By Marcus A. Templar | Macedonian League
Marcus A. TemplarNational Security Advisor
Macedonian League
Politicians are accountable to the people, who trust them to govern the country. In Greece, instead of fulfilling their duty to the government and honoring that trust, they effectively handed Greece's future over to unelected individuals at ELIAMEP. These individuals are considered experts in their respective fields. Yet, they are relatively unfamiliar with Greece's strategic culture and military capabilities.
Let's look at the financial backing. It's worth asking who finances ELIAMEP and where each so-called expert actually lives? Holding a PhD does not mean much unless one applies that knowledge in real work. Theory can never replace practice.
Click this link below to be taken to ELIAMEP's financial backing page:
https://www.eliamep.gr/en/funding/#sponsors
Check out the financiers of ELIAMEP, along with the names of all the experts, their areas of expertise, and their legal residences. A friend of mine noted, "ELIAMEP is basically a group owned by other big groups and powerful individuals who likely have their own agendas they are pushing through a weakened Greece."
The fact that Turkey isn't a signatory to the Law of the Sea does not mean it can ignore it. Signing a treaty shows a willingness to be bound by its terms, but ratification is what makes it legally binding. Even if a country does not sign, international law may still require compliance with specific treaty provisions, especially those that embody fundamental principles or are based on customary international law. The aforementioned principle includes any treaty Turkey has signed regarding its international borders with all and any of its neighbors.
Or didn't their professors teach them that in international law, precedence is significant? Once a country accepts an act of any country without reciprocity, whatever that country has done is as if the receiving country has received it. The final name of Skopje is one such example; Greece was aware of the true meaning behind the name "Macedonia" as used by the Slavs of Skopje. Yet, it chose to do nothing for 72 years under one excuse or another. Even when the Skopjan President called her country "Macedonia" during her inauguration, Greece's reaction was wishy-washy.
Or what about the events of September 1955, in which the Turkish government orchestrated anti-Greek riots in Constantinople, putting together an angry mob for a pogrom that left tens of people dead, thousands of houses and shops destroyed, forcing thousands of people of Greek descent to leave their thousands of years-long homeland and an indelible mark on Greek-Turkish history.
What about Albania? Rama, the Prime Minister, visited Greece and spoke twice to Albanians living there, without reciprocity. Some Albanians have resided in Greece temporarily or permanently since the fall of Communism. Greeks have lived in various regions of what is today Albania since the end of the Trojan War, traditionally placed around 1184 BC. The principle of Good Neighborly Relations is MUTUAL!
A Ph.D. requires deep research on a particular topic that academia needs; however, without relevant experience, boasting about one's PhD can be risky. People need to understand their limits, primarily when a nation's existence relies on their decisions.
Experience in National Defense
Years of experience in national defense cover many skills:
- Operational Expertise: Understanding military operations, intelligence gathering, logistics, and other critical functions.
- Strategic Thinking: Developing and executing plans at different levels, from tactical to strategic.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Leading teams under pressure, fostering collaboration, and making decisions in high-stakes situations.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Responding to unexpected challenges and adjusting to changing circumstances.
Complementary Skills
While a PhD may not provide the same depth of knowledge, it can be highly beneficial when combined with practical experience in national defense.
Here are specific examples: A PhD holder in engineering can aid in the development of new defense technologies. On the other hand, a PhD in political science may enhance strategic decision-making. A physicist with a PhD might design an innovative radar system. However, prior experience is essential to grasp how it integrates with existing systems, how to train personnel to use it correctly, and how to troubleshoot it in real-world situations. Similarly, a political scientist with a PhD may possess a deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape. Nonetheless, expertise in interacting with diplomats and military officials is crucial to translating that understanding into a successful policy.
Military attachés of any rank serve as representatives of their country's defense establishment. They advise diplomats and gather intelligence on the host country's armed forces. Their responsibilities may also include handling other security-related matters. Politicians would be better off listening to the views of the military attaches instead of patronizing them by bringing up the expertise of people with PhDs who are book smart but often exhibit injudicious behavior.
