Did Canada's support for Israel cost it a seat on UN Security Council?
United Nations Security Council seat goes to Portugal in secret vote; Islamic states thought to have voted as a bloc against Ottawa.
By Haaretz Service Tags: Canada Avigdor Lieberman United Nations UN Security Council Israel newsCanada lost its bid to acquire a seat on the prestigious United Nations Security Council when the UN General Assembly voted to give Portugal the coveted position. The Canadian press was abuzz with speculation over possible reasons for the losing the vote, with many commentators attributing it to the Conservative government's strong support of Israel.
Canada has long commanded respect on the international stage, serving six two-year stints on the UN Security Council since the body was first established in 1948: in 1948-49, 1958-59, 1967-68, 1977-78, 1989-90, and in 1999-2000. This is the first time that Canada's efforts to acquire a Security Council seat have not proven successful.
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Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper addresses the United Nations General Assembly, September 23, 2010. |
| Photo by: AP |
Voting for the 10 temporary seats on the most powerful UN body is cast by secret ballot, but the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which represents 56 countries in the UN General Assembly, have historically voted as a bloc in order to affect the outcome of UN votes and consistently vote to censure Israel for its treatment of Palestinians.
The current prime minster of Canada, Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper, came to power in February 2006 after 13 consecutive years of Liberal Party rule. Under his tenure, the Canadian government abandoned its traditional multilateral diplomacy – which Harper called a "weak-nation strategy," according to the Economist – and embraced Israel with increased vigor, while its relations with the Palestinian Authority cooled considerably.
Soon after Hamas emerged victorious in elections for the Palestinian parliament, Canada's conservative government broke off all contact with the group and cut off financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, which had previously amounted to $7 million annually, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Hard-line Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited Canada in July 2009, and praised the country for its diplomatic solidarity with the government of Israel. "Canada is so friendly that there was no need to convince or explain anything to anyone. We need allies like this in the international arena," Lieberman told Radio Reza in a Russian-language radio interview, according to Canadian Jewish newspaper The Jewish Tribune.
In January 2010, Canada was the only country to reduce its financial contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides education, health care and emergency aid to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza, cutting $18 million in aid, as reported by the Ma'an News Agency.
The day before the last week's UN vote for the security council seat, Canadian International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan visited Israel and announced his intention to increase the amount of trade between the two countries, according to Canadian newspaper The National Post. That move may have been the last nail in the coffin for Canada's Security Council aspirations.
However, some political commentators have surmised that the rebuff of Canada's efforts to secure a Security Council seat may not be directly related to its Israel policy. Instead, it has been suggested that the Conservative government's decision to scale back its commitment to international agreements in general, and its participation in the United Nations in particular, may be the real cause for Canada's disappointing UN election results.
"Canada's unilateral withdrawal from the United Nations' legally binding treaty on climate change [Kyoto Protocol] may have played an important role in Canada's lost bid," the CBC quoted John Bennett, executive director of the environmental advocacy group Sierra Club Canada, as saying.
According to Canadian national newspaper The Globe and Mail, Harper even skipped out on U.S. President Barack Obama's speech to the UN General Assembly in September 2009, in order to attend the dedication of a Canadian doughnut factory.
"This is a government that for four years has basically ignored the United Nations and now is suddenly showing up saying, 'Hey, put us on the council,'" said Canadian Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Don't mistake me," Ignatieff told the CBC. "I know how important it is for Canada to get a seat on the Security Council, but Canadians have to ask a tough question: 'Has this government earned that place?' We're not convinced it has."
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are dangerous and lambaste UN policy especially anything concerning Israel, even when Israel killed a Canadian UN observer in Lebanon. His administration does not reflect Canadian consensus but mirror extreme right wing ideology and are a disgrace.
are not representing the best interests of the electorate whom they serve. The Electorate are beginning to realise this, which is why in the United Kingdom the coalition government says at every opportunity that it is in favour of the two state solution. Which also helps to win friends and influence people within the Arab world, who have put forward a comprehensive plan to achieve this. Plus they have oil money, which they can spend on English products to help us export ourselves out of our current economic woes. Kicking a tinpot country of 6 million into the long grass to open up the marketplace of 1 billion makes sound economic sense. No hard feelings, it's how democracy works.
