“What if you gave a party and no one came?”
A common lament. An old saying that probably goes back to when Gronk and Zag were enjoying a feast of rabbit in their cave. The problem was, in the next cave another family was feasting on mastodon!
It must be how American President Donald Trump feels about the war in Iran. He has invited some of his NATO allies to the “party” but some (most!) have refused. He is left to fight alone with Israel as his main ally.
To be clear, none of us knows how much discussion with NATO allies took place before Trump took action. Given his history, we can assume confidently that Trump did so mostly on his own. He then expects others to simply follow his lead and do what he wants.
That, people, is wrong! We are not sheep!
This is Trump’s war, not Canada’s.
Canada or any other sovereign nation cannot just follow Trump’s lead without question. Was Canada informed? Was Canada consulted? Canada is saying it was not.
Yes, the Americans are the world’s protector of democracy and freedom. What the world would be like without America is frightening.
But what makes America great and the Western World is proper protocol is followed and respected when it comes to diplomacy. Why Trump did not show respect to his allies is confusing. It also goes against everything that make the NATO alliance so powerful. The voices and opinions of your friends and allies must be heard and respected. When you begin to lose respect in leadership what do you have left?
Might makes right but only to a certain point. Trump does not want to admit it but he cannot rule the world without help. He cannot possibly be so delusional he thinks he can.
Or can he?
Sooner or later his world will collapse and it just might come from within.
So far, Canada’s stand to not get involved is the right one. As of March 19, Canada remains firm it is not participating in the war, and was not consulted by the U.S. or Israel before Trump’s action. Canada is on record saying it will not get involved in joining the military operations, but remains focused on de-escalation. Military personnel in the region remains for potential defence support.
It is rare for Canada to take any stand against America but it is the right one. Given the disrespect the Great White North was shown, was there any other choice?
Is Canada is growing up since its birth in 1967? Are we no longer just going to follow American’s lead without question? It may be a dangerous game.
Already in the States some are hurting economically. Canadians are not traveling to America in droves as they once did. If there is one thing Trump likes it is money. He needs Canadian dollars, no matter how small a piece of the pie it is.
Canada needs to stand tough on the war in Iran. It is time we showed the world how strong we can be to the bully on the block.
Chris Clegg