Far Right Swedish Politician Does Russia's Bidding By Burning Koran in Front of Turkish Embassy

When I learned that Rasmus Paludan, the Danish born far right Swedish politician, had burned a copy of the Koran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm last Saturday, it immediately occurred to me that one country stood to gain from this heinous act - Russia.

After all, Sweden is seeking to join NATO along with Finland in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But Sweden and Finland's ascension into NATO requires unanimous consent including from Muslim majority Turkey. Needless to say, Russia doesn't want any kind of NATO expansion. And what better way to prevent NATO expansion than having a useful idiot do a usefully idiotic thing? Turkish President Erdogan reacts predictably and Russia gets what it wants. 

Yes, Russia condemned the burning of the Koran. But make no mistake. Russia couldn't be happier. 

Now comes word that a Swedish journalist affiliated with Russia Today organized the Koran burning. The Russian government doesn't have its fingerprints on it, but they are pulling the strings.