Hmmmm......56 countries in the Organization of Islamic Countries. Dozens of countries worldwide with crosses on their flags, Christian political organizations, Christianity as the official state religion, Christian holidays as official holidays and days of rest. And yet all the uproar about the lone Jewish state demanding recognition of itself as such. Hypocritical? YES!
Isolating Israel supporters... Wow.
Now Canada will come out of its shortsightedness and think twice before doing something. Every action will have its consequences. The extremist people in Canada got a shock. Were they expecting Arabs to vote for them after so much rhetoric coming out from Canada against them ?. Please go and relax and lick your self inflicted wound.
Well done Canada for having integrity and not selling yourself to the Islamic bloc. Portugal it seems sold itself cheap.
They hurt their nation for a few votes from Canadian Jews.
Slowly but surely the actions of Israel's ultra right wing government are leading to our isolation on the international diplomatic stage. This latest example of Canada losing it's security council seat is just one of many incidents that show that supporting the Netanyahu/Lieberman government makes those that support it an International pariah. As the strength, and influence of the USA declines, and that of China advances, one day even Israels staunches ally good old uncle Sam may stop supporting Israel. Israel. Israel must wake up to the fact that in pursuing blindly Zionist policies. It is out of step with to days world.
Proud of Canada proud of Harper. A great Prime Minister! This will only help him. The looney left / Islamo facists are a tiny minority in Canada.
is not against Israel because of the "treatment of Palestinians". They are against Israel period. If the Islamic bloc cared about the Palestinians, they would try and improve the life of the so called 'refugees' who are kept in squalid camps. For instance, they could absorb them as citizen's or at least change the laws so they can become citizens. Does anyone really believe those 'refugees' would move "back" to Israel? It would be like believeing you do not have to save for your old age, because you are going to win at the lottery.
what u say is a shame, is the sayings of a brainwahsed person, shows pure dogma and non sense! muslims have allways been supportive of jews that we consider as followers of the book and people that we respect! however we can have constructive critics and yes we can criticize the treatment of palestians which everyone knows is nor decent nor complying with basic human rights. simple, no ?
Palestinians in Lebanon don't have the same right to employment and housing as regular Lebanese and you call that ethical treatment? You're right, it is simple for you, but unfortunately a little too simple, no?
Islamic countries will continue to punish any Western or other country that stands up for democracy and against Islamic totalitarianism.
In humane treatement by Israel of Palestinians, denying Palestinians their freedom is the root cause of the hatred to Israel. Even Saudi's offered peace but there are no takers in Israel. To understand the attrocities committed by Israel, read non-muslim, non-jewish sources i.e. neutral sources. Even the former IDF soldiers talk about the hedious crimes Israel commit, that can even shame Animals. Look at it please.
What a misleading article. The Harper Government never cut funding to the Palestinians (it just ensured that Hamas would not get near it). Harper funds the PA to the tune of 300$ million - that's up from 50$ million under the previous Liberal Government of Paul Martin. And BTW, it was Martin that began the pro-Israel switch in Canada. His Government started the change in votes at the UN (not Harpers!!!!) How your journalist could get this so wrong is frankly mindbongling!!!
Did Harper correct the mistake done by the previous administration ? It is not Harper, but CANADA has been punished. I am for it. Good Luck next time. Dont expect people to do you a favor for nothing.
despite it being a no-brainer...we all know where the hasbara is gonna go on this one!
Looks like I have now decided on the destination for our next vacation. We are off to Montreal next spring. Canada sounds awesome!
Please don't visit us.
As a canadian-iranian jew , i have always voted for conservative party , they have strong support for our national homeland israel that does not come from financial benefits , it comes from heart and belief
So what is your 'national homeland'? Presumably you don't mean Canada.
As a canadian-Israeli Christian forced out of Jerusalem by the Jews I am completely disgusted with the actions of the current Canadian Government which does not represent me.
