It’s time to lift the arms embargo on Cyprus

Excerpt

The United States has a prime opportunity to thwart the designs of Russia, China, and Turkey in the Middle East. At the same time, it can strengthen a bilateral relationship with a democratic, European ally and enhance our defense supply base, as well. This can all be accomplished by taking one relatively simple step: Lift the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus.

That Cyprus is under embargo is a head-scratcher in the first place. The country is a member of the European Union (EU). It has enjoyed good relations with the United States and is eager to strengthen them further.

Jonathan Schanzer is senior vice president at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (@FDD) where Bradley Bowman is senior director for the Foundation’s Center on Military and Political Power (@FDD_CMPP).