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The Republic of Cyprus, the easternmost member of the European Union, is at the frontline of the EU’s activities in the Middle East. Throughout 2024, it has received widespread international praise for its crucial role in providing aid to Gaza. However, the growing risk of conflict on the Lebanese-Israeli border has now seen Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, threaten the island. This precarious situation underscores Cyprus's complex geopolitical position, balancing relations between the Middle East and the EU. Traditionally, Cyprus has maintained strong ties with Europe and the Middle East. The island's history of diverse rulers—from ancient Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to the Ottomans and the British—reflects its strategic importance at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean. Post-independence in 1960, Cyprus navigated complex regional dynamics, forming close ties to its Arab neighbours. The 1974 Turkish invasion, resulting in the island's division, deepened its ties with the Non-Aligned Movement and Middle Eastern countries, particularly as anti-Western sentiment grew. However, Cyprus's EU membership in 2004 shifted its focus somewhat towards Europe but didn't sever its Middle Eastern connections. Cyprus continues to be pivotal in EU's humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, becoming an essential humanitarian hub, especially in crises like the Lebanese Civil War and the recent Gaza conflict. Yet, its increasing collaboration with Israel, especially after tensions between Israel and Turkey escalated, has complicated its position, drawing threats from Hezbollah. *MY LATEST BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press Amazon *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Even better, perhaps consider becoming a Channel Member or supporting the Channel through Patreon. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER JOIN MY PATREON PAGE *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 00:47 Cyprus as a European and Middle Eastern State 01:36 Cyprus and Its Neighbourhood 02:30 A History of Cyprus: Between Europe and the Middle East 03:44 Cyprus, the Middle East and Non-Alignment 05:30 The Cyprus Problem and the Middle East 07:31 Cyprus, the EU and the Middle East 09:01 Improving Cyprus-Israel Relations 10:49 Hezbollah’s Threat Against Cyprus 12:53 Cyprus, the EU and Irsael: A Strategic Choice? *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* President of Cyprus Republic of Cyprus “ Ministry of Foreign Affairs European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* *MAP CONTENT* *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #Cyprus #MiddleEast #EU #Gaza #Israel
