The tension between Iraq and Sweden escalated dramatically. It comes in response to a planned Koran burning in Stockholm. Consequently, the Swedish ambassador faced expulsion from Iraq. Prompted by the plan, hundreds of protesters violently took over the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.
In reaction, the Swedish Foreign Minister, Tobias Billstrom, argues the response was unacceptable. He claims that Iraq failed to protect the embassy. The Iraqi government considers the incident as a security breach. Therefore, they’ve pledged to protect diplomatic missions firmly in the future. Meanwhile, Baghdad warns of severing diplomatic relations if the incident repeats. They made this clear to the Swedish government.
Reportedly, the affairs charges to Sweden were recalled while the protest was underway. However, the recall happened before any Koran was burned.
The call to protest emanated from the Shi’ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. His followers are known for their significant influence in Iraq. Al-Sadr defended the embassy burning. He believes the U.S. should condemn the Koran burnings rather than the embassy burning.
Sweden has seen numerous Koran burnings recently, leading to outrage in the Muslim world. Back home, the burnings are causing security concerns domestically. These events are also complicating Sweden’s NATO membership bid. Despite these challenges, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson maintains the events are still within legal bounds.
