Cyprus

Longstanding conflict between Greek and Turkish populations on the island, with much foreign meddling and incompetence.
 
Cyprus, once part of the Ottoman empire, always had a mixed Greek and Turkish population. Britian took increasing control from 1878. Rebellion against British rule 1955-59, followed by independence in 1960, with Archbishop Makarios as president. Tensions followed between the Greek majority and the Turkish minority, leading to conflict in the 1960s-70s, but near-resolution came in 1974. Chaos followed, then Turkish military intervention, dividing Cyprus.
 
A bi-communal federation was proposed in 1977, but talks failed. A military coup in Turkey in 1980 led to invasion and the setting up of Turkish Northern Cyprus. Repeated failed negotiations throughout 1980s-90s. EU entry talks started in 1995 for the Greek sector. Earthquakes in Turkey and Greece in 1999 lead to mutual reconciliation. In 2004, Greek Cyprus joined EU (Turkish accession was also under discussion). In 2003, a local reconciliation began, the Green Line in Nicosia opened, and conflict gradually subsided in years to follow, largely through weariness and the influence of tourism and the EU. The conflict had long been fuelled by outside intervention, partiality and incompetence, more than by the will of the people.
 
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