So the Greece deportations are going ‘smoothly’? Take a closer look

Guardian UK ^ | 04 April 2015 | Apostolis Fotiadis

[Lorianne]

Today had been declared the first day that migrants and refugees would be deported from Greece within the framework of the EU-Turkey deal, and European authorities seemed determined not to miss the date. So as of Sunday, Greek police, along with the EU border agency Frontex, organised a large-scale operation to ensure the smooth handling of today’s returns from the islands of Chios and Lesbos.

The operation was initially deemed a success, with reports being limited to the boats and their occupants, which offered some digestible photo ops. There is plenty of evidence, though, that suggests that it has been no more than a media-savvy gesture on behalf of the European commission.

Officials from Frontex clarified that the boats carried mostly Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Afghans and Moroccans who were going to be deported to Turkey prior to the deal or didn’t request asylum. There were only two Syrians among them who appear not to have requested international protection. Indeed authorities appear to have rushed to identify such people so they could be available for today’s return. Termed “easy cases” by Frontex spokeswoman Eva Moncure, they are perfect material for today’s photo op.

As it turns out, more than 90% of people arriving in Greek islands since 20 March – when the EU-Turkey deal was enacted – have opted for asylum, thus complicating their return under the arrangement. It is no surprise then that no further dates have been announced for future deportations.

[dfwgator]

This whole “agreement” was a dog-and-pony show. The refugees won’t spend more than two days in Turkey before they’re right back.

[HomerBohn]

Greek Muslims, German Muslims, British Muslims, French Muslims, Spanish Muslims: who would have thought it would come to this?

Now the USA has African-Americans, Muslim-Americans and is proof that diversity is a wonderful thing. Forget about the Germans and Italians.