Division and terrorism

Terrorism is an endemic phenomenon in Greece. It existed in various manifestations during and up until the end of the 19th century when politicians and political parties used the services of bandits and bullies against their adversaries; it blossomed during the national division in the 1910s; it grew further during and after the German occupation in World War II until the end of the civil war; and in the 1950s and 60s operated, when it was deemed necessary, under the protection of the police. Like all dictatorships, Greece's 1967-74 junta exercised state terror.

After its demise, we saw the emergence of the form of terrorism we are still experiencing today: small gangs of self-proclaimed left-wing "punishers" who carry out executions and bombings in the belief that they are exacting revenge and fighting against the state and the system. And this at a time when Greece and...