Swedish newspaper writes of “tired” and “homesick” Finnish soldiers
The confusion on when Finnish forces would leave Afghanistan has added fuel to a long-standing rivalry between Finland and Sweden.
The Swedish late edition tabloid newspaper Aftonbladet reported on its website on Thursday that “tired” and “homesick” Finnish peacekeeping soldiers were being withdrawn from Afghanistan, to be replaced by Swedish forces.
The paper reported that although President Tarja Halonen had promised that the Finns would stay in Afghanistan, they wanted to come home, and are being replaced by “more courageous” Swedes.
The article, by the Finnish Swedish-speaking writer Staffan Bruun, notes the move as a blow against the national character of a country, where children have been taught since 1945 that Finnish men are strong and resilient in comparison with the timid and soft Swedes.
More on this subject:
 Prime Minister promises clarification of confusion over Afghanistan
Helsingin Sanomat
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