In His Own Words: Stephen Harper on the Invasion of Sovereign Nations

The Canadian ruling class maintains a double standard and extremely pragmatic attitude towards the principles of sovereignty, self-determination and military intervention. It is entirely dependent on whether the military interventions and other violations of sovereignty are committed by the U.S. and its allies or by its competitors. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is a good spokesperson for the Canadian ruling class on these issues as can be seen by the following quotations:

On Russia’s Intervention in Georgia

“Military force will not resolve this dispute. The only viable long-term solution is international mediation and peacekeeping. … Russian and Georgian forces must immediately cease hostilities throughout Georgia and return to their August 6 positions. Furthermore, in escalating the conflict through its attacks on Georgian towns and cities outside South Ossetia, Russia has ceased to act as a peacekeeper. It is imperative that Russia respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.” -Statement from Stephen Harper released August 11, 2008.

“I must tell you that I am deeply troubled by a notion I see developing in Russia and that is a notion that Russia somehow has a say or some control over countries outside of its borders. In my judgment, this is a very worrisome development. It really indicates a Soviet-era mentality. And I think it is something that all democratic countries should speak out strongly against, and I hope Russia will reconsider its actions." Stephen Harper speaking to reporters in Newfoundland, August 15, 2008.

On the U.S. Intervention in Iraq

“…there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein operates programs to produce weapons of mass destruction. Experience confirms this. British, Canadian and American intelligence leaves no doubt on the matter. Canada should stand with its allies to remove the Hussein regime. Failure to do so is not fitting with the greatness of our history or with our standing as a nation.” – January 2003, speaking in the House of Commons

“In reading only the pools, indulging a juvenile and insecure anti-Americanism, this government has for the first time in our history left us outside our British and American allies in their time of need. … In the final analysis, disarming Iraq is necessary for the long-term security of the world, to the collective interest of our historic allies and, therefore, manifestly it is in the national interest of this country.” – March 2003, House of Commons

"The Canadian Alliance – the official Opposition in Parliament – supports the American and British position because we share their concerns, their worries about the future if Iraq is left unattended to, and their fundamental vision of civilization and human values." Letter from Stephen Harper to the Wall Street Journal, published March 28, 2003

“On the justification for the war, it wasn’t related to finding any particular weapons of mass destruction. In our judgement, it was much more fundamental. It was the removing of a regime that was hostile, that clearly had the intention of constructing weapons systems …” Stephen Harper, quoted in Maclean’s magazine, August 25, 2003

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