It’s kinda now or never for Sweden as it tries every diplomatic move it’s got to finally join NATO. Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine – the once-neutral Swedes have felt vulnerable – but they’ve been locked out by Turkey. Its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Sweden’s not doing enough to crack down on Kurdish opposition groups based there, so he’s using Turkey’s membership status to block ‘em. US President Joe Biden is leading efforts to try to persuade Erdogan to change his mind, telling Swedish PM Ulk Kristersson he’s “anxiously looking forward” to the bid being ratified. Finland was accepted into NATO in April – and it’s hoping its Nordic mate will get the thumbs up at next week’s meeting in Lithuania… Western nations wanted Sweden and Finland in because it would expand NATO’s presence in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic Circle – and that’s helpful when it comes to keeping Russia in check.