Part 8/14:
On the diplomatic front, NATO continues to expand despite resistance from Turkey and Hungary. After nearly two years of opposition, Turkey’s parliament voted favorably on Tuesday to approve Sweden’s bid to join the alliance, moving one step closer to becoming NATO’s 32nd member.
Sweden and Finland, long neutral, sought NATO membership in 2022 amidst regional insecurity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland was admitted in 2023, but Sweden's accession faced delays primarily due to Turkey's objections about terrorist activities linked to Kurdish separatist groups, notably the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).