Another Resource War?

The Socialist Standard in March drew attention to the mounting confrontation in the eastern  Mediterranean between Turkey and an alliance of rival nations for access to what is promising to be a rich source of gas and oil in that part of the sea. 

The threat has not disappeared and is in fact heightening.

Egypt and Greece have now entered into a maritime treaty to counter a similar agreement signed by Turkey and Libya's UN recognised government last year.

The Guardian reports Greece has placed its military forces on high alert, recalling its naval and air force officers from holiday when Turkey as the Oruç Reis, a drillship, sailed into the disputed waters, escorted by gunboats, to conduct seismic research.

According to the BBC France is deploying two Rafale fighter jets and a naval frigate in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Turkey to halt oil and gas exploration in disputed waters in the area. 

Macron has also called for EU sanctions against Turkey for what he described as “violations” of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty over their territorial waters.

Even though many of the countries insist upon a peaceful settlement as the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, explained, “Let it be known to all: the risk of an accident lies in wait when so many military forces gather in a limited area.”