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| "Sweden is now a member of Nato" |
I don't normally write much about politics, but yesterday the top news here in Sweden (and probably in some other countries too) was that we have now officially joined Nato - every time with the additional comment quoted, that from now on, 7th March 2024 will be "a historic day" for our country, marking the end of around 200 years of Swedish neutrality (even if that "neutrality" may also be, and has often been, discussed...)
The decision to apply to be members of Nato was taken together with Finland in May 2022, triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Finland was officially welcomed as member in April 2023. It took Sweden a year longer because two countries (Turkey and Hungary) hesitated to give their approval. The issues behind that (whatever they were) were somehow eventually resolved, though; and yesterday the final papers were signed.
Of course various reporters were also out on the streets yesterday, asking "ordinary people" how they feel about it. For my own part, I have to confess I'm still in two minds about it. On the one hand, I suppose a joint decision from Sweden and Finland makes sense. On the other hand, I still really wish that humanity would learn better ways to "fight for peace" than keeping up the arms race...
Mind you, I was young back in the 1970s, which (at least among young people, as I remember it) was a time very much characterized by peace-, disarmament-, and anti-nuclear movements...
15 comments:
I did not know this, and it makes me kind of sad in a way. Joining NATO seems like it will not help Ukraine in any way, and now Sweden has lost it's neutrality, something so rare in the world.
It was on our main news yesterday, and also in the year it took Turkey and Hungary to decide there were regular features on our news about the topic. I agree that it would be infinitely better not to need such military associations at all, but the world being as it is, I don‘t have hopes of that happening any time soon…
my mouth ran away with me so I deleted the comment. I say welcome to NATO and I hope it goes well with the allies. I do wish every country could become an Allie.
I agree with Librarian. It's a shame such alliances are deemed necessary and I hope your country never needs the assistance this one offers.
Ginny, our joining Nato may not make much difference for Ukraine, but the war in Ukraine has made clear that Russia under the present regime can't be trusted. Finland has a very long border to Russia. Their decision to join Nato for better protection is totally understandable. And without Finland, Sweden would be the only 'neutral' country left in the region, and not in a good position to defend ourselves on our own either. So in the present situation, I can definitely see the logic in joining the same alliance as our "neighbours".
Thanks Sandra. (I did also get the email of your longer comment.)
Meike, I guess we'll just all have to try and make the best we can of it, even if a lot of answers are still just blowin' in the wind...
Thanks Pauline. Assisting each other goes both ways though, which I think is probably what is being discussed the most among "ordinary people" here just now - as of course there are still a whole lot of details to sort out.
I think it's a good idea but agree with you - it's a shame we have to do this in order to survive, war is not a good thing.
Amy, I still have my old school atlas, printed in 1964, to remind me how much the world has changed just over the last 60 years...
It's a sad day for Sweden, but so necessary to give protection from the unstable neighbour beyond that long Finnish border.
Carol, yes, I'm afraid you're probably right.
I'm with Meike and Pauline on this one.
So am I, Graham. My "mixed emotions" are more about also feeling a bit of... nostalgia I suppose.
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