The Greek Current

The latest European data shows that Greeks are working many more hours than their European counterparts, with one in five Greeks working more than 45 hours a week. This data comes amid wider discussions about productivity in Greece's economy, developments in AI, and recent moves by the government to introduce a 6 day workweek and a 13-hour work day. Nikos Efstathiou, an Athens based journalist and author, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greeks work the longest in EUGeneral strike against 13-hour work day brings Greece to a haltGreece's new 6-day workweek law takes effect, bucking a trendGreece's success ‘an example' for GermanyAthens watching Turkey moves for signs of aggression

Two years ago, on October 7th, the Middle East was upended after Hamas' deadly attack against Israel. This had a clear ripple effect across the Eastern Mediterranean as well, impacting Greece and Cyprus. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini's diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at the monumental shifts ushered in two years ago on October 7, and where they leave Greece and Cyprus today. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:PM: Greece ready to support diplomatic efforts for peace in GazaDéjà Vu or a Peace Breakthrough in Gaza?Erdogan hopes for resolution on sanctions, F-35s, Halkbank after Trump talksTurkey floated $100 million Halkbank settlement idea at White House last month, sources saySYRIZA MPs ready to follow ex-leader

The headline political news coming out of Greece this week is former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' resignation as a SYRIZA MP, a move that has many wondering if it's only a matter of time before Tsipras announces a new party. The news also comes as polls and surveys show a lack of confidence among voters in the political system. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at whether Tsipras is angling for a comeback and what impact this could have on Greece's political scene.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Tsipras quits as MP; new party ahead?Greeks crying out for political change but doubt it will happen, poll findsGreece Forecasts Debt Ratio for 2025 to Reach Pre-Bailout Low

Recent reports, primarily in Bloomberg, indicate that Turkey anticipates a settlement to the Halkbank issue that would allow the bank - indicted in 2019 for conspiracy to evade US sanctions on Iran to the tune of tens of billions of dollars - to avoid a protracted legal fight and pay what it called a “manageable” fine. Thanos Davelis digs into this story with Jonathan Schanzer, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, as we look at the message such a settlement would send to others around the world about the seriousness of US sanctions.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey Anticipates Manageable Fine to Settle Halkbank-US DisputePM: Greece ready to support diplomatic efforts for peace in GazaFormer PM Tsipras resigns as MP, pledges continued political activism

Kimberley Guilfoyle, the first woman to serve as US ambassador to Greece, was sworn in this week, and is expected in Athens soon. With the US-Greece relationship at historic heights, Ambassador Guilfoyle is now in a position to take it a step further. Endy Zemenides, HALC's Executive Director, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at both the opportunities and the potential pitfalls that Ambassador Guilfoyle needs to be aware of as she looks to add her mark to the bilateral relationship.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:New US ambassador to Greece sworn inEndy Zemenides on X: Promises and pitfalls Ambassador Guilfoyle needs to be wary ofEU subsidy fraud isn't just a Greek problem, it's everywhere, warns top prosecutorGeneral strike against 13-hour work day brings Greece to a halt

US officials and lawmakers seem to be increasingly concerned about China's global network of ports, including Greece's port of Piraeus, and reports indicate the Trump administration is on a mission to weaken Beijing's hand here. Dr. Elizabeth Economy, an acclaimed author and expert on Chinese domestic and foreign policy and a former senior advisor for China in the Department of Commerce, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into this dimension of the US-China power struggle, breaking down what it means for Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:U.S. targets China's grip on global ports in sweeping maritime missionUS monitoring Piraeus PortGov't unveils ‘bold' military overhaulUS committed to bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus

Turkey has been scrambling to contain the fallout from comments made by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently, who said that Turkey's hyped-up KAAN fighter jet couldn't be produced because of US CAATSA sanctions. He even said Ankara would seek alternative solutions if CAATSA is not lifted. Aaron Stein, the President of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, joins Thanos Davelis today as we explore whether Turkey's KAAN fighter - and its defense industry at large - is hostage to CAATSA sanctions.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey scrambles to contain fallout after Fidan says KAAN jet dependent on USTurkey to seek alternatives if US fails to lift CAATSA sanctions, Fidan saysChristodoulides vows support for Great Sea Interconnector projectCommon Greek-US plan on shipping American LNG in the next few months

