Sweden Mulls "Doctrine Shift" in Defense After Russian Incursion in Ukraine

wsj.com ^ | March 6, 2014 | Niclas Rolander

[Berlin_Freeper]

The continuing crisis in Ukraine has the reputedly peaceful Swedes rethinking the nation's defense doctrine, and some are using the situation as a way to push for NATO membership in the run-up to parliamentary elections.

Only a few weeks after announcing cuts to the defense budget, Finance Minister Anders Borg told the TT news agency Wednesday "there is a lot indicating" that more money will have to be allocated to military defense.

Much of the political debate leading up to the elections in September has been focused on the need to spend more on education and other domestic policies, so any hint that a boost to defense budgets is in the pipeline signals a dramatic U-turn.

In recent years, Swedish policy on defense has been based on the view that there are no conceivable threats to Swedish territory in the near term, and the military has been scaled down and reshaped to focus on participation in international operations. However, after Russia's recent military intervention in Crimea, politicians of different stripes are now saying there should be an expansion in the defense budget and a strengthening of the country's military presence on the strategically important island of Gotland in the Baltic sea.

[NVDave]

Well, the smart move would be for NATO to dismiss any Swedish application for NATO membership. When the crap hits the fan in some other NATO country, the Swedes will not respond, as the treaty requires.

[blueunicorn6]

I think Angela Merkel better start running three shifts at the panzer factory.

[Army Air Corps]

Ping.

[Army Air Corps]

Ping

[goldstategop]

Finland is in the EU but will never join NATO. Russia is its neighbor and has to keep cordial relations with it.

[skeeter]

Sphincters are tightening all over Poland, as well.

[hinckley buzzard]

Sweden stayed happily and prosperously neutral through two world wars, no reason for them to take sides now.

[Snickering Hound]

"Are you accepting surrenders yet? Asking for a friend."

[Viiksitimali]

http://yle.fi/uutiset/finnish_air_force_steps_up_surveillance_amid_interesting_traffic_over_baltic/7145516

[smokingfrog]

What the heck is she shootin’?

[Berlin_Freeper]

Let’s see what happens with the Baltic states.

Moscow signals concern for Russians in Estonia

[ZULU]

They can’t protect their own woman from Muslim invaders and they want to participate in NATO?

[Palmetto Patriot]

Recent events put me in mind of this Ad from the 1984 Reagan - Bush Campaign:

There's a Bear in the Woods

Apparently the Swedes have spotted the Bear.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Obama already won salesman of year from domestic firearms manufacturers. Now, he’s gonna get the award from international defense contractors!

[dfwgator]

What the heck is she shootin’?

Arrows.....right through my heart.

[Chgogal]

Hey Sweden, Our Dear Leader Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, what's the problem? All is sweet in the world.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Berlin_Freeper.