The Cyprus Problem: What Everyone Needs to Know®

by James Ker-Lindsay

For nearly 60 years--from its uprising against British rule in the 1950s, to the bloody civil war between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in the 1960s, the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in the 1970s, and the United Nation's ongoing 30-year effort to reunite the island--the tiny Mediterranean nation of Cyprus has taken a disproportionate share of the international spotlight. And while it has been often in the news, accurate and impartial information on the conflict has been nearly impossible to obtain.
In The Cyprus Problem, James Ker-Lindsay--recently appointed as expert advisor to the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Cyprus--offers an incisive, even-handed account of the conflict. Ker-Lindsay covers all aspects of the Cyprus problem, placing it in historical context, addressing the situation as it now stands, and looking toward its possible resolution. The book begins with the origins of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities as well as the other indigenous communities on the island (Maronites, Latin, Armenians, and Gypsies). Ker-Lindsay then examines the tensions that emerged between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots after independence in 1960 and the complex constitutional provisions and international treaties designed to safeguard the new state. He pays special attention to the Turkish invasion in 1974 and the subsequent efforts by the UN and the international community to reunite Cyprus. The book's final two chapters address a host of pressing issues that divide the two Cypriot communities, including key concerns over property, refugee returns, and the repatriation of settlers. Ker-Lindsay concludes by considering whether partition really is the best solution, as many observers increasingly suggest.
Written by a leading expert, The Cyprus Problem brings much needed clarity and understanding to a conflict that has confounded observers and participants alike for decades.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, War

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2011

Reviews

[Reid Eberwein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent recounting of the history of Cyprus and why it is plagued by such deeply rooted sociopolitical issues.

Presented in a succinct yet thorough fashion that answered the questions of the previous chapter.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting political history of Cyprus.

[Justin Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cyprus Problem- What Everyone Needs to Know- James Ker-Lindsay

I found this book to be an excellent summary of events leading up to 2011. Dr. Ker-Lindsay describes all the key moments of diplomacy and failed negotiations from the British colonial period through the latest efforts at reunification. The author is an academic whose researches focuses on conflict and diplomacy in several countries in and around the Mediterranean. Per his bio, he lived and lectured in Nicosia, Cyprus at one point.

While not every historical argument and nuance are captured, and in some cases one has to take the professor's word for it ("Polls show..."), this is a must-read primer for anyone contemplating diplomatic work or long-term life in Cyprus. The author keeps his own cards close to his vest, simply presenting facts, arguments from both sides in each relevant time period, and more or less letting the reader decide. As I read this book (after reading others about Cyprus and recently following Cypriot media) I developed my own opinion as to what a stable equilibrium would look like. In the end, the author reveals that he neither sees the status quo as sustainable, nor does he truly believe the "bizonal, bicommunal" yet one-Cyprus solution of the UN and the major powers' talking points for the island is truly attainable. The author concludes by stating solutions that no politician would dare say out loud. It contains a good bibliography.

Five stars.

[aytajaytajaytaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute must read book for newbies in contested land literature. It offers insightful and impartial analysis of the situation in Cyprus. The inclusion of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots' perspectives enable readers understand the reluctance of both communities to settle the conflict despite numerous efforts by international community.

[Nevena Sladaković · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book presents a general overview of Cyprus' history, the events that led to the invasion and partition, plus different kind of agreements that came out afterwards.
However, the writer is pushing too much of his own views and thoughts in some sections. While it is a decent book to get to know what happened in 1974 and later, it certainly leaves a lot of questions.

[Assumpta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solo avisar a mis queridos seguidores que ahora que soy una pobre opositora mi actividad lectora se reducirá considerablemente. Disculpen las molestias.

El libro está muy bien por cierto.

[Thea | (unapologetic_bibliosmia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a British lady currently living and working in the British government within the Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus, this book is an absolute must read. It is fascinating and enlightening to read and learn about the 1974 event and all the historical and political tensions and difficulties leading up to the event. A really well thought out, and easy to understand breif overview of the political and cultural turmoil that has resulted in the divide within Cyprus today. This book manages to write from a very neutral perspective which is a great accomplishment, and indeed the writer highlights his efforts and desicions to use apolitical and sensitive language. I found it really easy to read, this book and other books of this nature quite often are very heavy and tough to read, but I found it easy to just sail through this book with ease. I feel like I have learned so much in just one afternoon from a very well considered and well thought out perspective which encompasses views of all sides. I have understood so much more about the Treaty of Establishment and its creation that I work under and live under here. It's fascinating to think about what Cyprus may be like now if the main airport in Nicosia and main port in Famagusta were still open and operating. The writer explores lots of possibilities for solution and how and why these would work or not work for each side, as well as documenting the efforts made by both sides in resolving th 'Cyprus Problem'. My only criticisms of the book are that there is a distinct lack of discussion around the British involvement in the island,including the Greek-Cypriot views of the Sovereign Base Areas, and the presence of the British Army contingent on the island today. Also ignored are the views of the British army and their political preferences to how the Cyprus Problem is resolved as there are definitely factors at play here. Britain is not as dormant in this discussion as perhaps they are played out to be in this book. There is also a lack of discussion over the EOKA efforts which impacted discussions on all sides. Also slightly misrepresented are the views and interests of both Russia and China and the political sway and investment power they have within the RoC. It would be worth readers today bearing in mind the current move away from EU membership that Turkey has endured and how that would affect current interests. A fantastic read, I will be recommending to everyone who lives and works here.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this short book in preparation for an upcoming trip to Cyprus. Prior to this opportunity to visit the island, I knew nothing about the political situation there.

