Forging a united front

It is often said, typically as an exercise of wishful thinking, that foreign policy matters require maturity and calm.

Nevertheless, the prudence shown by Greece’s political parties in recent days is proof of how much the country can benefit when diplomacy is undisturbed by domestic distractions.

To be sure, this is not a time for celebration. Greece has achieved its first goal: that is to isolate Ankara and deprive it of any legitimacy with regard to its provocative actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

As regards the difficult decisions that lie ahead, the Greek political system will need to muster its entire stock of self-restraint.