Iraq: Protesters Set Fire to Swedish Embassy

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Facts

  • Iraqi protesters, reportedly angered by Quran burnings in Sweden, stormed and set fire to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad early Thursday.1
  • Videos posted on social media show protesters climbing over the embassy’s fence, and waving flags and signs supporting the Iraqi Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada Sadr.2
  • The development comes after Sweden approved another demonstration application outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm, where a copy of the Quran and the Iraq flag were expected to be burnt.3
  • Condemning the attack as a violation of the Vienna convention, the Swedish embassy announced that it had closed to visitors, adding that all staff members were safe.4
  • Meanwhile, the Iraqi foreign ministry said it would take the "necessary security measures" and undergo an "urgent investigation" to "identify the perpetrators" and "hold them accountable."5
  • However, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed the Swedish ambassador to leave the country, reportedly because Sweden permitted Quran burning.6

Sources: 1Al Jazeera, 2Independent, 3Sky News, 4Guardian, 5Evening Standard, and 6DW.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Jerusalem Post. While freedom of expression is sacred, it must be balanced against the destruction of public peace caused by burning religious texts. Regardless of religion or intention, Swedish authorities must make the right decision and end the diplomatic chaos caused by their acceptance of controversial behavior.
  • Narrative B,a s provided by Fria Tider. The overwhelming majority of Swedes are not against banning the burning of religious texts such as the Quran; however, the reality remains clear that multiculturalism has failed in Sweden. The issue is not a lack of understanding of Swedish culture, but an apparent refusal to conform and cooperate with the country's way of life. The sooner the government accepts this reality and reacts accordingly, the better.
  • Narrative C, as provided by Boston Globe. Burning the Quran may not be morally correct, but that doesn’t mean it should be banned. Sweden, and all free societies, must protect the ability to express even contemptible ideas and actions. Burning religious texts should be both protected by the government and denounced by citizens for the sake of free speech and civil society.

Predictions