Turkey Lifts Block on Sweden's NATO Bid

Turkish President Erdogan is obstructing Sweden's bid to join NATO, despite previously pledging to allow it. His obstructionism has also emboldened Hungary to threaten to impede Sweden's accession. Erdogan is using this as leverage to secure a $20 billion deal for US-made F-16 fighters. However, US President Biden has made it clear that Congress must approve the deal, and many members of Congress want Turkey to definitively lift its hold on Sweden's NATO membership before approving the F-16 deal. Erdogan's actions are benefiting Russian President Putin and risking Turkey's relationship with its NATO allies. Sweden has addressed Ankara's concerns and strengthened ties with NATO, but Erdogan's demands, including progress on Turkey joining the EU and a ban on burning the Quran in Sweden, are unlikely to be met. The best option is for Turkey to ratify Sweden's NATO membership and proceed with the F-16 deal.