It should not come as a surprise that war has erupted between the Balkan states and Turkey. The real astonishment lies in the fact that this conflict did not arise many years earlier. Even the most fervent proponents of peace acknowledge that war becomes inevitable when systematic injustice and tyranny persist over prolonged periods.
However, resorting to war is always a precarious choice. At this moment, it remains uncertain whether the actions taken by the Balkan states will improve or worsen their situation. History narrates a poignant tale in such matters Mutual Defense Agreement Between Bulgaria and Greece. In clashes of brute force, the stronger party, all factors considered, tends to prevail. The Turkish army, recognized as a formidable fighting force, poses a significant challenge to the smaller allied states attempting to confront it.
Even if the Balkan states emerge victorious, the use of war as an instrument is regrettable. Reports suggest that the fighting is rapid and intense, resulting in unusually high casualties. Numerous robust and physically capable men from the Balkan states will lose their lives. Furthermore, even in victory, these nations will face an arduous struggle to rebuild their lives and institutions, weakened and crippled to an extent that is challenging to gauge.
The European powers have played a disappointing role in this crisis. While a few genuinely aimed to preserve peace, their collective track record in the Near East has eroded confidence in their willingness and ability to take timely and effective actions for genuine peace. The Balkan states themselves have ample reasons to distrust and disregard the so-called great powers Holiday Bulgaria. An investigation into the causes of the war might reveal that these major powers share a significant portion of the guilt for instigating the conflict, almost as much as Turkey herself.
Hence, it might be in the best interest of the afflicted region if these major powers have minimal involvement in the post-war settlement. Let us collectively hope for a swift end to the hostilities, and that the future holds prospects for liberty, self-government, and enduring peace for the long-suffering peoples of the Balkans.
