The Greek crisis is a multifaceted one. Wracked by economic crisis and political uncertainty, with far-right groups flourishing and its future in the eurozone uncertain, the Hellenic republic is considering its options.

But the flourishing debate on its course has been mainly synthesized around the economic and political dimensions. Uncertainty about the future still exists in both aspects, but there is a feeling that Greece passed through a more difficult stage in the first months of 2012, compared to the current period.

Nevertheless, a new danger has started to threaten the attempts of the country to return to normalcy. This is terrorism.

In recent weeks various bomb attacks hit Athens. These attacks targeted bank branches, political offices, the homes of Greek journalists and also the headquarters of the governing conservative party.

The most worrying incident occurred on January 20, when a bomb exploded inside a suburban shopping center. The device only caused moderate damage, because the shopping center had been evacuated after an anonymous warning call. No one can safely say what could have happened otherwise.

It is not the first time in its modern history that Greece has encountered with terrorist threats. Groups such as the Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17N) and Revolutionary Popular Struggle (ELA), responsible for numerous bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations in the past, were only dismantled in the first years of the new century.

Since then other groups have been also active. These include the Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei, Revolutionary Struggle, Sect of Revolutionaries, and other anti-globalization organizations.

The recent bomb attacks in Athens are not a new phenomenon. There's continuity to the evolution of terrorism in Greece.

Some link the relevant rise of terrorist actions to the ongoing economic crisis.

Problems such as unemployment and poverty certainly provoke intense frustration for Greeks, especially for young people and over-borrowed families.

These problems can lead to increased participation in demonstrations and the subsequent usage of anti-establishment rhetoric. They can also generate anger against the politicians who are seen as responsible for the current drama, often expressed through outspoken actions and even violence.

Nonetheless, they can hardly constitute a satisfactory explanation for the rise of domestic terrorism. Reactions to social problems are understandable but only up to a certain point. There is no common logic which explains the behavior of people participating in terrorist groups.

Individual case studies should be conducted to reach safe conclusions on their motivations.

On the other hand, however, for existing and possibly new terrorist organizations, the economic crisis offers a good opportunity to justify their cause.

Although the pain of austerity allegedly explains violent activities, it can be used by their leaders, members and participants as a valuable and convenient platform.

All in all, it is not surprising that in an environment of economic, political and social instability, extremism, whatever form it takes, comes as a natural consequence.

These features are applicable in the case of the Hellenic Republic, and the result has been more or less expected.

The good news for Greece is that recent terrorist attacks have already alarmed the government and the police.

Worrying though they were, these bombings, causing only little damage so far, have provided critical information for the authorities to act preemptively and prevent similar violent actions in the future.

It is a hard task because terrorists do not respect rules and human rights. It is, nevertheless, the principal responsibility of authorities to safeguard the democratic nature of the country and protect its citizens.

It is a matter of efficient preparation, surveillance and training to preserve Greece as a safe country.

The author is a research fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn