Cyprus is once again making headline news as Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides becomes the first leader in the region to appoint a special representative - Ambassador Thessalia Salina Shambos - for religious freedoms and the protection of minorities in the Middle East. The move, welcomed in Washington, comes as new concerns about religious and ethnic minorities are emerging in the wake of war and upheaval in Syria and the region. Matthew Boyle, the Washington Bureau Chief for Breitbart News Network who interviewed President Christodoulides about this move, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why this is such a significant story.

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

Cyprus President Appoints ‘Special Representative’ for Religious Freedoms to Protect Christians, Other Minorities in Middle East

US welcomes Cyprus’ move on Christian minorities in Middle East

Leadership changes do not affect Greek-US relations

Syria: Germany cautions Turkey against wider Kurdish fight