The Liberal Government’s More Balanced Middle-East Policy or Is It?

Friday, 3  March 2017

 (The following commentary originates in Abe Greenwald’s article supra.)Soon after the Liberal government was formed, Raphael Ahren of the Times of Israel reported that “Canada will strive for a more balanced policy regarding the Middle East, including active outreach to the Arab world…Among progressives, the term “balance” can excuse all manner of foolishness….In a telephone conversation between Trudeau and …Netanyahu, the Canadian leader ‘explained there would be a shift in tone, but said Canada would continue to be a friend of Israel’s…’..Foreign Minister Dion, …explained his rationale…’Israel is a friend, it is an ally but for us to be an effective ally we need also to strengthen our relationship with other legitimate partners in the region. For example, we need to strengthen our relationship with Lebanon, and this will help Lebanon but also Israel. To be helpful, you need to strengthen your relationship with other legitimate partners, and that is what we will do’. Dion’s statement is free of content for a reason. There is no sound justification for Canada to cool relations with Israel while flattering Israel’s neighbours. There are only stock notions about Israeli misconduct and the need for “balance in the Middle East affairs. When you act…’mechanically’, you lose your ability to think critically. What’s the real reason Canada is changing its tone toward |Israel? Because that’s what liberal governments do these days. Because it’s 2015.Mischief to follow.”