Turkey's Dangerous Energy Play Is Putting The Entire Region At Risk
In the world of energy geopolitics and economics are closely linked to each other. The exploitation of oil and gas reserves is a major source of income for energy-rich countries and therefore tension and competition. In some cases, it’s difficult to distinguish whether political or economic goals are being pursued. The Eastern Mediterranean has become a theatre for power politics which has its origin in energy exploration and production activities.
Before the current global health crisis erupted, the discovery of major gas fields was exciting news in several capitals across the region. Egypt has already started production at its Zohr field while Israel's Leviathan provides much-needed gas to a country that's been lacking significant energy resources for most of its history. Turkey, however, enviously watched discovery after discovery in the backyard of its political adversaries.
The fraught relations between Ankara and its Greek neighbors makes it difficult to cooperate. Especially Turkey’s confrontational diplomatic style has diminished any hopes for rapprochement. Turkey’s decision to claim the area between the Greek island of Crete and Cyprus added another reason for contention.
To make matters worse, Turkish exploration vessels have started drilling for fossil fuels in the contended area. While it’s reasonable to assume that diminishing demand due to the novel Coronavirus would devastate any plans for deep-sea energy production, Ankara has continued its exploration activities. It is a sign that more is at stake than just energy.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/turkey-dangerous-energy-play-putting-150000624.html