The US have offered Finland and Sweden security guarantees should there be a threat of aggression. One does not seek guarantees or offer them unless there is a realistic chance of a threat.
Good to hear the U.S. has joined the UK in security guarantees for Finland and Sweden. All four nations must realize the threat from Putin is substantial.
Whilst the individual stories hurt to hear, at least there is a sense that their suffering has brought about a change in faith in continuing appeasement of sociopaths like Putin. I was afraid that Finland and Sweden might back out at the last moment, and I am so pleased that they are moving forward. TC
I too am happy to see that Sweden and Finland have applied to join what has been described as the most powerful alliance in the world. I fear though that with unanimous agreement of all the present NATO member countries required, Turkey included, their membership is not assured.
Some younger members of my family have booked a holiday to Turkey a place they love and have been unable to visit because of the Covid lockdown travel restrictions . Whilst I understand their wish to have a lovely holiday I have already voiced my disapproval upon hearing recently that Turkey have laid on planes and about2 million seats to entice Russian tourists to visit the country despite the international sanctions imposed on Russia and its pariah status. Perhaps the way to “persuade” Turkey to use its vote to allow Sweden and Finland to join NATO , is for all tourists who have booked or plan to book holidays there to cancel and boycott the country. Get to Turkey where it hurts by attacking tourist revenue. Even with Russian visitors (without their usual spending power I imagine) I should not think the shortfall from other foreign tourists will plug the gap. Turkey’s PM is totally untrustworthy.
Exactly why I have been very disapproving of my relatives holiday booking as from the beginning Turkey has acted cynically, dishonestly and with total self-interest. My distrust goes way back, their human rights record is abysmal and yet they think they should be permitted to join the EU. The blocking of Sweden and Finland is likely a way to exert pressure to become a member of the EU. You may have already have suggested that OH, so apologies if I am repeating it.
The US have offered Finland and Sweden security guarantees should there be a threat of aggression. One does not seek guarantees or offer them unless there is a realistic chance of a threat.
Good to hear the U.S. has joined the UK in security guarantees for Finland and Sweden. All four nations must realize the threat from Putin is substantial.
Whilst the individual stories hurt to hear, at least there is a sense that their suffering has brought about a change in faith in continuing appeasement of sociopaths like Putin. I was afraid that Finland and Sweden might back out at the last moment, and I am so pleased that they are moving forward. TC
I too am happy to see that Sweden and Finland have applied to join what has been described as the most powerful alliance in the world. I fear though that with unanimous agreement of all the present NATO member countries required, Turkey included, their membership is not assured.
I would even go so far as, beware Turkey, the enemy within.
Some younger members of my family have booked a holiday to Turkey a place they love and have been unable to visit because of the Covid lockdown travel restrictions . Whilst I understand their wish to have a lovely holiday I have already voiced my disapproval upon hearing recently that Turkey have laid on planes and about2 million seats to entice Russian tourists to visit the country despite the international sanctions imposed on Russia and its pariah status. Perhaps the way to “persuade” Turkey to use its vote to allow Sweden and Finland to join NATO , is for all tourists who have booked or plan to book holidays there to cancel and boycott the country. Get to Turkey where it hurts by attacking tourist revenue. Even with Russian visitors (without their usual spending power I imagine) I should not think the shortfall from other foreign tourists will plug the gap. Turkey’s PM is totally untrustworthy.
Hence why I mentioned Turkey was unsuitable to act as a meditator from the start.
Exactly why I have been very disapproving of my relatives holiday booking as from the beginning Turkey has acted cynically, dishonestly and with total self-interest. My distrust goes way back, their human rights record is abysmal and yet they think they should be permitted to join the EU. The blocking of Sweden and Finland is likely a way to exert pressure to become a member of the EU. You may have already have suggested that OH, so apologies if I am repeating it.
Excellent comment and suggestion to attack Turkey's tourist revenue.