While in New York for the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a point to highlight Turkey's long-standing threat of war against Greece - or the casus belli as it's widely known - urging Ankara to finally lift it. John Psaropoulos joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into Turkey's 30-year threat of war against Greece, which doesn't only hang over Greek-Turkish relations like a dark cloud, but has wider implications for Europe, NATO, and the US. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:PM urges Turkey to lift war threatGreece is leveraging defence tech to bring Turkey to arbitrationNew US ambassador to Greece sworn inExxonMobil's big finding off Cyprus

Turkish President Erdogan finally made his way back into the White House last week, meeting with President Trump as issues like the F-35s, the lifting of CAATSA sanctions, and Turkey's purchase of Russian oil topped the list. Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow for the Center for American Progress and an expert on Turkey and US foreign policy, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down whether we're seeing the revival of a bromance between the two leaders, and look at what this means for key issues like the sale of F-35s.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Trump urges Turkey to stop buying Russian oil as Erdogan chases deal on F-35sErdogan hails 'meaningful progress' in his talks with TrumpLabor market opens up to refugeesPM urges Turkey to lift war threat

While the world focuses on the UN General Assembly, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has also been in the US, holding key meetings in Washington and New York with President Trump, members of Congress, and world leaders. At the same time, his visit put a spotlight on the important role the Ecumenical Patriarch has played and continues to play on the environment, interfaith dialogue, and peacebuilding. Elizabeth Prodromou and Aristotle Papanikolaou join Thanos Davelis as we dig into Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's recent visit to the US.Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou is a previous Vice Chair and Commissioner on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and Visiting Professor in the International Studies Program at Boston College.Aristotle Papanikolaou is the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture and the co-founding Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew discusses Halki, religious freedoms with TrumpPatriarch Bartholomew defends recognition of independent Ukrainian churchEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew receives the Templeton Prize in New YorkTrump urges Erdogan to stop buying Russian oil as they meet at White HouseTrump pushes Turkey on Russian oil, hints at lifting sanctions

Year after year Greece has seen record numbers of tourists arrive in the country, and all data indicates that this upward trend - which is a global phenomenon - will continue in the coming years. While this has been pivotal for Greece's economy, it also raises a number of concerns about the future of Greek tourism and whether the current model is sustainable. Stathis Kalyvas, the chairman of the board of directors at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and Gladstone professor of government at the University of Oxford, joins Thanos Davelis as we ask whether Greece needs to radically change the way it thinks about tourism.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:What future for the ‘Greek summer?'Calm waters risk turning turbulent againTrump is hosting Turkey's Erdogan at the White House as the US considers lifting ban on F-35 salesTurkey's Erdogan gets Trump's red carpet — but don't reward his treachery with US fighter jets

President Trump is about to roll out the red carpet for Turkey's President Erdogan this week in the White House, with issues like a “large-scale” purchase of Boeing aircraft, a “big deal” for F-16s, and Turkey's desire to acquire F-35s set to dominate the agenda. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down what's at stake and why the US is facing a moment of truth when it comes to Turkey.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:An autocratic Turkey does not deserve US military aidTurkey's Erdogan gets Trump's red carpet — but don't reward his treachery with US fighter jetsTurkey plans to buy hundreds of Boeing airliners and Lockheed Martin fighters, Bloomberg News reportsHigh-tech tax authority helps Greece return to Europe's financial mainstreamHow Greece's neglected power grid fuels wildfire destruction

Chevron's recent bid to explore in Greek waters and Secretary Doug Burgum's recent visit to Greece have put energy in the spotlight, with the discussion shifting to how Greece and the US can work together to ensure a more secure energy future for the region. Constantinos Filis, the director of the Institute of Global Affairs and a professor of international relations at the American College of Greece, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down Chevron's interest in Greece and look at how energy is set to take center stage in the US-Greece relationship.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Let's not waste any more precious timeGreece emerging as critical energy hub in Eastern MediterraneanChevron's here and must stayPM Mitsotakis announces EEZ delimitation talks with LibyaTensions shadow Mitsotakis-Erdogan talks

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and President Trump's calls for Europe to increase its defense spending have served as a wake up call for European governments who are committing to boost both military spending and investments in their defense sector. Max Bergmann, the director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the Stuart Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at where Europe is today on defense, and how this could impact the Transatlantic alliance.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Defense Budgets in an Uncertain Security EnvironmentLoss for Trump as Denmark chooses Franco-Italian air defense system over US PatriotsBrussels approves Germany's mega spending planTrump to host Erdogan at White House on September 25PM heads to New York, plans meetings all week