The previous Progressive Conservative government under PM Brian Mulroney also was not fond of the U.N. and didn't support it with enthusiasm as this Conservative Government and they both questioned its effectiveness. One can't expect a Security Council seat when one isn't directly involved with great persuasion for peace in the Middle East, aside from the Afghanistan military support within NATO and in addition to taking concrete steps in reducing global warming, etc.
TO STEVE, THE WORLD HAS FOUND OUT ABOUT THE GREEDY CANADIANS AND ISRAELI'S YOU MUST LOOK OUT OF ONE CORNER OF YOUR EYE WHEN YOU CAN NOT SEE THE CHINESE, IRAN, TURKEY OR ANY OTHER COUNTRY WHO MIGHT BE JUST AS GREEDY OR WARLIKE, OPEN YOUR EYES UP STEVE BECAUSE THE WORLD IS PASSING YOU BY. 50 ODD ISLIMATIC COUNTRIES AND THOSE THAT NEEDED THERE OIL DID NOT VOTE FOR CANADA, THE USA MAY IN THE FUTURE FIND THAT CANADIANS REMEMBER THERE FREINDS WHO HELP NOT HINDER
and not just for your backing of Israel. You have done great things for Canada. We have a strong economy. We give tzedaka ( aid ) to those in need. We treat all people with respect. We are a great country. Thank you for your vision of the present and future.
As a Canadian, I am ashamed of Stephen Harper and his foreign policy. This is definitely the right decision.
He is in minority.He got elected by right wing extremists and he's a Bush wanna be. What more do i need to say before i hear the word " FAIL " Canadians wish to apologise for electing such an unworthy person as Prime Minister .. we wont do it again .. i swear :)
As a Canadian I could not be more proud of Canada standing up the the Arab nations and not compromising its relationship with Israel. Stephen Harper did something that invoked principle and required courage. This is an affirmation of Israel's right to exist.
Especially hart-worming is the hard work at human rights committee done by all these countries where it is illegal for women to vote or drive a car.
I live in Morocco which is a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. I see women here driving cars every day, and they also vote. What you say may be true in some other Muslim countries but not here.
Stand tall Canada. Standing for good, standing for the truth, standing for what is right is not always what's popular. The upper hand belongs to the ones that stand for evil.
They already have veto power on the Security Council. Canadian backing for their decisions is just window dressing.
it is atrocious that canada did not get a seat on the un security council.... we pay our fees (where other countries such as the US do not), we are an example with our banking system, and we have sent our soldiers in the most dangerous areas of afghanistan...this should not be a secret vote - and, .... when anyone comes asking us for money, we give - you need expertise on something, we give - you need men to fight the taliban in afghanistan - we give.... i think that no longer should we be as generous as we have in the past.... i hope the canadian government learns from this
I think it should ring a bell when the victim is Canada, who didn't miss a spot for the last 60 years and has been a main contributor
We do so because we aren't afraid to acknowledge the history and truth as it has been both in the past AND the 20th century. Israel is a fair, peaceful and just country. Anyone with half a brain, knows the past and can rationally deal with the present. Canada defends israel, we are not the US with their nefarious geopolitical considerations, but in canada, we stand for the truth, not this george galloway bullshit or goldstone bullshit....galloway is court jester dancing in Goldstone's kangaroo court. What theatre.... Anyhow, unless Russia, China and the US decide together to really ally themselves to destroy all islamic terrorism, both state and non state, control the middle east and all oil and distribute it evenly globally... then there won't be peace. As for the UN? It’s a useless, corrupt, rigged body. Canada has no need for that crap.
Harper has tarnished Canada's good international reputation. Vote him out.
But the claims that it was solely the way Harper took the Canadian policy from being extremely pro-Israel to being insanely so gives that issue too much importance. The main factor was most likely that Canada used to get elected due to its ability to whisper reason and moderation into the US ear, but seeing as it has stopped advocating reason and moderation, that reason to vote for us dropped away.
This country deserved to lose 'its place" for a variety of reasons, only one of which is the 'Israel right or wrong' policy, (if you can call it that). In addition, Canada has been the biggest foot-dragger on global warming. It has reduced support for African nations. It has adopted 'no abortion' policies while pretending to aid women in the third world. What we in this country are enduring is a federal gov't having the same outlook on the world as a rural prairie redneck village council. i.e., total ignorance. I am pleased that UN members have kept this bunch of reactionaries out of the security council.
