Security Council Seat? Whatever For!

Now they've done it, those Conservatives. Stood foursquare on principle, and what does it get them? A metaphorical boot in the backside for one thing.

The Harper government could have played it safe. They had the example of previous Liberal-led governments, currying favour with the Arab League and leaving the indelible impression that it was simply too tedious and unuseful to stand at the side of another democracy hemmed in by militant states threatening its survival.

Canada is foolish enough to feel that we will be accepted on the basis of our meritorious conduct. Our unfailing commitment to aiding the developing world, for example. Our usefulness to the United Nations, as one of its major financial supporters, and volunteering our armed forces for UN-led missions.

Certain that our ongoing aid to Africa would redound in gratitude with votes that would lead Canada to another stint on the Security Council.

Not if the United Arab Emirates have any say in the matter. And they most certainly do, since the Arab League pretty well votes as a bloc. And, let's face it, Trade Minister Peter Van Loan publicly stating for the record, just prior to the UN vote that Canada is committed to increasing its trade ties with Israel, pretty well clinched the loss of votes.

Oh yes, the European Union too voted as a bloc to advantage one of their own.

Portugal, in parlous economic state, owing back-dues to the United Nations, and in no financial condition to proffer assistance to Africa, could count on Arab countries being sufficiently irate with Canada's stance in support of Israel, that Canada stood no chance. Canada's UN delegation has walked out many times too often on votes in the UN dunning Israel's legitimacy.

Of the 192 UN member-countries a good portion of them are deficient in paying their yearly dues, but the wealthy, advanced countries of the world take up the slack. The General Assembly chose to override a UN charter provision discounting any vote by a country that owes two years or more in dues to the UN. How surprising.

So, a country needn't be a bulwark against bankruptcy of the United Nations, nor wary of pledging much of its treasury to assist developing countries to materially and socially advance, to be recognized as a likely candidate for the temporary, revolving Security Council.

Nor need any government commit itself to human rights, since countries like Libya and Iran can count on votes to bring them victory.

Visualizing what might occur should Israel ever attempt to lobby the General Assembly for temporary membership in the Security Council brings to mind the peculiar fact that it is the only country among its peers to be regularly Arab-League-led for censure.

Canada is in good company.