An in-flight guide to Afghanistan's sites, dangers
At the time of writing this column, I had just concluded the second of two back-to-back research trips into Afghanistan.
A limp Throne Speech for Obama
The government's Throne Speech contained this sentence: "Recognizing the danger posed by the proliferation of nuclear materials and technology to global peace and security, our government will support the initiatives of President Obama and participate fully in the landmark Nuclear Security Summit in Washington in April."
Who would want to quarrel with that? But as Peggy Lee used to sing: "Is that all there is?"
The lonely sentence is monumentally inadequate to the challenges the world—and Canada—faces.
The government sees a world that seems to revolve around Canada. Here is the world that I see: "Twenty years after the end of the Cold War there are at least 23,000 nuclear warheads still in existence, with a combined blast capacity equivalent to 150,000 Hiroshima bombs.... The US and Russia together have over 22,000, and France, the UK, China, India, Pakistan and Israel around 1,000 between them.
"Nearly half of all warheads are still operationally deployed, and the US and Russia each have over 2,000 weapons on dangerously high alert, ready to be launched immediately—within a decision window of just 4-8 minutes for each president—in the event of perceived attack.
"The command and control systems of the Cold War years were repeatedly strained by mistakes and false alarms. With more nuclear-armed states now, and more system vulnerabilities, the near miracle of no nuclear exchange cannot continue in perpetuity."
These sobering words are taken from the 2009 report of the International Com-mission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, sponsored by the governments of Japan and Australia.
Only a few days ago, the foreign ministers of both countries stated that the threat of nuclear weapons is one of the most serious issues humankind faces.
They pledged to attain a meaningful agreement at the 2010 Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty concerning each of the treaty's three pillars, nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
This leadership gives us heart that the long struggle to rid the world of nuclear weapons is gaining a foothold on the international agenda.
US President Barack Obama's initiative last September in convening an unprecedented summit meeting of the United Nations Security Council devoted to the nuclear weapons issue has given new hope to the world. With both US and Russian leadership seriously committed to nuclear disarmament negotiations, a new opportunity exists to make substantive reductions in existing nuclear arsenals, halt proliferation and set the world on an irreversible path to zero nuclear weapons.
Now President Obama is preparing to host another ground-breaking summit on nuclear security, to be held in Washington April 12-13. The purpose of the summit of 44 nations is to plan collective steps to secure vulnerable nuclear materials and prevent acts of nuclear terrorism.
Obama has drawn in India, which, in standing outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty, is not part of the current regime to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. For the first time, a global regime to achieve Obama's vision of a nuclear weapons-free world is in prospect.
This is truly a watershed moment in world affairs. One summit in Washington will not take the world to nuclear zero, to be sure. That is precisely the point. Without strong support from his allies, Obama will be stalled by his domestic political opponents in moving US policy forward.
A new 21st-century diplomatic configuration that takes in all nuclear powers deserves far more than the limp response Canada has offered in the Throne Speech. The world community has got to speak up loudly so that this new opportunity to rid the world of the threat of nuclear warfare is not lost.
That is why a group of Canadian nuclear disarmament leaders in January stated: "It is urgent that the prime minister and foreign minister find early and prominent opportunities to publicly address nuclear disarmament and reaffirm Canada's commitment to a world without nuclear weapons."
Calls for achievement of a nuclear weapons-free world have continued to pour in from many quarters, notably UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He has called for work to start on a Nuclear Weapons Convention, which would be a legally-binding treaty to move the world in successive stages to the elimination of nuclear weapons. More than 500 members of the Order of Canada have urged the Canadian government to actively support this effort.
International polls show that people around the world overwhelmingly support the proposition that all countries should sign a treaty that prohibits all nuclear weapons. But they are passive, if not skeptical, in expressing this view.
The sheer horror of nuclear weapons, and the catastrophic economic, environmental and human costs of their use have not yet penetrated the public consciousness. While it's hard to find anyone who actually thinks using nuclear weapons is a good idea, the subject seems remote from daily concerns. Nuclear disarmament campaigners are frequently relegated to the sidelines of society's concerns.
What we need is a single-focused idea to get rid of all nuclear weapons in a safe and secure way. That's the beauty of a Nuclear Weapons Convention: it provides a legal basis for phasing in concrete steps with a visible intent to reach zero nuclear weapons in a defined time period. The public can easily understand this clear notion.
Key countries like Canada can perform a great service to the nuclear disarmament agenda by ensuring that the Final Document of the forthcoming NPT Review Conference contains a passage calling for active work to begin on a convention. This work could then take the form of international consultations involving a core group of like-minded states and representatives of civil society to thoroughly explore the focus, scope, verification, and other elements relevant to a Nuclear Weapons Convention.
