Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit to Israel confirms his government’s abandonment of a balanced approach to Middle Eastern politics and confirms Canada has become a minor actor in the region, says Houchang Hassan-Yari, political science professor of Middle Eastern issues at the Royal Military College of Canada.
‘Balance is gone’
“In the past Canada used to have a more balanced policy in regards to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the Arab-Israeli conflict,” says Hassan-Yari. “But since Mr. Harper took office he very clearly indicated his unconditional preference for Israel and especially the government run by Mr. Netanyahu…That balance is gone.”
Harper is defending Israeli security, Israeli rights, and the illegal building of Israeli settlements in Palestinian occupied territory, says Hassan-Yari, adding that that puts it at odds with the United States and European countries on the issue.
In fact, the Canadian government’s official website says “Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention.” However when asked to comment Harper said he would not come to the Middle East and criticize Israel for the settlements.
Reduced Palestinian aid
Harper visit included a trip to the West Bank when he announced he would restore a portion of the funding Canada withdrew for Palestinian aid. Hassan-Yari says this was no surprise, noting the money is a reduction in the aid Canada used to supply and an indication of the Canadian government’s displeasure with the policies of Palestinian authorities.
“Canada has lost its credibility”
Jordan will be Harper’s only other stop, which Hassan-Yari sees as an indication that Canada is no longer the significant player it used to be in Middle Eastern politics. Previous leaders visited larger and more important players in the region, he notes.
“In the Middle East Canada lost its credibility and internationally we have become a very minor actor diplomatically,” says Hassan-Yari. He notes Canada used to regularly be elected to non-permanent seats in the United Nations’ Security Council and it no longer is.
“Canada is not the honest broker that it used to claim decades ago and it clearly opted for the Israeli camp and the Israeli camp is the Canadian camp,” says Hassan-Yari. “In that sense we will see more isolation and a warmer relationship between Ottawa and Tel Aviv.”
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