This book was an excellent primer on the current political situation (as of 2011 but, honestly, not much has changed) and the history behind it. I did not find it to be biased. Knowing that the author was accused in some circles of bias, I looked for it and changed my mind a couple of times about 'which side he was on.'

The book is short - only 113 pages, excluding the suggestions for further reading and the index, but packs a lot in. It explains the situation in relatively simple terms but left me feeling like I had a good understanding and a basis for further research.

[Tommy Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's very difficult to write a summary about such a divisive issue without bias and that shows in this book.

This text attempts to give an unbiased and very broad overview of the current situation, and does a fairly decent job at doing so. It does mean that any historical context is left out, and that in itself feels almost biased, since it brushes over the atrocities on the island prior to and during the 1960s.

I personally think you could learn more about Cyprus on Wikipedia than you could buying this book.

[Elli (The Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really good introduction to the political situation in Cyprus. It was pretty easy to understand and fairly even-handed. It's the first book I've read on this topic and I'd recommend it if you are interested in learning more about Cyprus! This is quite a small book so don't expect much deep analysis, but I was only looking for a quick and easy introduction so it was definitely a worthwhile read!

[Emre Ozsar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it provides a very straightforward summary of the issues reflecting the two perspectives. Of course it is quite subjective when it comes to the 74 intervention of Turkey and it does not touchbase at all on the reasons of such intervention; same goes with the promises rendered by the western countries to northern cyprus if annan plan was to be rejected by the southern part. But, still it is reasonably objective. I would recommend it as an entrance level book on the issue.

[Jonathan Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good introduction to the conflict on Cyprus! It's short, but it really manages to pack in information while not being difficult to read. I really appreciated how it describes the changing interests and outlooks of the various foreign powers (mainly Greece and Turkey, but also the EU, UN, UK, and US) over time, as well as breaking down the different power dynamics inside the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

It is interesting reading it now, nearly 15 years after release. The author seemed to be somewhat optimistic that Turkey's closer ties to the EU and possible future membership would incentivize all parties to try to solve the issue, but at present Turkish EU membership seems dead. Instead, the current Turkish government is more nationalistic and is pushing harder for a partition and international recognition of Northern Cyprus as an independent country, rather than a federation or confederation as previous UN peace plans have proposed. I do wonder if that will become more palatable to Greek Cypriots as time goes by and the two halves of the island diverge further from each other.

[Yağış Bey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it is impossible to fit in all the little details in such a small book, the writer does a great job of providing a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to the stalemate situation today in Cyprus. The book is written in plain English, and the way the information is provided is easy to follow, making it a good introduction book to the multi-faceted Cyprus Problem. The author remains as impartial as possible throughout the book, presenting the reasoning behind the different stances the two sides take towards the same problem.

[Peach Von Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic as a an introduction to the Cypress conflict, but also can be used as a launching pad for future learning regarding EU relations, foreign affairs, international relations, and the affects of nationalism in a divided singular government. It’s certainly an interesting case, and this book does a great job of compartmentalizing the different facets of the Cypress Problem in a way which is both organized and easily digestible

[RH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent breakdown of an intractable conflict that has gone under the radar in recent decades. This book is a thoroughly impartial account of the dispute. What it may lack in scholarly research it more than makes up for in concise analyses of causation, from the time of Ottoman colonization of Cyprus to the 2008 settlement attempts.

Highly recommended for those looking to acquaint themselves with facts of this dispute without any bias.

[Michalis Christou · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this book attempts to introduce the Cyprus problem to people that are not really familiar with it. Fairly, considering this it did good job.
Cyprus problem and it’s current phase must be defined as an international issue since the Turkish invasions in 1974 and its continuous occupation of the 37% of Cyprus’ territory and has to treated as such. Of course if we go back Cyprus problem can be defined differently in 1950s or in 1960s.

[Achilleas Georgiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro

[Evrendyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, straightforward, comprehensive, easy to read and understand, and most importantly, impartial, it is the perfect introduction to the Cyprus problem.

[HO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, succinct starting point to understand issues in Cyprus.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Descent overview. It just reads pretty biased so I’d recommend not using this as you’re only source of knowledge about the situation

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

indeed, the title is very well chosen. this is the story of a propaganda man and how he weaves a story from facts, some of good quality, but mostly dubious sources.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

read

[Sophie Delfgaauw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hoe leuk kun je een studieboek vinden?

[Aurelija Lapėnaitė · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides well-researched and balanced perspective on the island’s complex history and deep-rooted tensions. Good read before (or after) planning that beach trip to majestic Cyprus.

[RYAN PHAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short and readable for someone who would be completely unaware of the situation in Cyprus. It takes a very balanced view of the subject and incorporates viewpoints of the issue from Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Greece, thể USA, thể UK, NATO and thể Soviet Union

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text highlights the numerous challenges faced by Cyprus since gaining independence from British rule in 1960. One of the central issues has been the lack of integration between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island. Over the decades, this division has led to civil wars, the presence of UN peacekeepers, and the establishment of the Green Line. Will there ever be an end to these disputes? It offers a fascinating perspective and is an engaging read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and concise book about the problems is Cyprus, including the history of the island, information about all the major players in the 20th century and (from this point of view) a balanced Q&A from both sides of the issue.

[Evelyn Charalambous · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gave very interesting insight into the issue facing Cyprus. The author tried to give an unbiased account of events from both Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides.