The latest NATO pact between Turkey and Sweden has the potential to spark a large-scale movement of Syrian refugees from Turkey into Europe. While the decision to support Sweden’s NATO candidacy is considered as a positive step for the military alliance, it has ramifications for Turkey’s already fragile refugee population.
Turkey-Sweden The NATO Treaty Could Lead to Mass Refugee Migration to Europe
Turkey has been sheltering millions of Syrian refugees for more than a decade, and the recent earthquake aggravated their already poor living conditions. Local animosity, economic insecurity, and a lack of long-term solutions to their migration have all been obstacles for the migrants. With half of Syria’s 3.5 million refugees now staying in earthquake-ravaged areas, their situation has become even more hazardous.
The devastation of houses, hospitals, highways, airports, and industry in these areas exacerbates the refugees’ plight. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost, leaving them scarred and more vulnerable than before. In such cases, the prospect of Sweden’s NATO candidacy leading to future changes in Turkey’s policies or internal dynamics may entice some Syrian refugees to migrate deeper into Europe in quest of better prospects and stability.
Both Turkey and European countries are concerned about this prospective migration scenario. Turkey’s ability to handle and maintain such a huge refugee population is already stretched thin, and any further increase in migration could exacerbate the country’s already-existing problems. European countries, on the other hand, may confront additional demands and complications in managing the arrival of additional refugees.
Quran Burning Incident and Mass Migration Concerns Stoke Unrest in Sweden
The large-scale migration may result in civil instability and violence in Sweden. The recent Quran burning incident in Sweden has the potential to incite additional conflict in the country. The crime, committed by an Iraqi man in Stockholm during a police-authorized protest, has prompted concerns about religious tensions and social stability.
The same Iraqi man had earlier burned a Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm, and a far-right extremist from Denmark had also staged a similar protest outside the Turkish Embassy in the city.
Religious provocation may heighten emotions and lead to disputes within communities. The burning of Islam’s holy book offends many Muslims and may be interpreted as an attack on their faith. As a result, it may spark rallies, counter-protests, and further fights between opposing factions, potentially escalating to public turmoil akin to what occurred in France.
Sweden, which is famed for its commitment to diversity and tolerance, must handle such situations with caution and sensitivity. While the right to free expression is guaranteed, it should not be used to encourage hatred or violence against any religious or ethnic community.
Conclusion
To summarize, while Turkey’s decision to support Sweden’s NATO bid is crucial for the alliance’s strength and security, it also has implications for Turkey’s vulnerable Syrian refugee population. The likelihood of flames from Ghazwa-E-Europe reaching Stockholm is a major concern.