At the beginning of the year there was optimism in Europe that, despite a long to-do list, the Trump shock might lead to a “European moment”. Today, sluggish economic growth and political uncertainty seem to have stalled this momentum, with many wondering where Europe's sense of urgency is. Simon Nixon, an independent journalist and the publisher of the Wealth of Nations newsletter, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at the challenges facing Europe and whether it can revive the sense of optimism in this “European moment”.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Europe's missing moment and the back-to-school bluesEurope's great stockmarket inversionKimberly Guilfoyle confirmed as US ambassador to GreeceTurkey and Egypt launch joint drills

Over the past days we've seen tensions rise in the Aegean, with the planned deployment of Turkey's research vessel Piri Reis - which remains docked - raising eyebrows in Athens ahead of an expected meeting between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Erdogan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini's diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis to take a closer look at these developments and at the state of Greek-Turkish relations today. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Measured strain ahead of New YorkAnkara halts ship, Athens on alertBenghazi won't ratify Turkey dealGreek-owned fleet ready to transport more American LNG around the worldPatriarch Bartholomew honored at Capitol Hill

The world's attention will be on New York later this month, as world leaders prepare for the UN General Assembly. The Cyprus problem - one of the longest standing issues before the UN - will also be on the agenda, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres scheduled to meet with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. In a slightly different approach to the issue, Michael Rubin, who joins Thanos Davelis, explains that the US has enabled Turkey's occupation in Cyprus by granting Tatar - the illegitimate leader of an illegitimate state - a visa to attend the UNGA, and breaks down how it can correct course.Michael Rubin is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Rubio Should Correct Course on Turkish Occupation of CyprusShould the Foreign Missions Travel Controls Program Extend to Turkey?US targets China's grip on global ports in sweeping maritime missionGreece stages military exercise in Aegean after Turkish survey warningAnkara halts ship, Athens on alert

Israel's recent airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar seems to send a clear message that it is willing to go anywhere to eliminate Hamas. This has cast a cloud of growing concern in Turkey that it could be a target, especially considering President Erdogan's open embrace of Hamas and his escalating rhetoric against Israel. Henri Barkey, an adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Cohen chair in international relations at Lehigh University, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey wary of Israeli threat following airstrike on Hamas in QatarIsrael Risks a Gaza Ceasefire in Strike on Qatar—and HamasEcumenical Patriarch discusses Halki, religious freedoms with TrumpRutte signals support for SAFE bid by Turkey 

Earlier this month, as the new school-year kicked off around the world, Greece announced it was closing more than 750 schools as a sharp decline in births over the years has left them without enough students. The story has made the rounds on social media, even getting picked up and shared by figures like Elon Musk. Eleni Varvitstioti, the Financial Times correspondent for Greece and Cyprus and author of this report, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at this story and the broader demographic challenge facing Greece.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece suspends 5% of schools as birth rate drops Greek companies tour Europe to lure back skilled nationals Tens of thousands protest against legal crackdown on Turkey's main opposition partyEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Washington

This week a swarm of Russian heavy drones flew into Poland, a NATO member, and several of them were intercepted and shot down. The incident has raised a number of questions, as Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it “a large-scale provocation”. Thomas Graham, a Russia expert and a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at what this incident means for Europe, for NATO, and for ongoing talks on Ukraine.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Russia Tests NATO With Poland Drone BreachRussia's Strategy Against the West: Escalate Slowly and See if It RespondsPutin's Message to Ukraine, Europe and Trump: I Won't Back Down‘Intensified interest' in passing Russia sanctions bill, says ThuneCooperation signal on US LNGGreece weighs additional F-35 jets 

US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum - and chair of the influential White House National Energy Dominance Council - will be the first cabinet-level official to travel to Greece this presidential term, highlighting Greece's role as a key US partner on energy. At the same time, it looks like new developments on Capitol Hill could soon pave the way for US ambassador–nominee to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to finally take up her post in Athens. Lena Argiri, the DC correspondent for ERT - the Greek Public Broadcasting Company - and Kathimerini, joins Thanos Davelis to break all of this down.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece deemed critical to US energy planSenate GOP advances Guilfoyle's nomination for AthensAthens wary of domino effect of instabilityChevron entry elevates Greece geopolitically

