Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Rioting in Greece

In case anyone didn't know, there has been massive rioting throughout Greece, but primarily in Athens, following a deadly shooting of a teenager by a police officer. Students, teachers, and blue-collar workers have been rising up against the government, and, in an event organized by a leftist coalition, marching on Syntagma Square ("Constitution" Square) and throughout the streets of major cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Trikala). It also appears that widespread workers' strikes are likely to occur following the rioting. See about it here and here.

Who knows where this will lead? It may fizzle out. It may lead to more widespread violence. It may lead to something more...

I just can't help but think of Thucydides in a time like this, especially his analysis of revolutions and civil wars. I think he would be appalled to some degree at both sides, but hardly surprised at either.

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