A little late for that, isn’t it?

On Monday, the European Union began its first stage in deporting thousands of refugees back to Turkey, according to a Washington Post report.

Under heavy security and right at dawn, over 200 migrants were sent back in what the Post noted is “intended to send a powerful message to others considering the journey from Turkey to Greece via a smuggler’s rubber raft: Don’t even bother.”

Three ferries left the Greek islands carrying a majority of Pakistani and Afghani refugees, most of whom arrived via smugglers’ rafts. This is part of the deal that was struck last month between the two nations and includes sending all refugees who arrived in Greece since March 20 back to Turkey.

However, according to the report, the EU will accept one Syrian refugee from Turkey for every Syrian who is returned as part of this “new program.” So apparently, Europe hasn’t actually learned its lesson.

Human rights advocates are criticizing the deal and are pushing asylum for all arrivals. Otherwise, in their view, Europe is pushing the problem off onto somebody else.

But it would seem that Turkey is the real winner as it was promised billions in financial assistance and the easing of visa rules for Turks to travel inside the EU, as the Post indicated. In addition, Turkey’s membership application into the union has been promised a revival.

It is stated that 51,000 refugees remain “trapped” in Greece; a result of surrounding countries sealing off their borders from any further influx. Thousands more will be shipped out in the coming months.

http://www.truthrevolt.org/news/eu-finally-cries-uncle-%E2%80%94-starts-mass-deportations-refugees