The latest chapter in a nearly year-long crackdown on the main opposition is unfolding in Turkey, where it seems Turkish President Erdogan is using the courts to effectively neuter the opposition. As Erdogan moves Turkey closer to a Russia-style autocracy, what does this mean for the opposition and ultimately for the West? Thanos Davelis breaks these questions down today with Wolfango Piccoli, the co-founder of risk analysis company Teneo. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey's opposition head accuses Erdoğan of legal ‘coup'Turkey's 'tough guy' president says he's tackling corruption. Rivals say he's silencing oppositionGreece deemed critical to US energy planSenate GOP advances Guilfoyle's nomination for Athens 

This weekend in Thessaloniki Prime Minister Mitsotakis laid out his vision for the coming year, announcing 1.6 billion euros in tax cuts - a package he called the boldest tax reform enforced in Greece in more than 50 years - and various measures to tackle the cost of living challenge facing many Greeks and the demographic crisis. John Psaropoulos joins Thanos Davelis as we break down these announcements and what they mean heading into the upcoming national elections in 2027.John Psaropoulos is an independent journalist and Al Jazeera's correspondent in southeast Europe. He also publishes Hellenica, a weekly deep dive into Greek current affairs and history that you can find on Substack.com.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Tax cuts nudge Greece towards prosperity, but will they save it?Greek premier rules out snap election, says tax cuts will help familiesGreece announces €1.6bn relief package to tackle population declineGreece's population decline and its need for growthBenghazi won't ratify Turkey dealTurkey opposition uses tables, chairs to block police besieging headquarters

In July Turkey hosted the 17th International Defense Industry Fair, and over 100 countries sent representatives to see what's behind all the hype around Ankara's defense industry. Despite the attention it's gotten over the last years, a lot of Ankara's new military technology remains in development and untested, posing the question: Can Turkey deliver on its defense ambitions? Ryan Gingeras, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Turkish, Balkan, and Middle East history, joins Thanos Davelis as we try to answer this question.The views expressed by Professor Gingeras in this interview do not reflect the views of the US government.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Can Turkey Deliver on Its Armament Ambitions?Greece announces €1.6bn relief package to tackle population declineGreece, OpenAI agree deal to boost innovation in schools, small businesses

With the US focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, and President Trump's trade deals, it seems the Western Balkans are flying under the radar in Washington. In fact, there are growing concerns in the region about a quiet US withdrawal and what this could mean as countries like Russia, China and Turkey vie for influence. Professor James Ker-Lindsay, who has worked extensively on the EU, the Balkans and Southeast Europe, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at these developments.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Risky jockeying for position in the BalkansSerb separatist Dodik defies Bosnian state in government reshuffleGreece toughens penalties for rejected asylum seekers, speeds up returnsPM to unveil tax breaks as popularity dips

The Economist just ran a story about the Shanghai Co-operation Organization summit that took place, calling it Xi Jinping's anti-American party. This party also included world leaders like Turkish President Erdogan. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into Erdogan's cozying up to China and what it means for the US.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Xi Jinping's anti-American partyTurkey's Erdogan holds hands with Iran's Pezeshkian, sparks online buzzPutin, Modi and Erdoğan among leaders in China for talks with XiMitsotakis and Erdogan likely to meet this monthAthens sends message to Nicosia over power cable project

This weekend Prime Minister Mitsotakis is heading to Thessaloniki, where he's going to deliver a sort of state of the union address, outlining his agenda and key priorities for the year ahead. Today Thanos Davelis brings on Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder of Macropolis.gr, as we break down what issues are top of the list, and what moves Mitsotakis is planning for the year ahead. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:PM finalises relief measures in ambitious but risky move to sway votersTurkish court ousts main opposition's Istanbul head over congress irregularitiesEU foreign policy chief: Turkey-Libya maritime deal violates rights of third countries

Constantine Cavafy, the Greek poet whose work not only charted a new path for Greek poetry, but also inspired countless readers around the world - including figures like David Hockney, Leonard Cohen, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis - is back in the spotlight thanks to the publication of his first biography in roughly 50 years. Professors Gregory Jusdanis and Peter Jeffreys, the authors of the book, join Thanos Davelis as we take a deeper dive into the life and work of Constantine Cavafy.For those who are interested, the book is available for purchase in the US and the UK, and is expected in early October in Greece as well.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Constantine Cavafy: A New BiographyAlexandrian Sphinx: The Hidden Life of Constantine Cavafy‘Constantine Cavafy' Review: A Poet's Odyssey WithinThe mysterious life of Constantine CavafyAnkara bristles at Athens' energy movesGreece suspends 5% of schools as birth rate drops

