Bluntly Unequivocal

"We are not in Canada, at the present time, we are not contemplating arming the opposition in Syria. I understand -- fully understand -- why our allies would do that, particularly given recent actions by Russia, Iran and others. But our aid, at the present time and our aid for now, will continue to be humanitarian aid.
"I don't think we should fool ourselves. This is G7 plus one. OK, let's be blunt. We in the West have a very different perspective on this situation. Mr. Putin and his government are supporting the thugs of the Assad regime for their own reasons that I do not think are justifiable, and Mr. Putin knows my view on that. But we will not, unless there's a big shift of position in his part, we're not going to get a common position with him at the G8."
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Nothing bland and uncontroversial about those statements. They're clear, concise and to the point. And the emphasis on Russian President Vladimir Putin's resolve not to abandon his support for the Alawite Syrian regime of President Bashar al Assad places the G8 meeting in perspective. The group will have the situation in Syria at the top of their agenda.

The 'situation' of dire misery for the civilian population of Syria, the thousands dead, the millions bereft of their homes and security and constantly under threat is one that cannot be set aside.

Mr. Putin seeks to secure his country's advantage in befriending Syria, Iran and Hezbollah and their cause, ensuring Russia a foothold in the region, clients for Russia's munitions manufacturing and its nuclear industry. And a handy port for its Black Sea Fleet. In fact, Russia has decided to restore the presence on a permanent basis of the Russian Federation Fleet. And part of the reason for that is its commitment to Syria's regime survival, partly to restore its historical presence in the Mediterranean.

Russia bridled at the decision by the Obama administration to relent and arm the rebels against the superior arms of the regime which, with the invaluable aid of Hezbollah has routed the rebels from towns they had held for over a year. The setback seen for the Free Syrian Army and prospects for additional setbacks are alarming for Western nations looking in on the brutal conflict. All the more so with the United Nations adding its voice in dismay at the deteriorating conditions for Syrian civilians and the growing numbers of refugees.

Prime Minister Harper's emphasis on the G7 [+1] placing pressure on Russia to re-think its position in support of Syria's tyrannical regime still leaves no doubt that nothing will be gained in the nature of turning President Putin in the direction of joining the other nations in condemning Syria and supporting the opposition. President Putin speaks with theatrical disgust of the rebels as fiercely cannibalistic and who would in their right minds arm such barbarians?

One demented video produced for show-and-tell to emphasize the degree to which each side demonizes the other through a primitive demonstration of just how low in brutal excess a combatant can stoop, now serves as an instrument for Vladimir Putin to bludgeon his critics with. But Prime Minister Harper has pledged himself on Canada's behalf to continue to work with allies in the G7 and NATO to dredge up a practical solution toward an alternative government in Syria "not embracing of terrorist or extremist elements".

Far more readily enunciated than produced out of a hat of tricks. "The Russians and Americans are so polarized on this issue that there are few countries that can play the middle ground. Canada may find itself in a position here, as it becomes more polarized among the superpowers, it may try to revert to its traditional position to be an honest broker", commented Christian Lepreucht, military strategy expert from Queen's University and Royal Military College.