Amid Iran turmoil, fears grow over destabilization, radicalization, regional migration pressures
Greece, alongside the rest of Europe, could see increased arrivals of refugees from Iran and its neighboring regions depending on the duration of ongoing military conflicts in Iran and across the Middle East, according to officials and experts.
Greek authorities are increasingly worried as the repercussions may extend well beyond the visible economic effects and remain difficult to predict. There are also concerns about potential radicalization within Muslim communities in Greece, possibly triggered by terrorist groups tied to Iran or through religious backlash.
“If the operations in the Middle East evolve into a war of Islam against the West, the consequences will be terrifying,” stated Dimitris Kourkoulas, former deputy foreign minister and EU ambassador to Lebanon from 1997 to 2001.
Many Iranian nationals have already crossed into Turkey, and the number of people moving toward border areas is growing. Turkish officials have indicated plans to implement measures in response, as the possibility of another refugee influx has triggered concern at home. Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris revealed that surveillance of Iranians seeking asylum “will be expanded,” while withholding further specifics. Due to the volatile situation in Iran, the examination of asylum requests by Iranians has been temporarily suspended, though the ministry confirmed Iranians can still apply for asylum.
A report released in June by the European Union Agency for Asylum cautioned that “even partial destabilization of Iran, a country with a population of 90 million, could cause refugee flows of unprecedented magnitude to Europe. Displacement of 10% of the population could bring the highest number of refugees to Europe.” Kourkoulas emphasized that population movements are inevitable. “We are still at the beginning,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, many Iranians residing in Greece express relief over recent developments; numerous opponents of the regime have not been able to return to their homeland in years.
Original article: www.ekathimerini.com
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