Who could possibly hate Canada? They may seem a little backward sometimes, but they have nice big slice of paradise as a society.
It is also great country with a huge potential unlike the losers who now controll the UN and pass whatever they like.
you guys print any garbage you find. if it did it because most of the UN is run by Muslims. the world will never be the same
The UN has become a ridiculous joke. The UN has been hijacked by certain countries and their monkey like leaders. Canada has everything to be proud of. The UN has everything to be embarrassed of.
Probably pauyback for not extending our troops ijn Afghanistan. America is screwed anyway with Obama. Payback from Canada would be to cancel teh 16 billion dollar F35 contract. Wouldnt that just blow
Israel needs to look very hard at its dealings with India. This wouldn't be the first time that India has backstabbed Israel.
Portugal is an ugly and pathethic country, They agree to support Arab genodical project for a minor seat at the UN. Their greed for power is repulsive.
As a Portuguese I'm happy that my country got the seat for a much more balanced stance than Canada on the Middle East conflict. Israel is entitled to have their own country and that has been accomplished. Now it's time for the Palestinean to have their own viable state. Most Portuguese share my view. PEACE !!!
When has Canada stated any opposition to a Palestinian state? On the contrary, they support Israel's right to defend itself. Obviously, to people like you, Israelis should live in constant fear and terror.
Stephen Harper, Canada's Prime Minister, has taken a principled position on Israel. This is not a popular position at the U.N. He has also limited aid to African countries which showed their displeasure at this policy. Canada does not need the Security Council seat and certainly should not change its policies to obtain this seat.
the U.N and specifically the security council had better get its act together before becoming the terrorist nations security council! With terrorist regimes actually voting and striking out one of the bravest, most principled countries; Canada, the whole system is in danger failing to stop future attacks and terrorist sponsored activities against Israel. The future of the security council is in jeopardy of falling to the control of terrorists and supportive regimes with their only objective is the annihilation of the Jewish state! Any such state should automatically be disqualified from the selection, just as the qualification of all nations should always be subject to review. Anti-Semitism is on the rise in Europe, south America, in every corner of the World with Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Venezuela, even Turkey falling victim to Nazi-like policies! Can the U.N.S.C. get back to honor and principled choices? I would not hold my breath.
The Islamic Block is seeking to hijack the world! The Non-Islamic Block must take action to prevent this from happening. The first step shojld be to expel all dictatorships from the UN. The second step is to recognize the human rights abuses taking place at all dictatorships - including the Islamic Block.
all dictatorships should be kicked out. And all human rights abusers, ESPECIALLY those in the West should be recognized and punished. i also think the US should be kicked off the UNSC for failure to pay its UN dues.
As a Canadian, I am convinced Canada's support for Israel cost it a seat on the UN Security Council. A large part of the Canadian population believes the same, and resents it. If our politicians don't listen to the people, they will pay for it in the next election. Don't get me wrong, we have issues to work on in Canada too. But we are also a country that promotes multiculturalism, respect for international law and fairness, and a nation that continues to make efforts to include all of its citizens. These are some of the things that have earned Canada its international prestige. An increasing number of Canadians are against the idea of our country losing its moral bearings, and providing blind support to Israel when Israel ignores International law, treats the Palestinians like subhumans and displays arrogance towards its own friends. More and more Canadians are asking why, under those circumstances, we should work against our own interest and support a country that's making itself an international pariah. We elected our politicians to protect our interests. We didn't elect them to protect Israeli interests, certainly not at our expense. If our politicians fail to accept that, they will be replaced in the next election.
It's amazing how radical leftists appoint themselves as spokespeople for whole countries or even the world. Then, the majority speaks and they whine about injustice because things don't go their way.
Lieberman: ally = doormat Harper: doormat = strong nation
As majority wins all votes at the UN, this organization is developing the Pensee Unique at a World scale. People are now reprimanded to not be in the way of the country-numeral Hive mind. Welcome back to the rule of Stalin.
Or is it what goes around comes around? Anyway, if you are to sollicitate for a position somewhere it always is better not to sabotage the work of the majority of your would-be colleagues on forehand.
