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How long can Erdogan sustain threat to veto Finnish, Swedish NATO bids?

Erdogan shakes up otherwise unified Western alliance on Ukraine war.
HENRIK MONTGOMERY/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images

Turkish President Recep Erdogan threatened to veto Finland and Sweden’s bid for NATO membership last week. Europe is at one of its most critical junctures in modern history as the West tries to consolidate its defense against Moscow after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We are following developments regarding Sweden and Finland, but we don't hold positive views," Erdogan told reporters as he was leaving Friday prayers May 13. “These countries have almost become guesthouses for terrorist organizations. … It is not possible for us to be in favor," he added.

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