Cyprus-Forum.com

[magikthrill]

um how exactly was the invasion of Iraq a "counterattack"?

[cannedmoose]

I think he's referring to the rebuttal of radical islam by the West, rather than declaring the invasion of Iraq as a counterattack. At least I hope that's what Chip's saying.

[Nickp]

Recently I have had to do alot of research on the history of Cyprus and expecially terrorism. How much do you natives fear terrorism in Cyprus? Are ethnic tensions so high that genocide could take place?

Thanks for any info you could provide.

Chip

I don't think the natives fear terrorism too much as the Cyprus government has not go the power or the viewpoint to agitate the Arabs as mush as the western powers. The only threat of terrorism would come in the form of hitting either the British bases or tourists. Even this is unlikely as i think Cyprus aligns itself very much with Europe and for a country so close to the middle east it has very little to do with it. Even though Cyprus has endured it's fare share of political instability and war hardship, today it''s a prosperous country that has had peace for 31 years. I find it tough to belive were so close to where all that chaos in Iraq and Isreal is happening. We might as well be in the middle of the pacific ocean with no country in site!!! Furthermore, as Cyprus is a very small population that has a basically 'local' feel, they would notice any suspicious people in a heartbeat!

As for ethnic tensions, i would say it's more bitterness as the likely hood of genocide happening is next to 0. Since the divided island open up it's crossing 2 years ago there hasn't been an incident, with Greeks crossing into the north and Turks into the south. This is mainly, becuase neither side is interested in fighting, they just want to enjoy their prosperity and live their lives, particularly the new generation. So if you think they can get along in such a bitter situation, any settlement should improve things on the island a thousand times more, hence genocide is next to 0.

If you are a USA soldier, the attitude among the British Soldiers in Cyprus is that it's the place to be stationed in the British Army. The place is like a holiday camp!

[cannedmoose]

If you are a USA soldier, the attitude among the British Soldiers in Cyprus is that it's the place to be stationed in the British Army. The place is like a holiday camp!

Problem is that those stationed in Cyprus always seemed to go off to Iraq as their next assignment...

As for US soldiers being in the British bases, only if you're a top intelligence expert, since they're not officially supposed to be in the bases, they wouldn't just let the grunts stroll about. So, sorry, not likely you'll get assigned to Cyprus.

As for terrorism, it's highly unlikely that they'd attempt to attack British military installations directly since the likelihood is that they would be killed before they could kill anyone else, which is a suicide bombers main aim. It's far easier to attack defenceless civilians in a relatively unguarded western liberal state, than it is to take on a well-defended military camp.

[Sinister_Carnie]

That sounds good. In the conclusion of my paper, I claimed that the terrorist sects pose no real threat the Western Governments, or Cyprus for that matter, like a WW2 Germany or Cold-War USSR. I did note that the media exaggerates the damage they produce. However it is the greatest threat facing the Western states right now, and will continue to receive military attention. I also stated that the green line segregation actually prevents violence, like the Israeli security fence. Those statements might not be true, but I’ll let you know what I make.

When I speak of “counterattacks”, it’s not a matter of justifying the invasion 2 years ago, but of the current counter-insurgency operations. I’m afraid that the martyring of more terrorists (patriots depending on your point of view) will push the moderates in Iraq farther toward the Wahhabi mindset. Transferring operations to the Iraqi security forces is a good idea, but those damned suicide bombings are wreaking havoc. Either way, Cyprus is looking good. Hopefully you all end up unifying. TC and GC strippers in the same clubs, Martin Luther King would have been proud.

Chip

[Piratis]

I also stated that the green line segregation actually prevents violence, like the Israeli security fence. Those statements might not be true, but I’ll let you know what I make.

Don't worry. Soldiers are not supposed to think and write papers. They are supposed to do what they are ordered, and when they are asked they are supposed to say what they have been taught they should say to please the ones they depend on.

[Sinister_Carnie]

Maybe in their official capacity, but off-duty I'm a student. Perhaps you all would be better served by me keeping my thoughts to myself, but I would still like to hear yours.

[magikthrill]

I also stated that the green line segregation actually prevents violence, like the Israeli security fence.

did you also note that both of these barriers keep original owners from their land (an issue which has caused violence) or was that neatly unmentioned as you have been taught it to be?

[2fan]

[

10)Hunting with 5000 hunters to every one hare.[/quote]


That was so funny I fell off my chair.

[2fan]

Maybe in their official capacity, but off-duty I'm a student. Perhaps you all would be better served by me keeping my thoughts to myself, but I would still like to hear yours.

Chip,

Please do not feel that you must keep your thoughts to yourself. This is an open form and everyone's opinion should be respected even if one disagrees. I think I speak for the majority of the people when I say to keep contributing. Let us know what you make on that paper.

PS
Thank you for your service.