hizbullah tumuyle iran kontrolunde şii bir orgut.sunni Turkiyenin etkisinde kalmasina Iran izin vermez.Ayni zamanda Kuzek Kibris Turk Cumhuriyetine de gelme ihtimali olan saldiri Turkiyenin cikarlariyla ne kadar ortusuyor bilmiyorum

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Thanks. This may well be the case. But I don’t think we have any direct evidence for this. The problem with any video is that there are all sorts of strands that can be included. The art is trying to tell the story clearly without introducing too many confusing elements for others who may be new to the topic. For the moment, the clear line of causation lies with the Cyprus-Israel military cooperation. I thought it best to focus on that. That said, Turkey does seem to be making the most of the situation: www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/06/after-hezbollah-turkeys-fidan-warns-cyprus-stay-away-israels-wars

@msbayramoglu1 13 күн бұрын

Greek Cypriots have a habit of blaming others for their own mistakes and mishaps. Blaming Turkey for Hezbollah threat is a repeat of this process by Greek Cypriots. Greek Cypriots have secretly been helping the Zionist regime in logistics and airspace etc. Now that Hezbollah warned the Greek Cypriots they use the obvious tactic blame Turkey 🇹🇷!

@mda990 12 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay it is more likely here is just another greek trying to push an anti-Turkey propaganda. maybe it is time to note how Turk obsession is a big part of modern Greek identity and this obsession disrupting Greeks' touch with geopolitical actuality in your future Greece-related videos.

@andreasneophytou8256 12 күн бұрын

You are wrong . In the turkish parliament , there are 3 seats that are taken by members of the turkish Hezbollah , it is not only in Lebanon , and they have an excellent relationship with the turkish president . This threat was a direct order from Turkey , they have been doing this for years and is part of their toxic foreign policy . Turkey is trying to control the region of the Middle East up to the center of Africa , and this is evident from the fact that they now have military bases there . I would advise you to talk with greek geostragitical professors who will analyze for you in depth the situation here , it seems you are missing basic understanding of what is really going on .

@gleeart 13 күн бұрын

Those protesters outside the British base clearly don't know which side their bread is buttered on.

@peterkops6431 14 күн бұрын

Thanks as always Prof👍🏻🇦🇺👍🏻

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Thanks Peter. Have a great weekend!

@johnrobertson8441 8 күн бұрын

Just a quick correction. Cyprus is actually in Asia and not Europe. Yes it is in the EU but geographically Cyprus is in Asia.

@louisbeerreviews8964 3 күн бұрын

Wrong Cyprus is in the Middle East not Asia

@johnrobertson8441 3 күн бұрын

@@louisbeerreviews8964 actually it is geographically in Asia. Take a look at a map…

@sedatpir1905 12 күн бұрын

island first settled 12,000 years ago, Greeks arrived 4,000 years ago… Who were the inhabitants for 8000 years from who the Greeks invaded the island from… Selective History.. The Arabs had not only invaded Cyprus, also north of Africa, Portugal Spain France… Never to Mention that only 2% of the arab empire were then muslim, and ruling a land mass with 60% of the Christian world

@nezperce2767 11 күн бұрын

Any signs texts of that 8000 years of yours anywhere? Thougjt so? You had inhabited Venezuela and north pole as well? Kayak... etymology.. refers to your lang...

@sedatpir1905 10 күн бұрын

@@nezperce2767 if you’d listen carefully to the program you’ll hear that clearly

@sedatpir1905 10 күн бұрын

@@Valid550 So Is the Turkish Imprint… Not only on the island and mainland of Greece…

@nezperce2767 10 күн бұрын

@@sedatpir1905 I prefer the original texts in latin and greek or perhaps in english or french of an other time.the former closer in time to the events the latter to expose why today's interpretations choose to select part of the facts of those times past

@sedatpir1905 10 күн бұрын

@@nezperce2767 Do you think there are any persons on the island that have 100% Ancient Greek blood or genes or dna in them left in Cyprus, after all the following empires have ruled the Island; Macedonian Alexander The Great, Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Byzantine’s (Gregorian) Arabs, Turks, British… Even the last Greek King Constantine II had a German Mum, Prussian Grand Mum English blood line

