Opinion

Sweden investigates alleged gang takeover of Social Democratic stronghold

First, the Social Democrats denied the problem. Then they cleared themselves. Now the government is stepping in and allowing former Security Service chief Klas Friberg to investigate the Botkyrka scandal, which an increasing number of people describe as one of the clearest examples of gang-criminal infiltration of Swedish politics.

The Humanitarian Superpower failed Venezuela when it mattered most

A bloodless statement about a few pennies paid into an international relief fund is all the Norwegian government has managed to come up with in the wake of Venezuela’s catastrophic earthquakes. Meanwhile, decisive leaders are doing the dirty work on the ground.

USA: A Tale of Two Nations

The United States is rapidly approaching a political divide between North and South that evokes memories of the Civil War (1861–1865). This time, however, the South stands on the side of liberty, while the North is increasingly consumed by authoritarian ambitions. It is now apt to describe the Republican Party as conservative and traditionalist, and the Democratic Party as socialist and communist.

Norway’s state broadcaster wants people to prepare for hard times

NRK appears intent on frightening Norwegians into feeling a genuine fear of war, just as people do in many other European countries. But it tries to do so in a cosy, reassuring way, by promoting foraging and gathering food from nature. The article contains some useful tips. Between the lines, however, one senses that NRK’s primary concern is to cultivate fear of a war with Russia.

The problem with the BBC’s mandatory islamophobia training

While the BBC is laying off hundreds of staff, those who remain are being required to complete training on Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred. The indoctrination is complete: the BBC expects everyone not only to respect but also to celebrate Muslims and Islam.

But the Shada case refuses to die

VG wanted to draw a line under the Shada case and “give her peace”. The parents are said not to agree with VG’s account. They refuse to speak to VG, and VG does not ask why. Now new information is emerging — details that VG must have been aware of — and these point in a completely different direction from the doctor in the white coat.

Accused of abducting his own children: “I did what any normal person would have done”

The child welfare services can remove children on invalid grounds and face no consequences. But when a concerned parent removes children from a foster home where they are not thriving, the police arrive and charge him with “deprivation of care”. After suffering a crushing defeat in the Agder District Court, the state responded with reporting restrictions—and a new case against the father.

When non-Norwegian becomes Norwegian

If you have grandparents from Pakistan and a mother who came to Norway as a marriage migrant bride, you are every bit as Norwegian as the Hardanger fiddle and brown goat’s cheese. At any rate, you are counted as part of the majority population. All it takes is for one of your parents to have been born in Norway. That also places you in the fastest-growing demographic segment in Norway.

The story the media left out: Sandra’s family ignored deportation orders for 18 years

All of Sweden is crying for 13-year-old Sandra. But behind the headlines about a child being deported lies a story the media would rather not tell: 18 years of rejected applications, appeals, and ignored deportation orders. The question is not why Sandra must leave Sweden – the question is why her mother never did.

Who’s the real Andy Burnham?

Keir Starmer’s chief challenger, Andy Burnham, has been portrayed as a political chameleon, but he will be forced to reveal his true self if he becomes the next Labour leader and Prime Minister. That may prove difficult for a politician known for adopting positions according to the mood of the day and whatever best serves his own career.