ANALYSIS

During the Greek War of Independence, the Sultan who was blamed for many massacres was famously slow to accept defeat and thus allow the rebels their freedom.

Some seventy years later, when Greece was routed by an Ottoman army, the way was open for the reconquest of those lands.

The Sultan though showed no interest in doing so.

For by then, Greece like the other newly created Balkan states were a problem for everyone, including the very European states that had championed their cause.

Today, European Central Bankers are debating the merits of taking Greece out of the Euro, as politicians in Athens are trying to form a government.

Should they stay or should they go – there will be huge implications whatever route is taken, which is why those who make make decisions should like the Sultan also consider their long term implications.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18046280