"Non-Aligned" Sweden to join NATO Elite Force

DONi News Agency

Non-aligned Sweden seems to be gradually losing its former trademark neutrality, as the red-green coalition government is poised to accept an invitation to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which is composed of seven NATO countries.

During a meeting with the nation's Defense Committee, Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist made it clear that Stockholm intends to accept the British invitation to the JEF, despite having previously rejected this idea. With traditionally non-aligned Sweden's increasing participation in various NATO-affiliated structures being a polarizing issue, the prospect of relinquishing still more neutral ground has rekindled the debate.

"Basically, it's a good decision. It sends a clear signal that Sweden is joining the Western countries. Also, it is important that it is a rapid response force," Conservative defense...