@PK.Soniclight 4 күн бұрын

As someone who was in Cyprus a couple of times in my teens in the 1960's, I have affection for it. So I'm a bit surprised Prof James didn't explain early on in this video that Cyprus remains divided into two main parts -- though he does have a video on that issue linked at end of this comment: It is still divided as the Republic of Cyprus, which is predominantly Greek Cypriot and controls the southern part of the island, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is predominantly Turkish Cypriot and controls the northern part. The division occurred in 1974 following a Greek-led coup and subsequent Turkish military intervention. The TRNC is only recognized by Turkey, while the Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognized and is a member of the European Union. His video on that division: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mql0osWXmcnYhYU.html

@JamesKerLindsay 4 күн бұрын

Thanks. The problem in any 10-15 minute is keeping focus on the topic at hand. It is very easy to overload viewers with too much information. Trying to explain the whole Cyprus issue *and* explain Cyprus’s complex relationship with the Middle East and Europe was simply not possible. But thanks for highlighting the other video.

@michaelpilos 4 күн бұрын

Such an accurate and holistic analysis! Impressive! 🇪🇺🇨🇾

@JamesKerLindsay 4 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

@joemancini2988 13 күн бұрын

Thank you Professor for an insightful and well thought out discussion of the issues.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!

@CautionCU 13 күн бұрын

After a lifetime of observing the conflict in the middle east, I've determined that the primary cause of the conflict is that neither side wants peace. Hope that helps.

@ruyaal 11 күн бұрын

Do you blame Hezbollah for threatening a country that lets its enemies use their bases and airstrips to attack it??

@user-mm2yy4ve2n 10 күн бұрын

Well Yes ,Cyprus, half almost occupied by Turkey ,have good friendship with Israel and US. What about you all Arabs What is the mutter with you been so random with the Turks ? Are they to be trusted ? Turkey Invaded and half almost occupies the island, Kicked out the local population,been replaced them till on our days,mainly by Turks,settlers from its mainland Ignoring of all of the UN resolutions about peace and justice

@mathewkelly9968 12 күн бұрын

Maybe Cyprus should do something about all the Arms getting shipped to Israel through it ? Oh that's right Cyprus has always been a base of Western colonialism right back to the Crusade days

@marsillinkow 14 күн бұрын

Hi Professor, I would say that a glaring omission in your video is an explanation of how the british bases on cyprus works and how they are not considered cypriot territory despite being on cyprus. Many in the comments are making wild misunderstandings based on cyprus somehow being puppets of the evil west or whatever

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

Thanks. Perhaps you’re right. I thought it was clear - especially as I said that Cyprus didn’t join NATO and was part of the non-aligned movement. It couldn’t have joined the NAM if it had British based on the islands voluntarily! But maybe that’s the problem with being too immersed in the subject. Unfortunately, this is also the way the internet works these days, and I attract more than my fair share of cranks, trolls and crackpots! People will read what they want into a situation.

@Matt_The_Hugenot 13 күн бұрын

Powerful countries can survive close relationships with others that turn out to be problematic but for such a small country as Cyprus to hitch its wagon to a state predictably becoming an international pariah is foolish in the extreme, especially when Israel is seemingly determined to pick fights in the region.

@alie.m.1474 12 күн бұрын

Prof Lindsay how does this relate to northern Cyprus and Erdogan stating he will support his brothers in Lebanon. Furthermore whilst divide and conquer tactics used by Colonial British are well known. In your opinion is there and credibility to the argument that UK/Nato have an incentive to sabotage any unification deal as that would increase chances of wanting back the 3/4% owned by UK and used as airbases?

@JamesKerLindsay 12 күн бұрын

Thanks. The Turkey angle is interesting. I hope to look at this in another video. As for the question about NATO and reunification, there’s actually a very good argument that a settlement would enhance regional stability and open the Cyprus join the organisation and hopefully remove a key source of friction between Greece and Turkey. A settlement is therefore in NATO’s best interests. And once in NATO the conversation about the Bases may change.

@alie.m.1474 12 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay thank you for taking the time to respond. Your videos are incredibly succinct and informative.

@nezperce2767 11 күн бұрын

Colonial Brits why not colonial turks?

