Middle East
Europe Rushes to Defend Cyprus as Iran War Exposes Vulnerability
The response to bolster the Mediterranean island comes as resources are already stretched by the conflict in Ukraine.
A transport aircraft prepares for landing at RAF Akrotiri air base near Limassol, Cyprus, on March 3.
Photographer: Petros Karadjias/AP Photo
Europe has found itself pulled into another war, scrambling to protect its eastern outpost at a moment of weakness.
Soon after the US and Israel attacked Iran on the weekend, the continent’s leaders called for de-escalation. But as the conflict widens and threatens Cyprus, it’s proving difficult to avoid staying out of it when Europe’s resources are already stretched because of Ukraine.