Thus, instead of ELIAMEP meddling in areas where its members have only theoretical knowledge, it would be advantageous to help Greece defend its economy by successfully competing against Turkey and its exports, such as dry figs, and gain a competitive edge against other countries that sell Feta cheese abroad. However, legally, it is a trademark that can only be used by Greece. I am sick and tired of seeing even in Greek-American-owned stores, FETA cheese produced in Israel, and in some places in the United States, like Wisconsin. Even Bulgaria and Serbia sell FETA cheese as "White Cheese" in English. However, in Arabic and Farsi, they state on that very same label that the cheese is FETA.
I care about Greece more than its "benevolent" politicians and ELIAMEP, and I am not alone in doing so. Millions of Greeks and those of Greek descent want to see the country thriving. It is about time for those in charge to prove that they care about the country, not what their benefactors wish, nor their own benefits. Perceived blood continuity or a shared name does not make one Greek; the heart does.
The worst of all the above does not pertain to a specific political party. To quote a very old friend who lived in Kalamariá, "Marko, we do not know whom to vote for; they are all the same."
_____
About Marcus A. Templar
Professor Marcus A. Templar is a former U.S. Army Cryptologic Linguist (Language Analyst), Signal Intelligence and All-Source Intelligence Analyst. During his career as a U.S. Intelligence Officer, besides organizational duties, he discharged the responsibilities of a U.S. Army Observer/Controller, Instructor of Intelligence Courses specializing in Deconstruction of Strategies, Foreign Disclosures Officer, and Translator Interpreter of Serbo-Croatian. He is the Macedonian League's National Security Advisor.
About the Macedonian League
We are an international professional Hellenic advocacy group. Our primary purpose is to advance our interests to informed and responsive governments on issues concerning Greece's national security and territorial integrity. As of 12 February 2019, the Macedonian League's main focus is on the “Prespes Agreement", as this Agreement is a serious national security issue for Greece and the wider Balkan region. The Macedonian League also focuses on exposing and combating anti-Hellenism and analyzing political developments in Skopje.
For more information, follow us on: Website, Facebook, Twitter
Let's look at the financial backing. It's worth asking who finances ELIAMEP and where each so-called expert actually lives? Holding a PhD does not mean much unless one applies that knowledge in real work. Theory can never replace practice.
Click this link below to be taken to ELIAMEP's financial backing page:
https://www.eliamep.gr/en/funding/#sponsors
Check out the financiers of ELIAMEP, along with the names of all the experts, their areas of expertise, and their legal residences. A friend of mine noted, "ELIAMEP is basically a group owned by other big groups and powerful individuals who likely have their own agendas they are pushing through a weakened Greece."
The fact that Turkey isn't a signatory to the Law of the Sea does not mean it can ignore it. Signing a treaty shows a willingness to be bound by its terms, but ratification is what makes it legally binding. Even if a country does not sign, international law may still require compliance with specific treaty provisions, especially those that embody fundamental principles or are based on customary international law. The aforementioned principle includes any treaty Turkey has signed regarding its international borders with all and any of its neighbors.
Or didn't their professors teach them that in international law, precedence is significant? Once a country accepts an act of any country without reciprocity, whatever that country has done is as if the receiving country has received it. The final name of Skopje is one such example; Greece was aware of the true meaning behind the name "Macedonia" as used by the Slavs of Skopje. Yet, it chose to do nothing for 72 years under one excuse or another. Even when the Skopjan President called her country "Macedonia" during her inauguration, Greece's reaction was wishy-washy.
Or what about the events of September 1955, in which the Turkish government orchestrated anti-Greek riots in Constantinople, putting together an angry mob for a pogrom that left tens of people dead, thousands of houses and shops destroyed, forcing thousands of people of Greek descent to leave their thousands of years-long homeland and an indelible mark on Greek-Turkish history.
