Ankara claims taking back seat, for now

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, the government in Ankara seems to have shelved its claims against Greece and is keeping a low profile regarding Greek-Turkish relations, which are, at least for now, not high on the election agenda in the neighboring country. 

If anything, officials speak of the need for dialogue and consultations with Greece, with Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar expressing Ankara's desire for "fair sharing of the wealth of the Aegean."

However, analysts are quick to note that the maps and letters Ankara has sent to the UN that deny the right of Greek islands to a continental shelf and challenge the sovereignty of militarized Greek islands are still there.

Tellingly, a recent full-page article published in Sozcu newspaper claims, among other things, that "20 islands are under Greek occupation." <...