The earthquake in the Eastern Aegean, which hit Samos and especially Smyrna mercilessly, once again brings to the fore how interconnected Greece and Turkey are.

It is, therefore, a crime that Turkey is doing everything it can in the most awful and provocative way to prevent the development of a friendly, neighborly relationship between the two countries.

A friendly relationship that would greatly benefit both neighboring peoples.

The effect of the earthquake in Samos was not as catastrophic as it was in Smyrna. However, it caused the death of two children, cutting off their future at the beginning of their lives. There are really no words of consolation for their loved ones.

On the other hand, the death toll in Izmir reached at least 60.

What could be more right, more humane, than for the Greek Prime Minister to call the Turkish President and express his condolences?

Even in the midst of wars the ancient Greeks made a truce for major celebrations, such as the Olympic Games or other important events.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis acted in the same human, civilized spirit.

And how did Erdogan react?

By announcing that he is extending – until November 14 – the explorations of his research ships, accompanied by warships, in the maritime domain of Greece.

Couldn’t he postpone this announcement for a few days? Couldn’t he say that due to the catastrophic earthquake and as a sign of goodwill towards Greece, which was also hit by the same earthquake, it is withdrawing, at least for the time being, its research ship?

Obviously he could not. And he could not because he seems to be moving within certain time frames.

Time is chasing him. He seems to have a deadline.

But what does he want to accomplish?

We know what he wants to do. He does not hide his plans. He announces them over and over again, long before he implements them. He wants the border in the Aegean to be changed. He wants to seize one or two of our islands. To share energy resources with Greece. To permanently divide Cyprus. To intensify the undermining of the Greekness of Thrace.

Erdogan is doing this because he sees a vacuum in the Eastern Mediterranean.

America is withdrawing from the wider region, and at the same time turning a blind eye to it.

The Russians are only interested in creating problems in NATO.

And the European Union is looking at its financial interests.

So only a change of strategy from the United States can save the situation.

And regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s election, the period from the election until January

20, the day the president is sworn in, will be a very sensitive period.