Ukraine war: crisis between the west and Russia gives Turkey a chance to strengthen its hand at home and abroad
The longstanding neutrality of Sweden and Finland was abandoned when both states submitted formal applications to Nato. But they are facing an unexpected obstacle on the way to membership: Turkey. While Turkey supports the alliance鈥檚 鈥渙pen door鈥 policy, Ankara鈥檚 veto reflects its aims to change the status quo and make gains in three areas: the eastern Mediterranean, Syria 鈥 and in its own domestic politics.