But Baird (and Harper) was wrong to oppose observer status for the Palestinians at this week’s UN Vote.
For the past several years, Canada has prided itself on being Israel’s best friend – and rightfully so, since America, under Obama, dithers trying to appease the Islamists. But you have to know what fights are worth having and in that regard, Canada’s vote this week should have been in favour of Palestinian recognition, not against it.
‘Everyone in the know’ seems to agree that nothing much will change as a result of the vote; that is to say, true peace will not come about until the two sides hammer out a deal at the negotiation table. So there was little or nothing to be lost, from casting a favourable vote.
The main thing that would have been gained, however, is a greater sense of self worth amongst the Palestinians themselves.
That said, some fear, that voting for the motion, would encourage the Palestinians to become even more militant and thereby would delay the day for a mutually acceptable peace.
Perhaps, but given the turbulent history of this area, dating back millennia, it is most doubtful that any UN motion could make things worse. In fact, I would argue, the successful motion helps place the Palestinians on a more equal footing with their Israeli counterparts and through that, it could enhance the possibility of genuine peace.
What is not at all helpful though, is Netanyahu’s petulant response to the vote which was to announce more housing development for the West Bank. This is guaranteed to incite the Arab Community and could very well cause a new round of violence. Western nations should condemn this, in no uncertain terms.
I began this blog by saying Canada needs to understand what fights are worth having when it comes to our support of Israel. And, rest assured, there will be lots of “worthwhile” occasions on the horizon; Canada’s UN Vote this week, was not one of them.
As I see it…
‘K. D. Galagher’