Diplomatic Dispute Escalates: Iraq Expels Sweden’s Envoy, Protesters Torch Baghdad Embassy
Followers of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr stormed the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq on July 20, 2023, in protest against the burning of the Quran in Stockholm. The incident has led to a diplomatic dispute between Iraq and Sweden, resulting in the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador and the recall of the charge d'affaires in Sweden.Suspension of Working PermitsIn response to the tensions, Iraq has suspended working permits for Swedish businesses, including telecom giant Ericsson. The move further escalates the situation between the two countries.Protest and Storming of the Swedish EmbassyThe protest was triggered by news that an Iraqi Christian refugee, Salwan Momika, was given permission by Swedish police to burn a Quran for a second time in Stockholm, after having do...