It's been well covered that Dubai lobbied against Canada's bid due to it's refusal to add more flights...simple business and here haaretz again tries to make it seem the work of the zionists
First off, LarryCooper, yes, Canada was hit by a recession actually. Right after Harper said there wouldn't be one. Ask any economist in the country. Second - Canada's mission in Afghanistan has nothing to do with the UN, it is a NATO operation. Third - Ignatief is not an antisemite and didn't call Israel a terrorist state. Honestly now, you sound like one of the paid internet posters for the Conservative Party. Anyway, actual reasons for Canada not getting the seat - the government's foreign policy in general, cutting aid, having no thought out strategy, airing domestic political dirty laundry on the international stage, pulling out of treaties, years of Harper badmouthing and being cold to the UN, starting the campaign for the seat more or less at the last minute, and generally getting on everyone's nerves. For the Arab block, it probably had more to do with the current feud between the Canadain government and the UAE over airline rights and Canada's military base over there. As for Canada's current support of Israel - definately over the top. Criticism of Israel is not tolerated, a British member of parliament was denied entry to Canada because he was a "supporter of terrorism" because he brought aid to Gaza after Cast Lead. One member of the government stated that an attack on Israel is an attack on Canada. Funny, I don't remember us signing a defence treaty with you guys. Ultimately the blame for not getting the seat lies with the government.
Then, you better check your facts. George Galloway is a known supporter of terrorist groups. And by the way, the Mavi Marmara could just as well have sailed to Ashdod or El Arish and unloaded there, but they wanted to provoke a confrontation as the videos prove.
Harper is an honest and principled man. He should react to those lying and cheating African and Moslem countries by reviewing who gets Canadian aid.
" Harper is an honest and principled man" . If he was honest and principled, he wouldn't be blindly backing Israel. As a Canadian, I am ashamed of his policies. By the way, the majority of Canadians did not vote for him and do not agree with these policies. Also by the way, under Harper, Canada has one of the lowest rates of foreign aid among the industrialized nations.
Honest? Harper ? You either aren't a Canadian or you have a very selective memory. He lies consistently and uses draconian measures to silence any whistle blowers. He is a right wing born again Christian straight out of the Canadian Bible belt(Alberta) He lies even to War veterans widows, just ask Mrs.Carter. "Cheating Africans or Moslem countries"are somehow worse than supporting the illegal activities of Israel? Harper is a disaster, without even a majority government to back up his authoritarian ways.
Harper is Bush-lite and a fool.
It just sticks in the craw of libero-fascists like the ones above that someone doesn't advocate the isolation of Israel.
My delegation voted against Canada for this very reason.
Perhaps your delegation should be a wee bit more worried about the scourge of diseases, hunger and civil war that infests Africa and affects hundreds of millions, or the unemployment and lack of education that exists in Arab world than everything a country the size of a skating rink does. You people are atrocious.
Guess what they call people who sell themselves.
and what exactly was your reason for voting against canada on the security council..... and what country are you from ... and do YOU receive aid from canada - if so, and you voted against canada, then may is suggest that next time you are offered aid, that you REFUSE.... on another note: this should NOT be a secret vote -
Which country do you represent..United Federation of Roaches?
C'mon, don't be a tease. Tell us who you're with, if you're not just a poser.
The south american countries and the smaller non affilated countries that meet in cuba all the time all railed behind the leftist socialist portugal leader. But the right wing is gaining across the world because of huge spending and immigration from the left. Chile has a new right wing leader. Brazil elections are closing and a new right wing leader could be elected. There is a backlash against the chavez's of the world.
because greedy rich people don't like having to pay for social services. They rather rule the poor like serfs.
At least we've got a mildly anti-Semitic, EU country instead of courageous Canada. Kyoto-Shmyoto, of course the Islamic 57 voted as a bloc. It's gonna be like this forever, until the Messianic era.
because the two seats were only open to applicants from Europe and North America. Ask the Messiah. Canada is known for a lot of things, but not for courage in the world of international diplomacy.
Unless of course you mean by, "a lack of courage," that Canada hasn't jumped on the anti-Israel bandwagon.
