Germany’s Refusal to Pay War Reparations Latest Injustice Against Greece

A recent visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Greece on the anniversary of the Greek national holiday of October 28th marking Greece’s entry into World War II, astounding defeat of Mussolini’s forces, and world-inspiring resistance against the subsequent Nazi invasion was filled with plenty of lip service lamenting the destruction inflicted upon Greece during the Nazi occupation from 1941-1944. Sadly, these words were hollow, as President Steinmeier reiterated his predecessors’ position and quashed any talk about German reparations to Greece. It’s important to remember that Greece scored the first victory against the Axis Powers in 1940, when it successfully repelled Mussolini’s offensive, ultimately requiring the Nazis to divert precious supplies and troops to Greece. Greece’s heroics were as important off the battlefield as they were on it, because their David vs. Goliath narrative inspired the world and gave the Allied forces the confidence that the Axis powers could be defeated. Nonetheless, Greece paid a heavy toll for its valiant resistance. During the subsequent Nazi occupation, unspeakable atrocities were committed, while the nation’s infrastructure was destroyed and its treasures looted. In recent years, Greece has called on Germany to provide reparations for its war crimes, but to no avail. Specifically,...