A time-out in the Nato process
image source: Reuters: Umit Bektas https:www.abc.net.au
A thorough review of the Swedish Nato and Turkey carousel would take meters of space. But here’s twenty centimeters on the subject.
The invasion and the reaction
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland abandoned their careful and delicate handling of their eastern neighbour and threw their hat in the ring with Nato. Sweden abandoned its neutrality doctrine (that had some holes in it, but was a popular idea) and did the same. The membership process was largely smooth sailing, with Nato members accepting the two countries’ applications with no problem or debate. Then there was Turkey.
In a surprise, and despite previous assurances, Turkey said no to Swedish Nato membership on the same day that Sweden said it would apply. Erdogan accused both Sweden and Finland of giving safe haven to terrorists, namely PKK, PYD and YPG members.
Who?
PKK stands for the Kurdish Workers’ Party and is a militant political party based mostly in southeast Turkey and northern Syria and Iraq. Their aim is to establish a Kurdish state, or at least gain autonomy. Using violence to that end is fully sanctioned. PKK’s attacks and Turkish reprisals – as well as Turkish attacks and PKK reprisals – have been going on for decades. The PKK is officially regarded as a terrorist organization by the USA, the EU, and others.
Turkey considers both the Kurdish PYD and YPG to be terrorist groups as well, but Nato and the EU don’t. Sweden has given safe haven to persecuted Kurds, and allows demonstrations at which the PKK flag can be seen vigorously waving. In addition, the previous Social Democratic government signed a deal to support the Kurdish PYD (if not its military branch, the YPG) to get an important yes vote from parliament member and Kurd Amineh Kakabaveh. (Kakabaveh’s yes vote was necessary for Magdalena Andersson to become Prime Minister.) In sum, Sweden hasn’t given Turkey the impression that it respects Turkey’s side of the Kurdish conflict.
We thought it was a done deal
After more negotiations, however, a 10-point agreement was reached between the three countries for Turkey to accept Sweden and Finland as Nato candidate countries. Two points in particular regarded strengthening and enacting new measures against terrorism – mostly PKK terrorism and the Kurdish YPG/PYD organizations. Sweden has indeed taken measures, and Nato’s chairman Stoltenberg stated that he considers Sweden’s and Finland’s responsibilities fulfilled.
Turkey didn’t exactly agree. Instead, Sweden got lists of people Turkey wanted extradited. When the judiciary or Immigration says there are no grounds for extradition, though, then there are no extraditions. Turkey remained displeased.
PR disasters
When a life-size doll of Turkey’s president Erdogan was hung by the feet outside of Stockholm’s town hall a few weeks ago, it confirmed Turkey’s suspicions that Sweden wasn’t quite discouraging these actions. Of course, Turkey’s government knows exactly how much, or how little, Sweden can do about such actions (hello freedom of expression), but Erdogan has an election coming up. Accusing Sweden of disrespect is perfect for appearing the strongman.
Things got worse this last week when the far-right activist Paludan was allowed to burn a Koran in front of the Turkish embassy (freedom of expression again). Now, most of the Muslim world has exploded in indignation. Swedish flags are burning, and Erdogan looks like a hero.
As for the Nato membership process, ranking diplomats have said it’s time to take a long step back and let tempers’ fires burn themselves out. To stop responding to everything, and to stop with the press conferences. Don’t give it so much space, you might say.
