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Arms diplomacy in the crossfire: The geopolitical chessboard of F-16s, F-35s, and Sweden’s NATO bid 

Since President Erdogan agreed in principle to enlargement at the NATO summit in Vilnius last July, we have witnessed a political back-and-forth on the Swedish issue reminiscent of the hustle and bustle of an oriental bazaar. 

Biden seeking formula for Turkish F-16s

The White House is trying to figure out the intentions of the US Congress and how they will be shaped in case Sweden's accession to NATO is approved before the NATO Summit in July.

The fact that contacts about the Turkish F-16s, usually conducted through the State Department, are being made by the White House indicates the heightened interest of US President Joe Biden.

The dangers of Biden appeasing Turkey over Sweden

Now that President Erdogan has secured reelection, the Biden administration is stepping up its efforts to pressure the Turkish President to lift his veto over Sweden's accession to NATO. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken has publicly denied any link between Sweden's NATO accession and the delivery of F-16s, President Biden has suggested a quid pro quo.

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