Societal attitudes are indeed changing even though moving to a nuclear weapons free world represents a tectonic shift in how the world operates. The very powerful are being asked to give up that which makes them very powerful and this has never been done before in the history of the world.
Nonetheless, historical momentum towards the abolition of nuclear weapons is building up. The Government's "recalibration" effort seems to have missed this development.
Former senator and ambassador for disarmament Douglas Roche is author of Creative Dissent: A Politician's Struggle for Peace.
editor@embassymag.ca
Ottawa Listings
Submit your Ottawa-based event to listings@embassymag.ca or fax to 613-232-9055 by Friday at 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10
Lecture: Broken Bodies, Unbroken Spirit—The Pauline Jewett Institute of Women's and Gender Studies at Carleton University presents guest speaker Flora Terah. Ms. Terah, is a Kenyan parliamentary candidate who was attacked and warned against running for a seat. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Azrieli Theatre, Carleton University, 1125 Col. By Dr. 613-520-6645.
African Studies Brownbag Seminar—The Institute of African Studies at Carleton University presents a Brownbag Seminar on "Canada and the New Africa" with Donald Bobiash, DFAIT. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. History Lounge, 433 Paterson Hall, Carleton University, 1125 Col. By Dr. 63-520-2600 ext. 2220.
Canada Tibet Committee Ottawa Rally—The Canada Tibet Committee is holding a rally to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against China's invasion and occupation. 12 p.m. Main Steps, Parliament Hill. ottawa@tibet.ca
Diplomatic Book Club: Climate Wars—The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan invites you to attend a meeting of the Diplomatic Book Club. Moderator Michael Hayes will lead a discussion on Gynne Dyer's Climate Change. The event is free and open to members of the diplomatic community, government experts and university faculty, 12-2 p.m. Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St. RSVP to 613-288-0497 or press-service@azembassy.ca
Politics & the Pen—Politics & the Pen is Ottawa's black-tie event of the season. The most prominent members of Ottawa's society, including politicians, diplomats, and writers are expected to attend. The event celebrates Canadian literature and helps support Writers Trust of Canada. 6:15 p.m. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St. For more information, contact Don Oravec at 416-504-8222 or info@writerstrust.com
Book Launch—Octopus Books presents photographer and social activist Vincenzo Pietropaolo. He will discuss his newest book Harvest Pilgrims: Mexican and Caribbean Workers in Canada. 7 p.m. Free. Auditorium, Library and Archives, 120 Metcalfe St. 613-233-2589 or events@octopusbooks.ca
THURSDAY, MARCH 11
CIC e-Conference—The CIC presents an e-conference on "Security and Reconstruction: Lessons from Afghanistan." March 11, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. www.canadianinternationalcouncil.org/gps
Minister Prentice Addresses Economic Club—Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice will give a talk on "Canada's Green Agenda" to members of the Economic Club of Canada. 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. $79. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St. 416- 306-0899 or www.economicclub.ca
WMD Export Controls—Carleton University and others present a talk on "WMD Export Controls: Trends and developments in illicit trafficking and exports controls," with Dr. Sibylle Bauer. 12:30-2 p.m. Senate Room, 6th floor, Robertson Hall, Carleton University, 1125 Col. By Dr. RSVP to 613-520-2600 ext. 2032 or to justin_alger@carleton.ca
CIPS Lecture—The Centre for International Policy Studies at Ottawa University and the CIC present guest speaker Stephen John Stedman, Stanford University, who will discuss "Obama's Foreign Policy: 'Yes We Can' or 'No We Can't'? 2:30 p.m. Free. Room 3120, Desmarais Building, 55 Laurier Ave. E. www.cips.uottawa.ca
Challenges Facing the Canadian Forces—CIC National Capital Branch presents a talk with Lt. Gen. Andrew Leslie, chief of the Land Staff, who will discuss "The Challenges Facing the Canadian Forces." 5:15 p.m. registration; 6 p.m. presentation and discussion; 7 p.m. dinner. $45 members; $55 non-members; presentation only $10. Rideau Room, Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert St., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP: 613-520-3916 or Ottawa@canadianinternationalcouncil.ca
FRIDAY, MARCH 12
Mauritius celebrates its National Day.
