NO. 60
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted a Virtual Speakers Forum to commemorate the Battle of Crete, June 7, 2021. This event featured two guest lecturers: Dr. Alexandros Kyrou, Professor of History and Director of East European and Russian Studies at Salem State University and Dr. Van Coufoudakis, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Dean Emeritus of the College of Arts & Sciences at Indiana University—Purdue University.
Fought during World War II, the Axis powers defeated the Allies at the Battle of Crete. Both lecturers emphasized the geostrategic importance Crete held in World War II and how the island continues to hold significance in today’s rapidly changing world order.
Dr. Kyrou explained the Battle of Crete was almost won by the Allied forces. Instead, a series of rapid mistakes and miscommunication turned any hopes of victory into an Allied defeat. According to Dr. Kyrou, “The Battle of Crete should not have been an Allied failure. The Greek troops as well as some New Zealand forces fought with exceptional ferocity. Yet, the tenacity of individual soldiers could not make up for the shockingly poor leadership of the British and Commonwealth commanders whose bungling and inertia doomed defenseless Crete.”
Dr. Coufoudakis continued the critical analysis of the Battle of Crete by highlighting the battle’s impact on civilians. He explained, “The Battle of Crete is a historic first because of the participation of the local population in defense of the island against the German invasion.” According to Dr. Coufoudakis, the Germans brought violence and brutality against civilian forces. He emphasized that the pain and suffering of the civilian population are important to remember as to honor the sacrifices made to protect Cretan liberty.
At the forum’s conclusion, AHI President Nick Larigakis said, “I’d like to thank our two professors today, Dr. Kyrou and Dr. Coufoudakis our two close friends, for presenting and commemorating this important historical date in world history. It is important to continue highlighting the role of Greece during WWII and emphasizing the continued importance of Souda Bay today for Greece and also for the projection of U.S. interests in the region.”
President Larigakis moderated the conversation and Q&A portion. To view the entire conversation, please click on the video below.