Tuesday morning we had a lecture at the Hellenic American Union, a Greek University where all the classes are in English. Professor Bokalos spoke to us on Greece from WWII to present.
One thing I found interesting was his explanation of Greece's animosity toward Turkey. He said that after WWII, the allies looked at Greece and Turkey as if they were parents who received two orphan children on a trial basis and would have to give one back: with tentative fondness, like they didn't want to get attached to something that might be taken away. This, said Professor Bokalos, led to both countries aiming to please the US, much like children vie eagerly for adult attention. In the wake of the cold war, this goal was forgotten, and animosity remained. He explained that Turkey creates a militaristic framework to keep the country together and nearby Greece is a convenient enemy to unite against.
This professor said the Greeks are far more politically liberal than Americans. We've already asked several Greeks how they feel about Obama, and most like him and are proud of Americans for electing him and getting rid of Bush.
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