If the majority of the UN members were democracies, they might be able to solve many of the world's conflicts. The problem is most of the 56 members of the OIC are dictators & so are most of the African members.. As long as Russia, China & the UK are on the security council - the conflicts in Chechnya, Tibet & Northern Ireland will never be resolved.
So Israel is the only democratic state? God, do not count me such as a democrat like you
I hate to break it to you but the "world's leading democracy" has bee in more war/conflicts/military operations than anyone else since WW2. Lets not kid ourselves democracies are flat out violent and only who worship democracy as a religion refused to believe it.
countries like the US be able to solve their own problems. Instead, who keeps them afloat? Oil from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and money from the communist government of China. Of course, that's if you believe the US is a democracy.
He is a backward, ideologically motivated conservative. Canada doesn't deserve to have a seat in the U.N. This is the price that Canadians should pay for electing such a leader.
If Harper were like Palin, Canada wouldn't have universal healthcare, legal abortions paid for by the Government, reasonable university tuitions, a decent public school sytem with well paid teachers, etc. Harper doesn't even refer to G-d in his speeches! By U.S. Standards, Haper is way more a lefist than Obama!
As a Canadian I have finally become proud of Canada with the election of Stephen Harper. Canada is finally showing some guts in supporting what is right as opposed to what is politically correct. Our economy was not hit by a recession, the Canadian Dollar is strong and we have universal healthcare. We certainly deserve to be on the Security Council. We lost 100's of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan. Canada, did more than its fair share of peacekeeping on behalf of the UN. The snub by the UN is a slap in the face in the face for Canada. How many Portuguese Soldiers were killed in Afghanistan? How many Portuguese solders are involved in UN peacekeeping? I have no doubt in my mind that it was the Arab Bloc combined with Obama's non-assistance that lead to this unprecedented snubbing by the UN. Just proves that "no good deed goes unpunished." Canada is the only country not to follow the global trend of delegitimizing Israel. Therefore, Canada gets snubbed by the most anti-Semitic Club on the planet. (The UN). I don’t buy any of the other excuses. Believe me, if the anti-Semitic Ignatieff was Prime Minister of Canada, Canada would be in the UN Security Council. That's the same Ignatieff that referred to Israel as a terrorist stage during the 2006 Lebanon War! Still proud to be a Canadian though.
any shame rests on the feet of those who granted the jews a foot hold in the arab world.
Does that mean you have alien medics or that I can get free treatment in Canada?
Although I agree with your comment I should point that there are Portuguese soldiers involved in peacekeeping in Afghanistan, Guinea Bissau, East Timor, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon and Sudan, it has security missions in countries such as Congo, Moldavia, Sierra Leone and Kosovo. Moreover, in an article published in Foreign Policy (May/June, 2003) Portugal ranks 3th among the rich nations in their support to poor countries mainly due to Portugal's peacekeeping efforts in the scope of UN.
It is very easy these days, especially in countries w a large Muslim population, to bash Israel. As you said, it takes courage to stand up for someone who seemingly has few friends. Thanks for your support.
Just for the record Portugal has been involved in several UN missions, namely: Bosnia, East Timor, Lebanon, Afghanistan and we were even involved in Iraq. The amount of soldiers has been proportional to the size of our country. Just for the record !!!
Harper is a complete disaster. Harper can not take credit for the economy, or the banking regulations they were in far before him. Yes he backs up the many war crimes of Israel and next minute talks of war crimes in Africa. Anyone else would call him a hypocrite, I would not use the word "proud". Harper doesn't care about military veterans just see how he treated Sean Bruyea. Next he is kicking out the auditor general because she is too good at her job. The day Stephan Harper is kicked out on his authoritarian butt will be a good day. He doesn't represent Canada only a minority, just like his minority government.
Sorry Larry, you support murderous states,you should not be at the seat of world decisions how was your holiday??? cheers george.
With so many Islamic states working for their self interests and politics, you can't do much without establishing a counter block of western states.