Endy Zemenides, HALC's Executive Director, is joined by Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to break down reports that Israel is closing in on a security deal with Syria as a U.S. envoy meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to analyze what this means for the region, from Turkey to broader U.S. strategy in the Middle East.You can read the article we discuss on our podcast here:Syria's Sharaa confirms 'advanced' talks with Israel on security deal; US envoy meets NetanyahuBirth rate decline a threat to universitiesGreece issues very high wildfire risk alert for Aegean islands and Crete

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Mariam Wahba, Research Analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to analyze the Egyptian government's efforts to control St. Catherine's monastery, the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery.You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:Egypt's War Against the World's Oldest Christian MonasteryOn migration, Greece takes a Trumpian turn - The Washington PostEnergy minister dismisses report on possible Turkey-Libya maritime deal approval | eKathimerini.com

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations at FDD Action, to analyze the State Department's response to a Congressional letter calling on holding Turkey accountable and the F-35 program. You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:State Department: The US position regarding Turkey's acquisition of F-35s remains unchanged | eKathimerini.comA Gaza-bound ship that left Cyprus with 1,200 tons of food aid nears Israeli portGiannis leads way for Greece in Eurobasket exhibition game

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Patrick Theros, former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and former Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism, to analyze the freezing of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem's bank accounts. You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:Jerusalem freezes Greek Orthodox Patriarchate's bank accounts over tax dispute | The Times of IsraelSerbia rocked by ongoing anti-government clashes – DW – 08/19/2025President of Syria Al-Shara met Patriarch of Antioch in Damascus | Orthodox Times (en)

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council, Board Member at Radio Free Europe, and author of Implosion: The End of Russia and What It Means for America to analyze the aftermath and impact of President Trump's meeting with with President Zelensky and European Leaders.You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:Major Takeaways From Trump's Meeting With Zelenskyy and European Leaders | Council on Foreign RelationsUN publishes Greek response rejecting Libya hydrocarbon claims | eKathimerini.comRhodes beach violations persist despite crackdown | eKathimerini.comConstruction on the islands getting worse every year | eKathimerini.com

Host Endy D. Zemenides, HALC Executive Director, welcomes Matthew Boyle, Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief for Breitbart News, for a deep dive into the implications of President Trump's recent meeting with President Vladimir Putin, the latest developments in the war in Ukraine, and what all of this means for international relations.

Greece - and much of southern Europe - has faced a series of wildfires over the past weeks, prompting evacuations and even resulting in deaths. As Greece grapples with another summer of wildfires, questions abound over how to combat this phenomenon and build resilience, and the role of the media, the government, and civil society. Niko Efstathiou, an Athens based journalist and author, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into these questions.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Wildfires: What we don't know is what burns usOverhead power lines under scrutiny after wildfiresRiyadh requests Greek mission renewalTurkey's deepening ties with Italy, Spain

Earlier this week we took a look at the stakes ahead of President Trump's meeting with Russian President Putin in Alaska. Today, Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, the president of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute who has advised the White House, the State and Treasury Departments, and the Council of Economic Advisers on Russian economic sanctions and business retreats, joins Thanos Davelis as we explore how sanctions have crippled Russia's economy, leaving Putin with very few cards. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Trump Has the Upper Hand Going into His Meeting with PutinIn a Trump-Putin Summit, Ukraine Fears Losing Say Over Its FutureFirefighters contain most wildfires across Greece, but risk remainsGovernment makes relief measures top priorityAfter inking military pact, Turkey to provide Syria with weapons, trainingTurkey to help Syria with weapon systems, equipment under signed MoU, source says

Is Israel risking overplaying its hand in Gaza and the Middle East, and, as European countries like France and Britain move to recognize Palestine, what are the broader ramifications for the region? Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Thanos Davelis as we look to answer these questions, and more.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Israel Risks Overplaying Its Hand in Gaza and the Middle EastWhy Recognizing Palestine Is Meaningless or Even HarmfulSenegalese diplomat set to lead UN mission in CyprusSouda, Larissa base upgrades on agenda

Are Armenia and Azerbaijan on a path to peace, or is the latest deal signed at the White House a rushed agreement that lets Baku off the hook for its aggression - from the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno Karabakh to its unlawful detention of Armenian POWs? Thanos Davelis digs into this question with Aram Hamparian, the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America, as we look at what this deal means for peace and stability in the region.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign Peace Pledge at White HouseIf Azerbaijan Breaks its Agreements, Are Armenians Prepared to Resist?Donald Trump brokers a peace plan in the CaucasusWildfires sweep Greece, trigger mass evacuationsBrussels wants to ditch Russian gas. Turkey could keep it flowing undetected.

