Sweden's potential membership in NATO is facing increasing scrutiny from Turkey due to recent Quran-burning protests. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed concerns about Sweden's ability to prevent such demonstrations, questioning whether the country would strengthen or burden the alliance. Despite these reservations, Fidan indicated Turkey would approve Sweden's membership if Stockholm adequately addresses Turkey's security concerns.

Fidan highlighted the perceived inadequacy of Sweden's security system in preventing provocations, raising doubts about the strategic and security implications of its NATO membership. He emphasized that the question of whether Sweden's inclusion would be beneficial or detrimental to the alliance is now a subject of open debate.

Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, abandoning their long-standing neutral stance. However, Turkey has delayed Sweden's accession, citing concerns about its perceived leniency towards groups Ankara considers security threats, including Kurdish militants and those associated with the 2016 coup attempt.

Adding to the tension are demonstrations in Sweden by supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU, and the Quran-burning incidents, which have drawn condemnation from Muslim nations. The most recent incident occurred last week, further exacerbating the situation.

NATO aims to finalize Sweden's membership by the upcoming leaders' summit in Lithuania on July 11-12. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has scheduled a meeting with officials from Turkey, Sweden, and Finland on July 6 to address Turkey's objections. Unanimous approval from all existing members is required for NATO expansion, and currently, only Turkey and Hungary have not ratified Sweden's bid.

Although Sweden has updated its anti-terror laws since applying for membership, Fidan, formerly Turkey's intelligence chief, contends that terrorist groups continue to operate within Sweden, holding demonstrations, raising funds, and recruiting members. He referenced the memorandum signed by Sweden and Finland last year, agreeing to address Turkey's security concerns, and pointed to Finland's successful accession to NATO earlier this year as a potential model for Sweden.

The recent Quran-burning protest also drew criticism from Pope Francis, who emphasized the importance of respecting sacred texts and condemned the use of freedom of expression as a pretext for despising others. In Sweden, a top bishop characterized the incident as an attack on all believers, questioning the limits of free speech. The Jordanian foreign minister echoed these sentiments, calling for mutual respect of religious values. The United Nations Human Rights Council will also address the rising incidents of religious hatred, including the desecration of the Quran, following a request by Pakistan.