Migrant Crisis: Turkey Threatens EU with New Surge

 

Migrants have to go through a rough sea from Turkey to Greek islands. Source: http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/69AF/production/_92655072_mediaitem92655071.jpg

 

Based on an article with the same title posted by BBC on November 25, 2016

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38103375

 

The number of migrants heading toward Greece has decreased this year. Obviously, it happens not because all migrants suddenly cease to seek refuge, but it happens due to EU-Turkey deal in March to limit migrants who come to Greece. As a result, Turkey has accommodated nearly three million migrants, and it will get privilege from the EU including aid, visa-free travel for its people, and discussion about membership in exchange. However, the deal does not run well like Turkey has expected as a non-binding vote was held by the European Parliament to decide whether they have to delay the discussion about the membership of Turkey.

 

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stated that if the EU does not fulfill its own pledge, Turkey will break the agreement as well. He said that he would let migrants move to Greece, and he would not accept any migrants sent back from Greek islands due to asylum official request. Ulrike Demmer, the spokeswoman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, supposed that threats would not work since both parties need each other to achieve their interest. What’s more, President Erdogan’s cliché strategy has no effect to change European’s leaders decisions despite the risk of losing the deal.

Migrants issue seems to be misused by several countries in which asylum-seekers expect to start new lives. I pretty understand why European countries are trying to restrict the number of refugees to live in because it will absolutely affect their people, laws, and economy. In some countries, those refugees might disrupt social order or even cause civil unrest. Those countries still have to treat their people well and fairly. Frankly speaking, it is pathetic to see Turkey has used this moment to get what it wants. In other words, Turkey hosts migrants based on greediness and its own agenda instead of conscience or humanity.