CES Lecture—The Centre for European Studies at Carleton University presents a talk on "Constitutionalizing Secularism, Alternative Secularisms or Liberal Democracy," with guest speaker Veit Bader, University of Amsterdam. 4-5:30 p.m. Simard Hall, Room 125, University of Ottawa, 60 University Pr. 613-520-2600 ext. 1087 or ces@carleton.ca
Irish Literary Evening—The Ottawa Irish Society and St. Johns Events invite you to an evening of readings and discussions, humour and music to kick off the inaugural Ottawa Irish Festival. Proceeds go to Operation Come Home. 6 p.m. $100; $20 readings only. St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts, 310 St. Patrick St. 613-562-2665 or www.stjohnsmedia.ca
SUNDAY, MARCH 14
Concert: St. Matthew Passion—Matthew Larking and the Ottawa Choral Society present Bach's opus St. Matthew Passion. 2:30 p.m. $15-$48. St. Joseph's Church, Wilbrod & Cumberland. 613-725-3260 or www.ottawachoralsociety.com
MONDAY, MARCH 15
Pictures Witness Canada—The Turkish Society of Canada in conjunction with the Turkish Canadian Cultural Association presents a series of photographs probing the identity of Canada by Varol Karslioglu. 7 p.m. Reception to follow. Library and Archives Canada, Room A, 395 Wellington St.
TUESDAY, MARCH 16
2nd Annual Women's Day Award Reception—The Black Women's Civic Network (BWCEN) holds its annual Women's Day Awards Reception, with founding patron Marlene Jennings, MP. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free, donations accepted. Jean Piggott Hall, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W. RSVP to dsiele@rogers.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17
Ireland celebrates St. Patrick's Day.
2010 Canada-Europe Annual Law Lecture—The Centre for European Studies at Carleton University presents the 2010 Canada-Europe Lecture with speaker Dr. Stephan Hobe, University of Cologne, who will discuss the evolving nature of the powers of the EU in the area of foreign affairs. 12-2 p.m. Fauteux Hall, Room 125, University of Ottawa, 57 Louis-Pasteur St. RSVP to 613-520-2600 ext. 1087 or ces@carleton.ca
Tastes and Sounds of Chile—Chef Hector Diaz will create a special gourmet menu highlighting the tastes of his homeland, Chile. The festival runs March 17-20. Mambo Restaurant, 77 Clarence St., www.mambonuevolatino.com
CJSO Monthly Dinner—The Canada-Japan Society of Ottawa presents its monthly dinner with guest speaker Guy Simser who will discuss "Tanka-Japanese Five Line Poetry." 6 p.m. Kiko Sushi Bar. 349B Preston St. RSVP to cjso@cjso-ottawa.com
Screening: A Dream for Kabul—The Canadian Museum of Civilization and the National Film Board of Canada present a screening of the film A Dream for Kabul. A panel discussion will follow. 7 p.m. Free. Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St. 819-776-7000 or www.civilization.ca
Taking a fresh approach to Italy-Canada relations
At the end of his four-year posting in Ottawa, outgoing Italian ambassador Gabriele Sardo told Embassy the Canadian government saw Italy "as just one of the 27 pieces of the European Union," and criticized Ottawa's "distance" from the rest of Canada.
Buy American, foreign investment top Trade Minister Van Loan's agenda
Foreign investment. Innovation. Free trade.
Libs pack 'em in for China
It was a virtual Liberal-fest at the NAC on Monday as the Chinese Embassy hosted a special reception to honour one of the country's most important national orchestras.
Nunavut plan to ban EU booze
A member of the legislative assembly in Nunavut plans to introduce a motion banning the territorial sale of alcohol originating from the European Union in retaliation to an EU ban on seal product imports, reported QMI Agency. Fred Schell said his move is only symbolic, admitting that it will have little effect on the EU economy. But he also noted that eastern Canadian communities are affected by the EU seal ban, and that seals are a staple food for people in Nunavut. Mr. Schell wants the EU to reconsider its ban.
Sharing an Arctic adventure
Canada will collaborate with Denmark on a patrol of the North, reported the Canadian Press. A Danish dogsled team, part of that country's military, will join approximately 150 soldiers and Canadian Rangers on a mission next month. Operation Nunalivut will see the two nations' forces venture out onto the sea ice northwest of Ellesmere Island. Both militaries are gearing up for increased Arctic surveillance in the coming years thanks to the rapid melting of the ice pack and the opening of the Northwest Passage.
Don't stop helping Afghanistan
The Canada-Afghanistan Solidarity Committee has warned against stopping development in the war-town country after Canadian troops pull out in 2011, reported the Toronto Star. The committee surveyed Afghan Canadians and Afghans of several political and social stripes and concluded that Canada can use its influence to influence the Afghan government on topics it considers crucial. The report was presented last night to a panel in Ottawa that included Afghan Ambassador Jawed Ludin.
