It could be very difficult for Sweden to join NATO. That’s what BNR foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg thinks now that Turkey is putting an ever-growing package of demands on the table.
When asked if it will work for Sweden, Hammelburg replies: “I doubt it.” Those doubts are fueled by a new request put on the table yesterday by Turkish President Erdogan.
Unreasonable
Turkey wants Sweden and Finland to deport or extradite up to 130 “terrorists” to Turkey before NATO membership can be approved. It is not the first time that the Turkish president has asked for the extradition of predominantly Kurdish militants. “But now that he mentions a specific number, Sweden says that doesn’t have to be the case anymore. And so Finland says: together outside together at home, neither do we».
According to both countries, Turkish demands are becoming increasingly unreasonable. Sweden had already come a long way to Erdogan, so a small number of Kurds would be extradited. But 130 is a lot. And if she doesn’t want to go back, then the story is over,’ thinks Hammelburg.
According to Hammelburg, Erdogan’s ever-growing package of demands can partly be explained by internal political pressure. «Everyone shouts that everything will be fine because there are no big questions of principle. But they are there for Erdogan and the elections are approaching. He wants to be Turkey’s strong man.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