@alie.m.1474 11 күн бұрын

@@nezperce2767 Stephen Howe notes that empires by land can be characterized by expansion over terrain, "extending directly outwards from the original frontier"while an empire by sea can be characterized by colonial expansion and empire building "by an increasingly powerful navy" thus the British empire is typically regarded as colonial whilst the Ottoman as expansionist. If you’re referring to the military intervention, and subsequent land grab It is legally defined as an Occupation. Colonisation no seeing as the Turkish Cypriots were already there and the whole reason was to protect them from nationalist Greek Cypriots and stopping Cyprus annexation to Greece

@nezperce2767 11 күн бұрын

@@alie.m.1474 turkish immigrants are already there by Turkish permission b Turkish cyprtiots were born there actually where cypriots that converted to Islam glims on percentage of the residents of Cyprus June 1955, the vote was not honored , the britd wanted the land the cyprriots wanted their Liberty. The brits did know what to do after losing Crete India and the Middle East. I would have put Cyprus in to nato a way to make both brits and Turks to take off their masks. As for that Howe who makes - appoints him the judge over native inhabitants and their liberty. Should one sneeze and the dust would reveal what's underneath you'll see signs written in Greek for more than 2- 3 thousand years

@benjauron5873 14 күн бұрын

I don't know if this is true, maybe someone can corroborate it for me, but I heard that back in the old days, most of the second half of the 20th Century, it was illegal for Israeli Jews to marry non-Jews. So El Al had hop flights from Tel-Aviv to Nicosia which were like "honeymoon cruises" just so Jews could marry Goys legally, because once back in Israel, the marriage had to be recognized. Is that true?

@ConradoMaleta 14 күн бұрын

Not accurate. True is that there is NO civil marriage in Israel. Only sanctioned by the Rabbinate. So people goes to Kaphrizim to marry there without the parasites religious class involved. The legal system of Israel recognizes civil marriages done out of its borders. So yeah Cyprus was the places any secular jew goes to marry. Irrelevant if it is with a non jew.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thanks. You are absolutely right. Many Israelis used to come to Cyprus to get married. I’m not sure if it still applies.

@ygb6586 13 күн бұрын

In Israel non religous weddings are not accepted by the state, only Jewish/Muslim/Christian weddings are official in the eyes of the state. Since a lot of people are secular here they celebrate their weddings in Israel and officially get married in Cyprus, my parents (2 jews) got married in Cyprus, and it's very common today still. That being said civil unions are recognized to certain extent, so only if you want the term 'married' under your name do you need all this unnecissary complication.

@RandomYTStuff 13 күн бұрын

@@ygb6586 That's true for EU countries in general, as a destination for non-approved marriages by Israel, as is seeking second citizenship for themselves and/or the baby being born in a third country.

@redjacc7581 14 күн бұрын

cool

@bobbygamer377 14 күн бұрын

Yes

@alittlestoryy 12 күн бұрын

Dear James, could you explain to us why turkey invaded cyprus? Was there no reason? Such a big action, even they knew this would turn all allies against them, must have a serious reason. I noticed you skipped this part.

@andreasneophytou8256 12 күн бұрын

No serious reason , they just portray a propaganda that greek cypriots were killing turkish cypriots , which by no means the numbers justify such action

@huseyincembaykan1289 12 күн бұрын

Because greece with its gang eoka wanted to massacre all the turkish cypriots and tried to annex the island to greece.

@alittlestoryy 12 күн бұрын

@@andreasneophytou8256 so greek cypriots killed anyone and turks are lying for years. Interesting. I still wonder what James think.

@oktaybagirov8750 12 күн бұрын

@@andreasneophytou8256 про черных полковников слышал, не?

@noir1923 9 күн бұрын

greece was trying to annex cyprus, we stopped it. thats it

@WilliamMallinson 12 күн бұрын

If the FCO had succeeded in giving up its bases, and not succumbed to Kissinger, Cyprus would not now be under threat.

@asoulno.136 14 күн бұрын

Read the Zurich agreement again. Where does it say that the guarantor powers have or ever had the right to intervene militarily? In English it says that the guarantors reserve the right “to take action”. It doesn’t say military action because that would have been contrary to international law i.e. the UN Charter which clearly forbids not only military action but even the threat of military action against any member state. The only way to take military action is in self defence or when authorised with a UN Security Council Resolution. Under a specific Chapter of the Charter. Cyprus never attacked Turkey and Turkey never obtained a UN Security Council Resolution to invade the UN member State, the Republic of Cyprus. Therefore Turkeys invasion and continued occupation of territory of the RoC for 50 years this year, was and continues to be illegal. Of course Turkey is a member of NATO since 1952 and it’s second second largest army. Therefore, unlike Russia, Turkey never faced any sanctions against it, despite occupying illegally part of Cyprus and despite being the biggest violator of human rights according to the ECHR for the period 1959 to 2021. That’s why no Cypriots no matter what they say in public, can ever trust 100% the West because of the double standards they selectively apply to suit their own interests.

@shafsteryellow 14 күн бұрын

Action is military action

@ataardaozkan942 14 күн бұрын

Sizce Turkiye Kibris adasina neden askeri harekat duzenledi.bu harekat sonrasi ambargoya magruz kalmayi goze almasina sebep olacak olan neydi? Ozellikle avrupalilarin bu konuya bakisi hep askeri harekat basladiktan sonrasiyla alakali.oncesinde neler oldugu Turkiyenin askeri harekatinin sebeplerini anlamaya calismak sorunu daha saglikli algilamanin yolu olabilir

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

I think YT lost my reply. The understanding was always that it included military action. I don’t think this has ever been seriously contested, especially as U.K., Greece and Turkey had military forces on the island. It would be odd to have troops on the island to protect their communities, but no right to back that up if needed. As for 1974, the general view is that the first wave was permitted. After all, let’s not forget that Greece was in the process of trying to annexe the island following a military coup. But I have always argued that once the coup had been defeated, the second wave was illegal.

@asoulno.136 14 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay International law is above any regional agreement. There was a legal opinion on the issue prior to Cyprus becoming a member of the UN by Hans Kelsen. It will be worth reading. The contingents on the Island were there as part of the treaty of Alliance for the defence of the island in the context of the Cold War not for the protection of any community. Which makes me wonder? Why the three guarantors all NATO members did not allow Cyprus into NATO?

@VladTevez 14 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay Indeed, Hans Kelsen said that the three guarantors could intervene in the event of an external threat, but not for a domestic situation, as this was a breach of UN Charter's Article 2(7): _"Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter; but this principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter VII.”_

@mussajavdan8203 10 күн бұрын

Cyprus is a respected independent country also among the eastern nations . It can have its own foreign policies as many countries . But the problem is the British colonization of the country which takes place even today. Using Cyprus ground to exercise military operation not in Cyprus foreign interest its putting the independent statehood of the country at risk .

@ReducedEvasiveDetach 13 күн бұрын

Christ this content is just pure excellent from this channel. The fact that we get more info from this guy than we do from the news channels... Keep going good sir. thank you for your unbiased non sided contextual view.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the kind words, especially at the moment. YT is becoming an increasingly challenging platform for many of us. (Poor quality AI is flooding the platform and YT is pushing sensationalistic content so many of us are seeing very serious drops in our views.) It’s really nice to hear such positive messages. Thank you!

@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367 2 күн бұрын

This mans voice has a real vocal fry (as americans call it) its underlying.. but its there

@ChrysosGreek 9 күн бұрын

Because Turkey was a guarantor country never anyone gave them the authority to colonize it like they did for 50 years if that was the case Greece with 80% of the population could had unite the island with Greece since the majority wanted that.

@alie.m.1474 12 күн бұрын

Prof although Israel and Int Law + borders is a haphazard topic. Do the newly discovered Mediterranean gas fields fall within ISR Maritime borders? Or is Cyprus/Greece allowing ISR to join potential project as it will increase military strength in maritime dispute from Turkey and therefore has a stronger hand

@branscombeR 14 күн бұрын

Brilliant summary of a complex history, as always ... thank you! I would have appreciated a few words updating the unresolved tensions over the United Nations 'green line' and Türkiye's own military presence in Cyprus, which may become pivotal if there is conflict with Hezbollah/Iran. There is also a substantial minority of Russian nationals who have bought up 'bolt-hole' properties and businesses there, who Moscow may decide require 'protection' as in Crimea. R (Australia)

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thanks. Of course, you're right. There were any number of bits that I had to leave out. It's always the way. The problem is that when you open a new strand in any story, you then need to find a way back to the main narrative and do it without confusing viewers who might not know quite as much about a topic. But, hopefully, I explained the relationship between Cyprus, the Middle East and Europe and why current developments have made it even more complex.