Arctic dispute reversal
Arctic sovereignty experts at a conference in Anchorage revealed that the Canadian interpretation of the Beaufort Sea offshore boundary dispute would benefit the US, while the US interpretation would benefit Canada, reported Canwest News Service. University of British Columbia professor Michael Byers said that if the US interpretation is accepted, American claims to a specific oil patch would actually fall under Canadian jurisdiction. Both countries are conducting seabed surveys in the Beaufort Sea in order to both reveal oil deposits and work out who has the sovereign authority to exploit them.
Calls for Canuck clemency
Opposition critics are pointing to a US appeal court ruling against a Canadian on death row in Montana as a reason for the government to press for his clemency, reported Canwest News Service. Ronald Smith confessed to killing two Americans in 1982 and is in Montana State Prison. He recently had his appeal rejected, but the decision was not unanimous. Liberal Consular Affairs critic Dan McTeague said he questioned the fairness of Mr. Smith's trial. The appeal judges, based in Seattle, also noted that the Montana governor could provide clemency, and noted Mr. Smith's regret for his crimes.
Mulroney praises Americas policy
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney has commended the government's approach to international trade in Latin America, reported the Canadian Press. At a meeting celebrating the 20th anniversary of Canada joining the Organization of American States, Mr. Mulroney said that Canadian interests in the region were being served by free trade agreements established by the Harper government. In recent years, Mr. Mulroney has been more supportive of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada officials than of the government's foreign policy, so his speech represents a shift in praise.
Energy, environment and economy: Canada's road to prosperity
This year's theme at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, was to "rethink, redesign, and rebuild" the world economy. However, it was the 3Es—energy, environment and economy—that dominated discussions.
Done right, EU trade deal offers huge opportunities
When the federal government announced this year that it would negotiate a treaty agreement with the European Union, we welcomed this initiative.
Making Canada shine: R&D or making things real?
As Canada slowly emerges from the global recession, experts agree the key to long-term prosperity is a committed investment in science and technology.
The Next Eleven – A Mixed Picture for Canada
In December 2005, global investment bank Goldman Sachs identified 11 developing countries that are likely to emerge as economic and political leaders that could rival even the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China.
Strategies for post-recession trade success
Trade is a remarkably tough business to succeed at even in the best of times. And things are about to get tougher.
Canada prepared for global 'marketplace of ideas'?
A major transformation is taking place in the way scientific research is conducted. Gone are the days of scientists toiling away in their labs in isolation. In today's era of globalization, research is about collaboration. Increasingly, scientists around the world are coming together—physically and virtually—to tackle the pressing challenges facing society.
Hoping for boost to free trade talks
The government reaffirmed its commitment to an aggressive bilateral and regional free trade strategy during last week's Throne Speech, prompting hope from some corners that a renewed push will follow.
Come, invest in Canada. Please.
In July 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper toured Latin America and the Caribbean to announce his government's policy of re-engaging the hemisphere. The trip included stops in Colombia, Barbados and Haiti. However, the highlight was a speech the prime minister delivered in Chile where he alluded to the economic nationalism and political authoritarianism espoused by Venezuela and the extreme capitalism adopted by the United States.
The geopolitics of saving the fish
Everybody in the business knows that the Atlantic population of bluefin tuna is in worse trouble than the Pacific population, but how much worse?
The definition of bittersweet
"This year we will increase foreign aid to another record level.
Chad: International intervention needed now more than ever
The crucial effort to bring peace and stability to a troubled and volatile corner of Africa—Sudan's Darfur region, the eastern reaches of Chad and the northern Central African Republic—hangs in the balance this week, and could unravel quickly. Canada, in the midst of a campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council, would do well to assist in averting what could once again spiral into a humanitarian crisis.
Poverty has a woman's face
How much has changed in the course of a century?
Big Tobacco tests anti-smoking rules
Even where there's no smoke, sometimes there may be fire. Just ask Uruguay.
A case for a Ministry of Canadians Abroad?
Canadian citizens living under dire circumstances in Haiti once again highlighted in January a need for a comprehensive government approach to its citizenship abroad.
Abortion debate not constructive, experts say
While acknowledging the tens of thousands of women who die in developing countries each year from unsafe abortions, and the importance of family planning in addressing maternal and child health, experts are worried the political debate on Canadian support for these issues is having a negative effect.
Critics pan stalled shipbuilding strategy
Despite a commitment to continue supporting Canada's shipbuilding industry, an absence of new naval sector investments in this year's budget has contractors, lobbyists and critics confused and looking for answers.
Behind the Throne Speech, budget numbers
Over the course of two days last week, the Harper government delivered a Throne Speech, unveiled a budget and tabled departmental spending plans.
Federal Court asked to rule on Kenney's refugee claims
Is quick-in, quick-out going to be the next Canadian Forces mission?