All eyes will be on Alaska this Friday as President Trump meets with President Putin to discuss Ukraine, a high stakes summit with risks for Europe, Ukraine, and President Trump. Will Ukraine's fear of a deal struck between Trump and Putin - and excluding Kyiv - be realized? What about the political risks for President Trump both at home and with US allies? David Sanger, the White House and National Security Correspondent for the New York Times, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into all of these questions. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:In a Trump-Putin Summit, Ukraine Fears Losing Say Over Its FutureAthens walks Middle East tightropeSeoul offers Athens major defense proposal

Almost a month since Kimberly Guilfoyle received the nod from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we are still waiting for her to take up the job of US ambassador in Athens. Endy Zemenides, HALC's Executive Director, joins Thanos Davelis as we try to answer the question everyone's thinking in Greece: “When is Kimberly arriving?”You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Another hurdle delays Guilfoyle's arrivalUS Senate gridlock further delays Guilfoyle's arrival to GreeceCongress is in August recess, but tensions lie ahead on spending and Trump nominationsGreece, US discuss possible new military basesAnkara blocks research on cable routeGreece may extend North Africa asylum ban if migrant flow resurges

Syria stands at a pivotal moment. As the violent persecution of Syria's minorities intensifies, key voices are calling on the US and the international community to help steer the country away from authoritarianism and toward a future that ensures equal citizenship for all Syrians. Two of those voices  - Nadine Maenza and Aykan Erdemir - join Thanos Davelis as we break down why these steps are needed, before it's too late.Nadine Maenza is the chair of the Institute for Global Engagement, co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, and former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Aykan Erdemir is the Anti-Defamation League's senior director of Global Research and Diplomatic Affairs.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:The path to security for Syria's minorities goes through equal citizenship As Trump warms to Syria, US pushes UN to lift Sharaa sanctionsEgypt reaffirms support for Sinai Monastery amid speculation over its futureCyprus property disputes threaten UN peace talks

Despite Cyprus being better prepared than ever ahead of the wildfire season, last month Cyprus was hit with its worst wildfire in decades. As Cypriots look for answers, countries in the region - including Greece - are also facing similar challenges as they struggle to build resilience and keep up with the impacts of climate change. Nektaria Stamouli, the deputy editor in chief of Kathimerini's English Edition and Politico's Eastern Mediterranean correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Confused politics fans the flames of Southern Europe's wildfiresTurkish parliamentary committee begins work on PKK peace initiativeAnti-drone system propels Greek plans for home-grown defence industry

With the summer holiday season kicking into full gear, Greek politics doesn't seem ready for a break just yet. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into what's keeping Greek politicians busy in the summer heat - whether it's the continued fallout over an EU farm subsidy scandal, speculation that former prime minister Antonis Samaras could form his own party, or new relief measures set to be announced after the summer.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Gov't faces battles on multiple frontsParliamentary chicanery raises doubt about PM's grip on party as he looks ahead to relief packageGreece, US discuss possible new military basesGreek, Egyptian FMs meet; Sinai in spotlight

Over the past month we've seen a battle of maps in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the Tripoli-based government in Libya, backed by Turkey, raising the temperature with Greece. Thanos Davelis brings on Constantinos Filis, the director of the Institute of Global Affairs and a professor of international relations at the American College of Greece, as we dig into Greece's Libya conundrum and break down whether it's time for Athens - given Ankara's role here - to rethink its Turkey strategy.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece's tricky Libyan balancing actTime for Athens to rethink its Turkey strategyWarming waters transforming Greece's seasGreece condemns Turkey's marine parks as ‘unacceptable, unilateral and illegal'