@branscombeR 13 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay Thanks for your response. My remarks were by no means meant as criticism ... I am a long-time admirer of your work. As a retired journalist formerly specialising in network tv news and current affairs, I have wrestled with the same issues of brevity and simplicity versus the need to do justice to a complex story involving many actors with conflicting points of view. That's why I appreciate what you do. Sad to read you may be considering taking a break from your self-imposed Sisyphean task, but fully understand ... that's why I retired! R (Australia)

@Varangoi 13 күн бұрын

Will you make an update on the Caucasus region? Armenia has left the CSTO and will have military exercises with the US. Russia seem to get better ties with Azerbaijan. The government of Georgia is leaning towards Russia now. The whole caucasus seem to be turned upside-down. I know you have a video on Georgia already.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thanks. Yes. I certainly plan to do one soon!

@Almirjaffa 12 күн бұрын

why you avoid full independent view free of propaganda?

@craigwilliams1897 13 күн бұрын

Cypress better stop being a PAWN for these devils in this Dangerous game of CHESS 🔥🔥 Like we say you play with the BULL 🐂 you get the HORNS

@sedatpir1905 12 күн бұрын

Cyprus; THE GATEWAY FOR THE EU CITIZENSHIPS OF ORTHODOX CLUB OF THE RUSSIANS AND MIDDLE EASTERN OLIGARGS

@g1u2y345 14 күн бұрын

International politics is so ridiculous if you really think about it. Why should Britain and Turkey have any say in an island that was over 80% Greek.. If the vast vast majority of the country wanted to unify with Greece, they should have been allowed to. I understand the situation is a lot more complicated than that, but the right to self-determination just does not seem to exist.

@milostomic8539 14 күн бұрын

It exists only when Western and NATO countries have benefits from it.

@tm312th 14 күн бұрын

The answer is power. If you have it then you can do whatever you want. That’s how the world works sadly, even today

@milostomic8539 14 күн бұрын

It exists only if and when Western countries can benefit from it.

@ataardaozkan942 14 күн бұрын

Kibris adasinin yunanistana katilma konusunda refarandum yapildigini sanmiyorum.ayni zamanda kibris adasinda yasayan Turklerinde geleceklerini belirleme hakki var.keske rum tarafi adadaki turk varligini yok etmek icin katliam yapmaya baslamadan bunlari dusunseydi.

@user-eu3hz3dw5b 13 күн бұрын

@@tm312th Maybe with YOUR kind!! NOT with the REST of us!!

@rudolfohisena5701 12 күн бұрын

Cyprus is a small country with lots of big problems, it should try to mitigate, not create more problems. Last thing Cyprus needs is more enemies. The “Megali Idea”, of mother Greece bore only problems, very big problems. When boys play men’s game, boys get hurt.

@charlie5- 14 күн бұрын

¡¡Asombroso!! Dios finalmente había cambiado mi vida a través de la Señor Alejandro Benedetti . 1500 cada diez días. Dios es bueno 🇺🇸🇺🇸

@AveiroTomas 14 күн бұрын

todos lo conocen. El es muy bueno en lo que hace. Un experto

@user-hx2ot5my2v 12 күн бұрын

I have been seen a lot of videos for Cyprus, this one is by far the best. No propaganda inside,no favourable side.just the truth

@JamesKerLindsay 12 күн бұрын

Thank you.

@geriatricprogrammer4364 13 күн бұрын

Cyprus the world's doormat.

@tongdijamir8541 13 күн бұрын

Hello prof, I enjoy your content based on indepth analysis of geo politics. And on top of the problem apart from Bosnia, Cyprus is one of them, In your opinion any chance of unification between the Greeks and Turks on the island in the near future.... If not let those people those who oposed federal system can be send to Christian theological seminary to learn more about the Bible and it's coexistence ......

