Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, Micael Byden, talks with U.S. soldiers during the joint NATO exercise 'Aurora 17' at Save airfield in Goteborg, Sweden September 13, 2017. Henrik Brunnsgard/TT News Agency/via REUTERS
Reuters: Fearing Russia, Sweden holds biggest war games in 20 years
GOTHENBURG, Sweden (Reuters) - Neutral Sweden has launched its biggest war games in two decades with support from NATO countries, drilling 19,000 troops after years of spending cuts that have left the country fearful of Russia’s growing military strength.
On the eve of Russia’s biggest maneuvers since 2013, which NATO says will be greater than the 13,000 troops Moscow says are involved, Sweden will simulate an attack from the east on the Baltic island of Gotland, near the Swedish mainland.
“The security situation has taken a turn for the worse,” Micael Byden, the commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said during a presentation of the three-week-long exercise.
Read more ....
Update: What kind of conflict is Sweden preparing for? (Euronews)
WNU Editor: From bringing back conscription .... Sweden brings back military conscription amid Baltic tensions (BBC), to conducting large joint military drills with other countries .... Sweden is definitely becoming a different country.
5 comments:
Sec of Defense Mattis had this to say recently about Sweden and defense co-operation with the USA.
"The implication is that if the government signs the convention banning nuclear weapons, including on Swedish territory, it would impact both defence cooperation during peace time and the possibility of military support from the USA in a crisis situation," SvD claims.
Which way is it Sweden? They are rapidly approaching the point where Leftist ideology conflicts with national survival.
"Sweden is definitely becoming a different country"
Yes. But the conscription is just for show. Calling in 4000 people does nothing but deflect bigger issues elsewhere.
Anonymous # 3,
You nailed it!! Now if the Swedes were to follow the American lead and go out of their way to needlessly provoke Russia the invasion might just come. As you state, truly pathetic. Sweden and most of the "west" including America needs to rearrange its priorities.
Anonymous # 1,
Obviously if America is going to act to defend Sweden and the Swedes aren't going to employ their own domestically built nuclear arsenal or even build one, and they aren't going to allow the Americans to deploy nuclear weapons for their defense attempts for America to defend Sweden would be beyond problematic but all but impossible. As such and as Mattis appears to suggest it would be unwise in such circumstances for America to enter into a defense agreement with Sweden.
Actually it would be unwise for America to do this anyway. The depleted and beleaguered US military would be hard pressed to defend America right now when its enemies attack much less assist Sweden.
"Which way Sweden?" Your statement about leftist ideology interfering with national survival is spot on. As for which way, not being a Swede I can't answer that. Some suggestions though. 1.) Realize America is essentially a Petomkin Village and while it may look strong it is quite brittle. As such, any agreements or alliances with it have negative utility. America can barely provide for its own needs much less assist countries like Sweden. 2.) Russia has been active in Europe for centuries as a major participant and will be a major power for centuries more. Essentially Russia is forever for all practical purposes. In contrast, assuming America survives at all, ehich is a big if, it's problems are massive. As such, it cannot be expected to be a major power for much longer much less have any kind of role in European affairs. 3.) Even if America does survive the American people are fed up with foreign policies that don't advance our interests. Same result American influence in Europe is ending in short order. 3.)Swedes should invest in their own defense even developing their own nuclear deterrent. War drills are probably a great idea as soldiers need practice. Conscription may even be a good idea. It'll work some places but not in others. 4,)All of these combined with their traditional neutrality should be enough. The Russian invasion is not coming unless Sweden acts to provoke it. Antagonizing Russia for no good reason would be unwise.
They dont want our mess.
Unknown,
You raise an interesting point that may well be valid. Clearly, if the Russian model were followed, the uncontrolled immigration from hostile nations would be stopped and the rule of law restored and the other things mentioned would be stopped but at what price.
Generally nations do not support being invaded an conquered by a foreign country but your statement which has merit to it explains why many American, probably many Swedes, and many western Europeans are not inflicted with Russophobia and see Russia as being champions of the these things.
While there is a certain level of corruption in the Russian government and bad things have happened to opposition figures, Russia and Vladimir Putin are but mere pikers in this area compared to the American government. Additionally this has to be evaluated in context. America and the "west" have sponsored numerous NGOs who have sought to undermine the government of Russia as well as its vital interests. Such a thing no doubt required an extreme response. Also, remember the coup against the Ukrainian supported by and perhaps organized by America.
I think this begins to bring us to the real reason why many in America and the "west" have an irrational hatred of Russia. Having experienced the horrors of communism first hand the Russian leadership and the Russian people not only reject communism and other leftists ideologies but they do so violently and with extreme prejudice when necessary. For this, they cannot be forgiven or accepted. How dare they do that?!!?
I've said it before. I will say it again. while we not agree on everything and there may be little possibility of us being allies in the short to near term, treat them as equals, respect their positions, and act accordingly. Do so and good outcomes are possible. Continue with the current stupid policies and good endings are unlikely.
Remember also, the US expanded NATO to Russia's borders in violation of the negotiated end to Cold War I. this was bound to lead to blowback and stupidly interfering Ukraine, like dumping gallons of fuel on a forest fire.
Post a Comment