Even the hardiest optimists are gloomy on Cyprus talks

The Turkish government has endorsed a rather aggressive rhetoric on foreign policy over the past five or so years, but one issue stands out as an exception: Cyprus.

During various diplomatic crises, there has been a continuity to Ankara's critical rhetoric against the EU, EU member states, European institutions, the U.S., Middle Eastern countries, Arab states, and even against Russia. 

But one has to say that such hostile statements are rare on the Cyprus issue when compared with other foreign policy items.

This perhaps shows that Ankara is still invested in a possible solution on the divided Mediterranean island, supporting the talks for a solution in relatively good faith. This is more noticeable because there is barely any international pressure on Ankara to work genuinely for a solution. 

The Turkish Cypriots have also shown time and again their good will, despite provocations from the Greek Cypriot side like the Greek Cypriot parliament's recent decision to introduce 1950 "Enosis" (Union) Day celebrations in schools.

Back when it was suffering from the troubles of an economic crisis, Greek Cyprus had greater incentive to find a solution, even if it meant making some compromises. At that point it was up to the leadership to prepare society for a compromise solution, explaining that no settlement could come without compromise.

However, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiadis failed to keep the prospect of a win-win solution alive, failing to inject the confidence into society that was required to alleviate the decades-long fears of his people. Instead he opted to drag his feet. The Greek government, meanwhile, came to his assistance in this endeavor. Instead of positively contributing to the process, the Greek...