A debt deal means hard choices for us - Greek crisis continues

IT is becoming increasingly difficult to tell fact from propaganda, ideologically driven positioning from the uncoloured and unattractive reality faced by ordinary Greeks struggling to live basic, decent and dignified lives. It is becoming increasingly difficult to tell political ambition or dogma, national or individual, from the pressing humanitarian needs generated by the deepening crisis.

Europe, democratic, caring, affluent and at peace, was never meant to be divided and challenged like this in 2015.

The saga has become so critical that even using the word “humanitarian” has assumed a political loading and indicates a position opposed by those, especially Germany, who that believe that the Greek debt — almost €350bn for a population of 11m — is somehow sustainable.