Greece and EU need rescue deal to work

EVEN the most committed Europhiles must occasionally wonder if Greece might have been treated more generously by the European Union when its economy imploded. 

The hardships imposed were and are real. The changes in Greeks’ standard of living, despite a series of international rescue deals, have been profound and chastening.

Those doubts may have been influenced by Greece’s inability — or reluctance — to deliver promised reforms or even establish a relatively robust tax collection system. Those doubts are informed too by the fact that Greeks took to the streets and violently opposed measures outside voices demanded if their economy was to secure ongoing support.