Editorial

Canada Must Not Participate in the New U.S. Crusade

U.S. President George W. Bush has announced a new "crusade" against terrorism and against all countries that harbour terrorists. Despite the fact that there is almost no evidence about who actually organized the suicide attacks of September 11, Bush is demanding that the entire world line up behind the U.S. in isolating and attacking Afghanistan, Iraq and possibly a number of other countries. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops and hundreds of war planes are already steaming towards the Persian Gulf.

Although most countries have expressed their outrage at the terrorist attacks and have pledged their support in tracking down those responsible, it is becoming clear that an increasing number of governments have deep reservations about the U.S. campaign. Both China and Russia have openly opposed any U.S. military assault on Afghanistan, as have many other countries, including most of the countries in the region. French President Jacques Chirac has called on the U.S. to exercise restraint and to refrain from bombing innocent Afghani civilians. Only the British government of Tony Blair has indicated its full support for whatever adventures the U.S. embarks upon.

The Canadian government has been quite ambiguous about its intentions. On the one hand it has pledged its full support to the U.S., including military support, while on the other hand "hoping" that the U.S. will not attack innocent civilians. Prime Minister Chretien and Defence Minister Eggleton will be visiting Washington this week to find out exactly what the U.S. is expecting from Canada.

The U.S. has made it quite clear that it expects every other country to simply endorse whatever actions it deems fit and that it has no intention of making exceptions for Canada. Nothing short of a carte blanche endorsement by Chretien will be tolerated by Washington. Various "experts" have speculated that the U.S. regime would retaliate against Canada economically if Canada's response were anything less.

However, Canada is actually uniquely placed to resist this political and economic blackmail by the U.S. if it so chose. The United States is already experiencing an energy crisis and a U.S. war in the Middle East would be unthinkable without secure energy sources in Canada. During the past several days on one talk show after another, Canadians have demonstrated that they are overwhelmingly opposed to any U.S. war launched against the people of the Middle East under the pretext of "combatting terrorism". This is the message that Chretien and Eggleton should take to Washington.