When you say supporting what is right --- right wing-yes. He cannot take credit for any successes we have at the moment, they all from previous govt's.
in wouldn't put us on the Security Council for the exact same reasons you have stated. Harper is a NUT. I'm more than happy with his minority government though. Keeps bad governments in check. Afghanistan was an American conflict that the West will lose for the same reason that they lost Vietnam. It's not our country and we have connection to it. It's their country let them fight for it.
Thanks you Larry Cooper for putting it so well!!! G-D bless you!
then run away and make up some other twaddle
People like george need Israel to give meaning to their lives. Without Israel, they would have to exert effort to find a different excuse to complain.
Canada did not get a seat on the security council because its old gang, the US, UK and Israel have been "found out" . It is now known, finally, that these countries are led by are phonies. They are greedy , ignorant monsters who are looting the world of its wealth. The last thing the world needs is another member of this gang on the security council.
the media is letting us down and pushing evidence away or putting a conspiracy label on it. Good Israeli's are doing their bit by leaking intel, but we need more progress. Good luck.
I've never seen so much inepties in one post. What about oil and the Arab UN block? Isn't THAT ripping the world of its health?
For half a century, the west has plowed hundreds of billions of dollars into the coffers of kingdoms like Saudi Arabia through its use of oil. What have these oil rich countries done besides foment hatred of the west and Israel??
dont use your computer. much of the of the soft ware comes from israel. dont give member of your family if needed MRI. Steve you are so smart lolololol
but probably there were enough other more improtant reasons. This is not international news, not even a story.
Luckily Israel still has the US veto.
unreserved support for Israel is no longer free on consequence
The one billion strong Arab world seems to have nothing better to do than nitpick everything a country of six million, the size of a Saudi Arabian oilfield, does.
why should support of Israel have any consequences at all.? You have right and wrong in this dance of death and so many haters of Israel have decided to "dance with the devil". This I find amazing but then again Jews are expendable right?
I revoke your world card, son
As the CBC guy said: "'Has this government earned that place?' We're not convinced it has."
But you are all and only about Israel, Natalie, day and night, 24/7. You're not convinced Canada has earned this place as a decent countr?. But were it to bash Israel like anybody else, you'd be preaching us here about Canada's virtues.
It is clear that the Palestinians would like to bring the Palestine case before the Security Council and thus it is very plausible that Arab States would want to keep Israel's most faithful ally out of the vote.
If Harper was 'bashing' Israel, you'd be first to celebrate Canada losing its bid for a temporary UNSC seat. And unlike Durston, you make no distinction between countries, their people and their governments.
The Harper government is not just pro-Israel, it supports Israel without any regard for the substance of Israel's policy. The Conservative government is significantly influenced by the Christian right and it has its eyes set on the Jewish supporters of the Liberal party. Israel could drop a nuclear bomb on Gaza and the West Bank and the Harper government would support it. Various ministers in the Harper government are also anti-Muslim. So, why would any Muslim country support Canada?
"You're not convinced Canada has earned this place" The comment quoted from the CBC is about "this government" meaning the Harper and his minority government. They are an illegitimate representative of Canada. The only have a majority in Alberta. His hero is John Diefenbaker the destroyer of Canada's early aerospace industry, even wants to name an Icebreaker after him
I KNOW Harper hasn't earned a spot on the Security Council. He has DESTROYED Canada's reputation.
Canada wasn't elected to the security council. So what? There are lots of nations that also were not elected. As long as America remains on the security council with its precious veto, you don't really need Canada anyway.
I suspect many of those who are shocked with the possibility of a nation losing a place because of siding with Israel would have no problem if one lost a place for siding with Iran or Sudan. It depends on whose ox is gored.
Which makes a good illustration of two-weights: when acountry sides for Israel, it is lynched. When it supports a dictatorship, it welcome at the ever-growing dictatorial UN club. i dream of a world where every democracy splits up in 15 new countries each and then the free world dominates the UN.
The conspiracy theory is plausible.
guess you believe in the tooth fairy too
Canada isn't pro-Israel. It's Prime Minister is. Big difference.
Giving Harper bigger stage would just embarrass Canada more by him stating his right wing world views as Canadian views. He is controlling maniacal little man, that represents a small group of Canadians with similar far right wing views. He is the Canadian version of Bush.