Or to put it in a different way: did Tsipras escalate the situation in order to pull in the US and force Germany to accept relief on Greek debt?
Imagining the small debt stricken nation maneuver the world’s superpower seems a bit out there, but the US Treasury secretary Jack Lew has already spoken with the creditors, including his German peer, and called for a solution that defies Germany’s red lines:
Here is a quote from the statement, emphasis mine:
He noted that it is important for all parties to continue to work to reach a solution, including a discussion of potential debt relief for Greece, in the run up to the July 5th referendum announced by Prime Minister Tsipras
We also know that Obama spoke with Merkel on Sunday.
The United States seemed to be standing in the sidelines of the Greek crisis. After all, the European Union and the euro-zone are on the case and the US has little direct exposure to Greece.
But, economic trouble in other euro-zone countries is already a US interest, and more importantly, Greece’s geographical position makes it geo-politically important for the US. In the eastern part of the Mediterranean, close to the raging war in Syria and to Russia and Ukraine makes it very important. Obama would probably not like to see Greece falling into the arms of Putin.
The US is the largest stake holder of the IMF, which has also called for debt relief (but has also been tough on Greece). Apart from pressuring the IMF, Washington can pressure its NATO peers, Germany and France.
Winston Churchill said that “You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else”. It seems they haven’t tried too much so far, but maybe they are getting their hands dirty now.
Things are moving fast in all directions.