If the US does take him from Sweden, then it will only serve as huge negative PR against them, and call into question the motives of the UK courts. The backlash could be huge.
Every time I read about this I'm struck by the number of people who see Assange's treatment as politically motivated and seem unable to accept the possibility that he assaulted two women.
The charges seem a bit 'iffy' to me. Apparently if the girl doesn't enjoy the sex in Sweden it is rape...<p>Aren't the two charges. He didn't use a condom and he coerced a girl to sleep with him?<p>That said I now have little sympathy for him. If he is innocent I am sure he will be found so in Sweden.<p>He was originally a beacon for free speech. Then he oversaw the release of un-redacted cables and he turned into a pillock. He deserves what he gets.