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

Thank you very much! On Cyprus, I’m not sure that I see much hope at the moment, sadly. The UN Secretary-General has appointed a personal envoy to see if there is room for renewed talks. Her mandate has just ended. We’ll see what she says.

@nostaljiturkce 12 күн бұрын

There is no peace hope as long as Europeans see Cyprus as an outpost meaning a proxy state for proxy wars. Turkiye could have taken control of the whole island in a week in 1974 but haven’t. Turkiye’s intention was to stop the ongoing massacre against the Turkish Cypriots not to invade the island. Turkish Cypriots voted for unification in the early 2000’s but Greek Cypriots voted against. Europeans don’t want peace on the island because they want to keep their armies on it. As it is stated in the title Cyprus is just another outpost for them. Blaming Turkiye for all the conflicts on the island is a freaking joke. Any conflict or a war at its borders is never in Turkiye’s interest. Wars in the region will only hinder Turkiye’s well being and prosperity.

@yoyo5050 10 күн бұрын

Fitty needs to discover Big Jah FOR REAL‼️💯💯💯

@MU-ee9ro 14 күн бұрын

I think this analysis, although good, seems to show Eurocentric and pro western bias. Very little effort is made to interrogate the absurd idea that Cyprus should perpetually be a vassal state to British military (and through that nato and American military). Cyprus finds itself under threat precisely because it has become an accessory to Israeli-American-British imperialism in the Middle East. From Cyprus: American, British armies gather intelligence that is passed on to Israel - allowing Israel to fire missiles that have overwhelmingly targeted civilians. Without these bases the Israeli army is limited in its genocide The position and role of Cyprus to the American-Israel-British endeavours is significant and cannot be underestimated. Cyprus is as vital to the above, as Poland and Austria were vital to Germany genocide in 1930-40s… Cyprus is an accessory! A seemingly willing accessory.

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

@@MU-ee9ro Thanks. But I would just say that the topic of the Bases is a completely different video. In any video I make I have to be highly focused on a specific issue otherwise it risks just becoming a rambling set of disparate talking points that viewers find hard to follow. (Scripting these videos is far harder and more time consuming than most viewers realise - and that’s before filming and editing, and responding to comments.) But on your specific point, I’d argue that it is anything but a vassal state. That was the whole point. It decided early not to join NATO to have agency over its foreign policy and it has done that. It has done that. It forged a very active line of its own throughout the Cold War, wholly separate from the presence of the Bases. More to the point, over the past decade Cyprus has steadily moved ever closer to the West to the point that there is now a very serious debate on NATO membership. (It can’t happen because of Turkey’s veto. But it is being talked about.) The world is changing, and very quickly. Sweden and Finland are now in NATO, as are all but three of its 27 EU partners. It increasingly makes sense for Cyprus to join, especially as the island appears to be under growing threat.

@marsillinkow 14 күн бұрын

Your entire argument hinges on the misinformation that british bases on cyprus belongs to cyprus. They are not. They belong to the UK and are sovereign and seperate from the cypriot government. And before you do a whataboutism, the circumstances that led to pieces of the island of cyprus being under the sovereignty of a nation that is not cyprus is due to an international agreement, one that the UK, Greece and fellow muslim nation Turkey, agreed to till this day.

@MU-ee9ro 14 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay so in your reply you have completely side stepped the issue of why Cyprus 🇨🇾 is under threat - which is its bases being used to support Israel’s war crimes… and you have spent the bulk of your argument defending NATO and European Union? I’m glad I made the conclusion that your talking points are essentially Eurocentric and western in bias. This is not a pragmatic critique of world affairs, but rather visualising the world led by an American and European imperialism. To conclude: Cyprus has come under threat from Middle East - not because it seeks to be part of the European Union or because it seeks to be more “white western” - but because its military bases - controlled by Britain (and by proxy America) are being used as an accessory to Israelis genocide! Cyprus is to American and British and Israeli endeavours, what Belarus is to Russia - a vassal and tool! Geographically convenient for the bigger powers to use to their advantage.

