In addition to the foregoing, the United States and Western Europe share an interest in containing Islamic fundamentalism. The battle between fundamentalists and secularists that most directly affects western interests is taking place in the lands bordering the eastern and southern shores of the Mediterranean. These exist off the regular beat of the global cop and, as for the global posse, Greece and Turkey are members of it in the Balkans. When Turkey suffered a devastating earthquake in September, Greece was the first country to offer assistance. Shortly after, when Greece suffered a similar disaster, Turkey reciprocated.
Difficult problems lie ahead for Greece and Turkey.
They have not yet addressed their differences over Aegean air and sea space and the Aegean shelf. Even harder will be the negotiation of a settlement in Cyprus that reunites the island, removes Turkish troops from the north, and allows the Republic to enter the European Union as a full member. Greece and Turkey will need help from their allies in both these areas. The European Union must continue to keep the door open to the Turks for eventual membership. It will be a long process but it is one that Greece now fully supports.