What about Albania? Rama, the Prime Minister, visited Greece and spoke twice to Albanians living there, without reciprocity. Some Albanians have resided in Greece temporarily or permanently since the fall of Communism. Greeks have lived in various regions of what is today Albania since the end of the Trojan War, traditionally placed around 1184 BC. The principle of Good Neighborly Relations is MUTUAL!
A Ph.D. requires deep research on a particular topic that academia needs; however, without relevant experience, boasting about one's PhD can be risky. People need to understand their limits, primarily when a nation's existence relies on their decisions.
Experience in National Defense
Years of experience in national defense cover many skills:
- Operational Expertise: Understanding military operations, intelligence gathering, logistics, and other critical functions.
- Strategic Thinking: Developing and executing plans at different levels, from tactical to strategic.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Leading teams under pressure, fostering collaboration, and making decisions in high-stakes situations.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Responding to unexpected challenges and adjusting to changing circumstances.
Complementary Skills
While a PhD may not provide the same depth of knowledge, it can be highly beneficial when combined with practical experience in national defense.
Here are specific examples: A PhD holder in engineering can aid in the development of new defense technologies. On the other hand, a PhD in political science may enhance strategic decision-making. A physicist with a PhD might design an innovative radar system. However, prior experience is essential to grasp how it integrates with existing systems, how to train personnel to use it correctly, and how to troubleshoot it in real-world situations. Similarly, a political scientist with a PhD may possess a deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape. Nonetheless, expertise in interacting with diplomats and military officials is crucial to translating that understanding into a successful policy.
Military attachés of any rank serve as representatives of their country's defense establishment. They advise diplomats and gather intelligence on the host country's armed forces. Their responsibilities may also include handling other security-related matters. Politicians would be better off listening to the views of the military attaches instead of patronizing them by bringing up the expertise of people with PhDs who are book smart but often exhibit injudicious behavior.
Thus, instead of ELIAMEP meddling in areas where its members have only theoretical knowledge, it would be advantageous to help Greece defend its economy by successfully competing against Turkey and its exports, such as dry figs, and gain a competitive edge against other countries that sell Feta cheese abroad. However, legally, it is a trademark that can only be used by Greece. I am sick and tired of seeing even in Greek-American-owned stores, FETA cheese produced in Israel, and in some places in the United States, like Wisconsin. Even Bulgaria and Serbia sell FETA cheese as "White Cheese" in English. However, in Arabic and Farsi, they state on that very same label that the cheese is FETA.
I care about Greece more than its "benevolent" politicians and ELIAMEP, and I am not alone in doing so. Millions of Greeks and those of Greek descent want to see the country thriving. It is about time for those in charge to prove that they care about the country, not what their benefactors wish, nor their own benefits. Perceived blood continuity or a shared name does not make one Greek; the heart does.
The worst of all the above does not pertain to a specific political party. To quote a very old friend who lived in Kalamariá, "Marko, we do not know whom to vote for; they are all the same."
_____
About Marcus A. Templar
Professor Marcus A. Templar is a former U.S. Army Cryptologic Linguist (Language Analyst), Signal Intelligence and All-Source Intelligence Analyst. During his career as a U.S. Intelligence Officer, besides organizational duties, he discharged the responsibilities of a U.S. Army Observer/Controller, Instructor of Intelligence Courses specializing in Deconstruction of Strategies, Foreign Disclosures Officer, and Translator Interpreter of Serbo-Croatian. He is the Macedonian League's National Security Advisor.
About the Macedonian League
We are an international professional Hellenic advocacy group. Our primary purpose is to advance our interests to informed and responsive governments on issues concerning Greece's national security and territorial integrity. As of 12 February 2019, the Macedonian League's main focus is on the “Prespes Agreement", as this Agreement is a serious national security issue for Greece and the wider Balkan region. The Macedonian League also focuses on exposing and combating anti-Hellenism and analyzing political developments in Skopje.
For more information, follow us on: Website, Facebook, Twitter
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