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

@MU-ee9ro No. I explained why the island is under threat. It is because Cyprus has been getting to close to Israel, holding joint exercises that were widely interpreted to be aimed at operations in Lebanon. There has never been any indication that Israeli planes have used the Bases, or that the Bases have been used for any strikes in Lebanon. But it’s clear that you want to take an aggressive tone to the discussion so let’s end it here.

@MU-ee9ro 14 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay no. I’m not taking an “aggressive” tone - what I am taking is a position that spots bias and manipulation. Your video seeks to discuss a topic about geopolitics, but fails to tell the audience what exactly is happening: re Israel and Gaza and why the ongoing genocide / war crimes is a key factor. It’s not merely about cute joint exercises, it’s about Cyprus participating with a country that is deemed by ICC and UN to be engaged in war crimes. I’ve never seen someone try so hard to not mention context on a hugely important topic such as “war” and war crimes

@Alexander_1999_ 14 күн бұрын

The most Important problem for Cyprus from its relations with Israel is that it proves she is not consistant with her proclamations. Cyprus, states that she condemns any violation of international law and millitary occupations yet she supports a state that not only ilegally ocupies land but is also allaged to comit genocide. This situation is, in my opinion a Waterlloo for Cypriot and Greek foreign policy and they will pay it in the future.

@VladTevez 14 күн бұрын

It would greatly helped if the international community condemned Turkey for its own violations in Cyprus: invasion, occupation, settling Anatolian Turks and altering the island's demographic. If only UN and International community demanded the removal of settlers in Cyprus as it does for the West Bank

@SpartanLeonidas1821 13 күн бұрын

You will pay a heavy price again. You have paid it before, since your name is Alexander which means a Greek Baptized one of your Ancestors in the Sea of Hellenic islands! 👌🏻

@Alexander_1999_ 13 күн бұрын

@@VladTevez I refer to something specific that I think is immoral from the Cypriot side. I do not defend Turkish policies which are also violating international law and by the way condemned by the UN. Not everything is black and white nor is there a comparison between crimes.

@VladTevez 13 күн бұрын

@@Alexander_1999_ Cyprus is communicating with both Israel and Palestine, Cyprus has recognized Palestine decades ago and the Palestinian government expressed its gratitude to Cyprus for its humanitarian role

@vrhovnipredstojnik7650 11 күн бұрын

EU should distance it self from the wars.

@MDin5001 13 күн бұрын

Cypriot should disassociate itself from EU. Do not be a vassal state of EU or US.

@slimclark7558 3 күн бұрын

Why does he always say ‘became rule under British Colonial rule. He never says Turkish Colonial Rule.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 күн бұрын

Not quite sure what your point is?

@chewbacca3269 2 күн бұрын

The difference is, Türkiye didn't rule that land as a colony unlike Britain. It is a matter of how the empires function. Western empires had colonies, eastern empire (Ottoman or Russian) aren't really colonial empires. The ottomans didn't have colonies or not to the scale of Western empires. The whataboutism is crazy.

@ayhankaracaoglu6845 6 күн бұрын

Cyprus which mentioned in EU context is not the same Republic Of Cyprus in 1960 agreement. Rums ( false Greeks ) captured admin of this state and just pretend they are Republic of Cyprus. If EU is a union of law then why Turkish language not mentioned as 1 of EUs official languages as its official language of Rep. of Cyprus and openly written in its constutition. Can you see how miserable can they be ? and how double standards ? Turks " state wisdom" is 10 times higher than these miserables.

@nbach2202 6 күн бұрын

Don't let forearms bases stay in Cyprus and all be well. Maybe

@jasonfung9516 12 күн бұрын

I don't understand, if Cyprus is the support of supply aid to Gaza, it's good thing right? Iran should support Cyprus right? Why Hezbollah is threatening Cyprus of war?

@JamesKerLindsay 12 күн бұрын

Thanks. I cover it in the video. Cyprus has built close military ties to Israel.

@jasonfung9516 11 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay thank you. I missed that part.

@cardinalverigo 14 күн бұрын

Dearest Professor, I asked you before and got no answer from you so I'll ask you again... For how long did The Ottoman government lease out Cyprus to the British for ?

@VladTevez 14 күн бұрын

It was indefinitely, no time limit.

