World through the Swedish lens

US Rejects Australia's Plea to Free Assange : US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, confirms that the US has rejected Australia's appeal to free Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder. Blinken emphasizes the seriousness of the charges against Assange and the damage caused to US national security by the disclosures of classified information. The future relations between the Australian government and the US may be tested by the ongoing Assange case.

Deadly bomb attack in Pakistan : Over 130 people are injured and multiple deaths reported after a bomb exploded during a political gathering in the northwestern district of Bajur. The Pakistani police have declared an emergency in nearby hospitals to treat the injured.

Danish government summons parties for meeting on the Quran crisis : The Danish government has called for an extra meeting to discuss Quran burnings in the country that have sparked international reactions. The government aims to review how to restrict actions that go against Danish interests and security without limiting freedom of speech. The crisis staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling diplomatic relations with Muslim countries, as 15 governments have already condemned the Quran burnings in Denmark.

EU stops all support to Niger : The EU has withdrawn all financial support to Niger and suspended all security work after a group of military personnel ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The EU does not recognize the coup makers, and the African Union also demands the immediate release of Niger's president.