Does anyone seriously think that the wave of refugees and immigrants is going to slow down judging by rising oil prices, food prices and a slowing world economy which will lead to further political and social conflict? Of course not. The situation will only get worse. Also, Greece’s ability to deal with this problem will only worsen as their own economy grounds to a halt, inflation soars and unemployment grows - leading to lower tax revenues and less funds to be distributed. Do you seriously think that the average Greek citizen will prefer their taxes go to saving Pakistanis rather than their own children and families? Of course not. And which Greek families are going to be most at risk. Of course, lower middle and working class ones. Ambivalence and outright discontent with immigration levels is spreading throughout Europe - even in places where the proportion of non-nationals is relatively low. So to say that Greece is not abiding by this or that law or custom is ludicrous. No one in Europe is - despite what some politically expediant German and Norwegian civil servants like to say. Also, this is likely to worsen. Therefore, opening the borders would be political suicide and almost certainly lead to social unrest and violence.

The only option is for the major economic and political powers to get to together and attempt to solve the problems in the home countries of these immigrants. It is a disgrace for Germany to suddenly become so concerned with asylum seekers in Greece!! Why doesn’t the German government pressure the German companies to establish production facilities in these third world countries or encourage existing German businesses to distribute their profits more widely. Greece is not a major power and should not be made the scapegoat for the exploitative practices of the major powers. Also, Greece should only accept those migrants who are capable of assimilation - which means learning the Greek language, culture and adapting to Greek religious and social practices.

It amounted to little more than meetings and lectures to Greece on how to improve its human rights.”

Interesting…so where is all the help from the EU?UK’s contribution is meetings and lectures, oh the hypocrisy.

A fairly balanced article from the BBC.It puts things in perspective.

I read regularly, but don’t always comment, and am pleaesed to see that you are keeping up the high standards that I have come to expect, more power to your writing fingers.

BondBlokes last blog post..Yes! Yes! Yes!