@eliassolomou980 14 күн бұрын

Knowing britains quirks it have been for 99 years.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

No limit was specified. The 1878 Cyprus Convention stated: “If Batum, Ardahan, Kars, or any of them shall be retained by Russia, and if any attempt shall be made at any future time by Russia to take possession of further territories of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan in Asia as fixed by the Definitive Treaty of Peace, England engages to join His Imperial Majesty the Sultan in defending them by force of arms. In return, His Imperial Majesty the Sultan promises to England to introduce the necessary reforms, to be agreed upon later between the two Powers, into the Government and for the protection of the Christian and other subjects of the Porte in those territories. And in order to enable England to make the necessary provision for executing her engagements, His Imperial Majesty the Sultan further consents to assign the Island of Cyprus to be occupied and administered by England”. Besides, it all became irrelevant after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. In 1924, the new Republic of Turkey relinquished its claim to Cyprus under the Treaty of Lausanne.

@JamesKerLindsay 13 күн бұрын

@eliassolomou980 Very good! :-)

@cardinalverigo 13 күн бұрын

@@JamesKerLindsay Strange, a lease agreement with no time constraint, never heard that one before.....

@msbayramoglu1 12 күн бұрын

Prof James Ker-Lindsay On the issue of nationalism in Cyprus I wish to state the following. Greek Cypriot (GC) young generation today is a lot more nationalistic than their fathers and grandfathers. This is because their education system and their church roots and ferments nationalism into the brains of the young GC’s. On the contrary, the young generation of Turkish Cypriots (TC) are pacifists and universalists. This is because religion plays no role in the upbringing of the young TC’s, our education system was drastically changed in the 1980’s and since then it has become pacifist and universalist, lastly the successful ‘fifth column activity’ undertaken by GC’s (financially supported by EU) has been very successful in turning young TC’s against nationalism/Turkish Nation. This applies to the young generation of TC’s living in Cyprus but not to the ones living in the UK. Around half of the TC population lives in the UK. On the contrary, these young TC’s living in the UK are very nationalistic and I noticed that many of them are your followers and commentators Cyprus has seen inter-communal violence and bloodshed from 1955 to 1974. Since 1974 peace has prevailed in Cyprus If the status quo in Cyprus is changed then inter-communal violence and bloodshed will inevitably start again Yours truly MSB

@HA-nx5qn 8 күн бұрын

A month ago most people around the world never heard of Cypress. All of a sudden their southern territory Greek president foolishly decided it was time to bring the limelight on the island by turning it into an aircraft carrier for the British and US backed Israel. Now they got more attention than they wished for indeed. Lmao

@MCTogs 14 күн бұрын

How would Hezbollah even reach Cyprus to begin with

@JamesKerLindsay 14 күн бұрын

It seems they may have missiles and drones that could reach the island.

@GababoGuyo 14 күн бұрын

i think they can uses turkey to attack cyprus or they have long missiles we did not know maybe

@eliassolomou980 14 күн бұрын

Through turkey. Ankara has allowed iranian operatives along with illegal immigrants to pass from Turkey into the occupied North and into the south. Several assassination attempts and attacks on israeli interests have thus far been foiled. For the record, hezbollahs warning wasn't random. It's known it came about with Turkish prompting.

@anotherbacklog 8 күн бұрын

Big Boss is still in a coma in a Cypriot hospital, perhaps will wake up 8 years later to build a new PMC.

@EternalKhann 13 күн бұрын

Cyprus once again - as history clearly showcases - be ruled by the dominant power of the region. The question only remains who that is. I have a clear favorite, but time will only tell.

@user-mm2yy4ve2n 14 күн бұрын

mr.James. So glad to see you. ! are we ,really under threat ? Well.. Cyprus , half almost under Turkeys OCCUPATION ,for 50 years now. Has Build a decent defence, able to protect the island from any threat Although , With Britain as a guarantor power of the islands independence , we are sure about our secure.

@Nezbir 12 күн бұрын

Shockingly, as it repeatedly happens, 120 Amhara University students in Ethiopia have been abducted and taken to Oromoia, shown tied to trees and tortured, and demanded millions of dollars ransom money to pay to their abductors. All along, PM Abiy Ahmed is quiet.