The Sun newspaper chain in Canada recently published this editorial in a number of its newspapers [this one from The London Free Press, h/t to BenS]. It very effectively criticizes the current attitudes toward Israel by many Canadians, including and especially those in a position of leadership in the Liberal party. Here is the conclusion:
[Prime Minister Stephen] Harper has not changed his view despite constant whining from the opposition parties and many in the media that his position lacks "nuance" and betrays Canada's traditional role as an "honest broker" in the Mideast.A great editorial. Too bad it doesn't seem to reflect the views of more editorial pages and more Canadians.
Actually, that was the Liberals' position when they were in government and there was nothing "honest" about it. It was a position of unceasing moral equivalency, in which Israel was deemed a "friend" only when it was easy to be one. Harper has been a friend of Israel even when it was not easy.
To be sure, Harper went too far last summer when he accused the Liberals of being anti-Israel during its war with Hezbollah.
In fact, Liberal policy toward Israel -- as indicated by Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, who spoke to the same group on the same night as Harper -- is not actively "against" Israel. The problem is it is not actively for it, either.
Dion said Canada supports Israel's right to exist in a secure and peaceful Mideast.
Two points. The Mideast is not peaceful. Nor has Israel's place in it ever been secure.
To say one recognizes Israel's right to exist is really to say one recognizes the facts on the ground. Yes, Israel exists. The question is: do you support its right to defend itself? Dion is the latest Liberal leader to fudge the answer.