Cyprus: Korea by Transposition?

ABSTRACT Cyprus’ recent past is composed of elements that make it a lethal cocktail: colonialism, the struggle for independence, geography, ethnic composition, political and ideological differences among the indigenous population, inter and intra-communal conflict, all gravely affected by regional and international politics. Its immediate geographic area, i.e., the Middle East, along with Asia, acquired another dimension within the new climate of a global confrontation of the two superpowers since 1945 with many unforeseen and devastating consequences. Turkey’s invasion in July 1974 and the forcible partition that resulted have created a deadlock on the ground that still persists. The inability to come up with a just and viable solution, due to the unwillingness of the occupying power to yield, have led many voices advocating a clean solution instead, the euphemism for the creation of two independent states in the island. Employing history as guidance for similar circumstances, mutatis mutandis, the article seeks to demonstrate how such talk is not only dangerous, but pernicious as well, grossly unjust to the Cypriot people. The not-too distant past and its offspring, i.e., partition, which was implemented in the Middle East and Asia, still haunt memory and serve as warning against adopting similar practices in Cyprus.