Repeat after me: Roméo Dallaire is not progressive. And paying Dallaire to speak at your meeting does not further the cause of international peace and a just system of international relations. I was reminded yet again of how many supposed “progressive” organizations seem confused about Dallaire and what he represents after learning he and Irwin... Continue Reading →
Canadian companies caught with hands in African colonial cookie jar
The recent seizure of phosphate from a Moroccan state company in South Africa and Panama is a blow to corporate Canada and a victory for national independence struggles. It should also embarrass the Canadian media. This month courts in Port Elizabeth and Panama City okayed requests by the POLISARIO Front asking South Africa and Panama... Continue Reading →
No joke, Canadian imperialism is longstanding in Caribbean
Perhaps a new rule is in order: Everyone must take a history lesson before seeking some fun in the sun. Recently, NDP Member of Parliament Erin Weir asked if Canada should try to expand into the former British slave colonies. “The slush we’re getting in Regina is no fun. Right about now, a lot of... Continue Reading →
Lester Pearson was no ‘honest broker’ or friend of Palestine
It’s no wonder Canadians are confused about their country’s place in the world when a leading advocate of the Palestinian cause praises the official most responsible for dispossessing Palestinians. In an article about a recent poll showing Canadians have a negative attitude towards Israel, reject the notion criticizing Israel is anti-Semitic and believe the media... Continue Reading →
Toronto Star leaves readers ignorant of Canada’s real role in Africa
The media’s foreign affairs motto often seems to be ignorance is bliss. The Toronto Star, for instance, has devoted significant attention to the Trudeau government’s plan to dispatch 600 soldiers to Africa, but it has largely ignored the most relevant information. In a recent installment of its “Should Canada go to Africa?” series the Star quoted former Royal Military College board member... Continue Reading →
Putting Palestine into the NDP leadership race
To the sound of crickets chirping from opposition benches Justin Trudeau’s government has once again isolated Canada on Palestinian rights. But, recent developments suggest this shameful chapter in Canadian diplomacy is past its political best before date. On November 21 Canada joined the US, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau in... Continue Reading →
Canada opposed Cuba’s key role in ending apartheid
Did Canada lead the international charge against apartheid and white rule in South Africa or criticize a country that, in fact, did? Recent commentary about Canada’s policy towards southern Africa’s liberation struggles distorts history that should inform debate over Canada’s planned military deployment to the continent today. A Globe and Mail article last month described “Canada’s strong support... Continue Reading →
Greens stand firm in face of Israeli bullying
In a major self-inflicted wound, Israeli nationalist groups recently turned support for a BDS motion targeting Israel's occupation into overwhelming approval. In addition, the resolution also demanded action to address the plight of Palestinian refugees and Palestinian citizens of Israel. In a further bizarre twist, Elizabeth May and others within the Green Party leadership have... Continue Reading →
Liberals isolate Canada as a result of blind support for Israel
How can you identify a Canadian Liberal? They talk to the left, but walk to the right. Under Justin Trudeau, "Canada is back" to isolating itself from world opinion on Palestinian rights. On Monday Canada joined the US, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau in opposing a UN Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee... Continue Reading →
A day to remember
Remember. Remember that today marks the culmination of a militarist, nationalist ritual organized by a reactionary state-backed group. Every year the Royal Canadian Legion sells about 20 million red poppies in the lead-up to Remembrance Day. Remember that red poppies were inspired by the 1915 poem "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian army officer John McCrae.... Continue Reading →
Mainstream media finally reveals truth about Rwanda’s dictator
It was a tough week for Romeo Dallaire, Louise Arbour, Gerald Caplan and other liberal Canadian cheerleaders of Africa’s most bloodstained dictator. Last Tuesday’s Globe and Mail described two secret reports documenting Paul Kagame’s “direct involvement in the 1994 missile attack that killed former president Juvénal Habyarimana, leading to the genocide in which an estimated 800,000 people... Continue Reading →
Israeli apologists blinded by ‘Zionist religion’
Israel apologists often complain about leftists “singling Israel out” or “obsessing” over the country, inferring a motivation of anti-Semitism. Putting aside the obvious truth that “obsessing” over the plight of an oppressed people ought to be considered a compliment and campaigning on any issue amounts to “singling” it out, the accusation often represents what a Freudian analyst would... Continue Reading →
Mining the leaders’ debate
The Liberal, NDP and Conservative leaders are set to debate Canada's role in the world at an event put on by Munk Debates, an organization named after and financed by a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in mining. It will be interesting, therefore, to see if mining as a topic is given much, if... Continue Reading →
Will Canada’s love affair with Israel last?
Pro-Israel lobbyists have had it good in Canada. The outgoing government is wildly supportive and the "Left" party recently purged a number of candidates for publicly expressing pro-Palestinian sympathies. But the election this fall may turn out to be zenith of Israeli influence. Stephen Harper's pro-Israelism is legend. At the General Assembly this week, Canadian... Continue Reading →
Canada’s contribution to mass murder and torture in Kenya
Over the weekend a memorial was unveiled to victims of British colonial violence in Kenya. Paid for by London, the monument in Nairobi grew out of London’s 2013 apology to the Mau Mau, which included some compensation to 5000 victims of British policy who pursued London court. Britain’s small step towards atoning for its colonial... Continue Reading →
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