Foot -> Mouth

I thought I'd write on a current events topic I read about today on the CBC website, namely about our PM. Evidently, Stephen Harper has vowed Canadian support for Israel. In a speech at a B'Nai Brith function he managed to be the polar opposite of Mr. Ignatieff by stating "When it comes to dealing with a war between Israel and a terrorist organization, this country and this government cannot and will never be neutral,"

As I've said before, since when did Canada become a biased, partial nation? In foreign affairs we should always strive to be the neutral, impartial, peaceful force that assists and makes judgement based on rational logic. If my high school peer mediation training serves me correctly, the key to negotiating is compromise .

While it may be in fashion to describe enemies as terrorists, it should not be forgotten that one person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter. Regardless of an organization's horrible deeds, it's frankly undiplomatic to say the least to call any group "terrorists". Looking back at history the word terrorist could be used to describe many groups such as the Mukhti Bahini , All-India Muslim League , and even Nelson Mandela's African National Congress . And if one truly wants to be devil's advocate, the "terrorist" wording can be used as a double-edged sword as many "democratic" nations partake in activities eerily similar to their counterparts.

Now it must be said that Mr. Harper's words seem to be taking advantage of the whole Ignatieff situation from last week. Even still, wordings like these seem to re-enforce the stereotypical views many in the Muslim world have of the West being ignorant and interested simply in oil, power, and backing Israel.

I think that's as diplomatic as I possibly can get with regards to the situation. Mind you I have been guilty of gaining "enemies" with my wordings on the subject in the past. As I've always said, I'd love to converse on topics such as these (it's in my blood!).

*************