Changes in the Mediterranean Security Environment: A View from Athens

The key words describing the regional security environment in the Mediterranean and the Middle East are fluidity, instability, and unpredictability. The major transatlantic concern has been the possibility that extremist Islamic, anti-Western political parties might rise to power in some countries. In addition, sealing with Iran's nuclear program is undoubtedly the most critical strategic question in the proliferation field and a very important issue on the international security agenda. Greece is an important regional player who in essence has been absent from regional developments. Indeed, if Greece remains weak for a long time, there may be negative repercussions for regional stability in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as for the EU's and NATO's ability to play a substantial role in those regions.