The Futility of Principled Passion

"Has there been real, measurable, material improvement in the lives of the Iranian people and in the security of the world? Not yet."
"Now is the time for the global community to maintain tough sanctions against Iran in order that it takes a different path on its nuclear program."
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird

 

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird urged the world not to be fooled by a 'charm offensive' from Iran, as he addressed the United Nations on Monday. 

John Baird, addressing the General Assembly of the United Nations again, spoke of his country's values, priorities and principles. There was no need for him to smile beguilingly to tell his audience that they were mistaken about Canada's mission within the world body.  By now there should be no outstanding mystery about Canada's position within the United Nations, whom the country supports and which regimes it finds abysmally wanting.

The new president of the Islamic Republic of Iran smiled when he spoke of the misunderstanding that existed between the international community and his country regarding Iran's nuclear aspirations. Completely peaceful, no need for further sanctions. Belying as a matter of course, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's characterization of him as "hypocritical" in pledging peace while supporting a viciously brutal government-led conflict in Syria.

And nor would Iran entertain the outrageous proposal proffered by outsiders that it set aside its nuclear ambitions; what need does an oil-rich country reeling in countless millions in fossil fuel revenues, have of nuclear reactors to produce energy, after all? Hassan Rouhani spoke to a hushed, fascinated, full crowd of United Nation member-states. Mr. Baird, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who also addressed the UN yesterday, spoke to a meagre audience.

Their messages of caution, reminding their listeners that history tells us much and if we are careless about those lessons we head toward disaster, were fairly similar. For compellingly realistic purposes each spoke of Iran's reputation, a very well-earned one, of sponsoring terror groups to serve its malign purpose in settling issues with those it perceives as enemies of its fanatical theocracy.

And both expressed alarm at the turn of events that has seen President Obama comfortably trusting with the new Iranian president.

Both urged the Assembly to regard the vital importance of having Iran agree to opening its nuclear program to outside scrutiny. To pledge and then to follow through on improving its dismal human rights record. Above all, to make an end to its love affair with terrorism. And, as both saw it realistically, the only way to produce those results is to continue applying moral, practical persuasion through the effective means of economic sanctions.

Canada also plans to proceed with its annual UN resolution in condemnation of Iran's mendacious human rights record, which is planned for November. A similar such resolution has been put forward by Canada since 2002, and by measured and attentive persuasion Canada has managed to see that condemnation pass with its adoption each year. This Canadian government has named Iran the greatest threat to global stability in the world.

And the pretense at diplomatic bilateral relations with the Iranian Republic ceased a year ago when Canada listed Iran alongside its client state Syria as state sponsors of terror. That Syria has emerged as a government prepared to devote all of its resources to attacking its own population by any and all destructively atrocious means available to it, is a fact well recognized by the international community. All of whom stand meekly by while millions of Sunni Syrians are deprived of their homes, in a state of terror resulting from regime attacks leaving tens of thousands dead.

Canada has met with more than its share of diplomatic snubs within the United Nations by placing its votes and its studied responses where its collective conscience lies. It has resolved to no longer court member-states to favour Canada with support when seeking Security Council revolving seats. It focuses instead on putting its energy, reputation and funding where it will do the most good; assisting those who are vulnerable and require compassion and aid.

"The billions who are hungry, or lack access to clean water, or are displaced, or cannot read and write do not care how many members sit on the Security Council. But they do need to know that their brothers and sisters in humankind will walk with them through the darkness.
"Canada's government doesn't seek to have our values or our principled foreign policy validated by elite who would rather go along to get along."