Earlier this week we dug into the EU-US trade deal, a deal that many Europeans feel is a humiliation and a surrender. As the dust settles around the details of this agreement, Thanos Davelis brings on Yiannis Mouzakis, the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr - a political and economic analysis site that focuses on Greece, to take a closer look at what this deal could mean for Greece.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece digests EU-US trade deal amid mixed reactionFirst foreign universities to be approvedTurkey government 'manufactures' enemies, opposition tells AFP

The past week has seen a number of developments on defense making headlines in Greece, whether it's news that Athens will tap into Europe's SAFE program, or plans that foresee self-sufficient military units on Greece's islands. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini's diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why these moves matter, and look at what else he is paying attention to, including Turkey's deal for Eurofighter jets and its expected response to Greece's new maritime park in the Aegean.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece to tap EU loans to aid defense industriesGreece, 17 EU states apply for SAFE defense financing toolArmed Forces plan foresees self-sufficient army units on islandsGreece awaiting Turkey's marine park responseAthens not surprised by Turkey's Eurofighter acquisitionLibyan coast guards train in Greece under plan to stem migrant flowsErdogan shouldn't bank on Trump 

Earlier this month about 30 Kurdish PKK fighters put their assault rifles in a cauldron and set them on fire, a symbolic move after Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK's imprisoned leader, issued a call for the PKK to lay down its arms. Thanos Davelis is joined by Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, as we look into whether Kurds and Turks, after more than four decades of conflict, are closer than ever to peace. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Kurds and Turks are closer than ever to peacePeace in Turkey must not become a smokescreen for repressionAwaiting the details of the EU-US trade dealMPs vote to probe subsidies scandal

Surrender, submission, humiliation. Those are the words floating around in Europe after the US and the EU reached a tariff deal this weekend that President Trump described as the “biggest deal” ever made. Thanos Davelis brings on Simon Nixon, an independent journalist, Kathimerini columnist, and the publisher of the Wealth of Nations newsletter, as we ask the question: big beautiful deal, humiliating surrender, or a little bit of both?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Europe's SurrenderPaying to Play: Europe's Costly Concessions in Trump's New Trade WarTrump and EU Reach Tariff Deal, Avoiding Trade WarEurope averts its Trumpian trade nightmareYemen's Houthi rebels threaten to escalate attacks on ships linked to companies dealing with IsraelWildfire burns 1.3% of Cyprus' land, satellite data showsReal cost of Cyprus fire near €20 mln

With President Trump's tariffs putting a sharp focus on China, most will likely be closely watching negotiations between the two as they look to avoid a full-blown trade war. In the meantime, the EU also has its eye on China, as Beijing's wide trade surplus with the bloc and its backing of Moscow are key concerns. Brad Setser, the Whitney Shepardson senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations with an expertise in global trade, joins Thanos Davelis today as we take a closer look at how Europe is shifting when it comes to China.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Ursula von der Leyen tells Xi Jinping EU-China ties are at ‘inflection point'Wildfires rage in Greece and Turkey as extreme heat persistsNew legislation will grant legal status to Mt Sinai monastery

Seeing little progress in its effort to get back into the F-35 program, Turkey is now turning to the Eurofighter, with reports this week indicating a deal with both the UK and Germany for 40 jets. Tyler Stapleton and Sinan Ciddi, two experts tracking this issue closely, join Thanos Davelis today to look at what this deal means for Turkey and President Erdogan, and whether this could pose a risk for Europe in the long run.Sinan Ciddi is a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics.Tyler Stapleton serves as director of congressional relations at FDD Action. He previously spent eight years working in Congress where he served as a senior advisor on national security, foreign policy, defense, and intelligence for two members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:UK and Germany Agree to Sell Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets to TurkeyUK, Turkey Sign Eurofighter Deal After Germany Gives NodCyprus gets help from other countries to battle huge wildfire that has killed 2Mitsotakis invites Tripoli to engage in EEZ delimitation talks

Syria has been rocked lately by sectarian violence, something that's not only putting the country's minorities on edge, but is also posing a challenge to ongoing US efforts led by Ambassador Tom Barrack to push for the Syrian Kurds' full integration into the Syrian government. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, joins Thanos Davelis today as we dig into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Suwayda violence boosts Kurds' leverage as US Syria envoy, SDF chief meetUS envoy urges Syria's Sharaa to revise policy or risk fragmentationGreece unveils five-pillar plan to tackle growing water scarcityTurkey nears Eurofighter jet purchase after UK, German agreementsAthens not surprised by Turkey's Eurofighter acquisition