Anyone following Canadian politics is well aware that Foreign Affairs Minister John "Bulldog" Baird has his eye on Stephen Harper's job when it becomes available. And, his recent comments during his trip to Libya indicate just how aggressive and extreme his foreign policy will be. Perhaps he sees himself as the more intelligent version of George W. Bush, and his policies, which hardly credits John Baird.
Just short of announcing, "Mission Complete", Baird had glowing praise for Libyan rebels and the National Transitional Council whom he believes is the true representative of a free Libya. As Canada's foreign minister, he appears somewhat nave since the rebels - also deeply divided along tribal lines - are reported to be secretly seeking a truce with Gadhafi. To compound Baird's problems, rebels are pressuring him to release Libyan assets and funds seized by Canada for their own use. As witnessed in past peoples' revolutions, such funds often disappear into "thin air", and rebel pockets, once released into their hands.
Harper, Baird, and the Canadian government should think twice before involving themselves in various revolutions around the world - like the Arab Spring - many of which are co-sponsored by the USA which often has vested interests. The outcome of the Libyan Civil War is uncertain, and for Canada to quickly jump onto NATO's band wagon for every "seemingly" worthy cause may set a dangerous precedent. For Canada to become militarily involved in endless, foreign civil wars, it may be driven to financial ruin just as it did the former USSR, and is presently driving the power-hungry USA.
Harper and Baird are leaping headlong into the Libyan War - like Dick Cheney cult followers - just as U.S. legislators are questioning its legality under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973 - it learned its lesson in Vietnam - which forbids U.S. presidents from armed aggression without the approval of Congress unless the U.S., its territories, its possessions, or its armed forces have been attacked. In Libya's case, none of the aforementioned applies.
With NATO struggling for a raison d'tre now that Russia has foregone communism, a fervent crusade for democracy in all corners of the world now seems to serve its purpose well. And, with America's zealous invasion of Iraq under false pretences at the cost of 150,000 lives, the displacement of almost one million, and the untold misery it has caused at the hands of George W. Bush - who claims that God speaks to him - should perhaps give legislators an insight into the terrible cost of misguided, interventionist policies backed by force.
Following American presidents blindly on their crusades and into their various conflicts and wars which serve American interests may not serve ours. Canada should learn to pick its battles more carefully.
Under Harper, Canada has changed from a tender, peaceful nation to an aggressive, war-like nation willing to kill foreign leaders and their innocent families - a clear violation of international law - to effect regime change. This is not the Canada I once knew.
-- Dave Harrison, special to The Citizen
Dave Harrison is a retired teacher, former journalist and 30-year resident of Prince George who has been a regular contributor to The Citizen.
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