“Out Of The Way”

This is the last post in this series on the flotilla incident, and it’s more personal.

Counsel to People of Faith

People of all faiths prayed long and hard this past week over the flotilla incident and the resulting loss of life.  Our religious traditions, especially those of the great three faiths – Islam, Christianity, Judaism – found their origins in that part of the world that filled the front pages of the news these last days.  

Counsel to Average Canadians

What a hard week.  By one of the comments you’ve seen that I’ve lost some votes, picked up some others.  It was never about that anyway. 

Counsel To Israelis/Jews

“What were we thinking?”  Perhaps an appropriate sentiment from a representative of an Israeli lobby group in Ottawa as he mulled over with me the fallout from the flotilla incident.  As the Globe and Mail pointed out yesterday: the tragedy “has made the country vulnerable to international condemnation and has seriously harmed its long-standing good relations with Turkey, a key Muslim ally.”

Counsel to Arabs/Muslims

Palestinian sympathizers aplenty called one me to speak out against the human rights injustices that took place on the flotilla raid.  I wish it were that easy.  For such individuals there are some uncomfortable realities to be faced.

Sending Out An S.O.S. To the World

I have a Jewish intern in my Ottawa office and a Muslim executive assistant back in the constituency. These people are there intentionally because they are bright and keen believers in finding a peaceful solution in the Middle East.

Gunboat Diplomacy?

Yesterday morning, while my flight was on a two-hour delay, I was wrestling with attempting to assist a Canadian trooper meeting resistance in getting health coverage for his family and public anger at the G8/G20’s billion dollar expense, when my Blackberry started chirping incessantly.  Jewish advocacy groups were quickly messaging defenses of Israel’s attack on the relief boats headed for Gaza, and Arab/Muslim groups and individuals called repeatedly to defend the flotilla that had been attacked.

Prime Minister taken to task on Sudan crisis; Case made for strengthening mission in Darfur

Paul Martin was often blasted for promising far more than he was able to deliver. By contrast, Stephen Harper has attempted to do the polar opposite. In general, it is a rule of thumb that has stood the current Prime Minister in good stead.

Darfur – Unravelling Peace Agrement

"Mr. Speaker, international observers have recently stated that the peace agreement between north and south Sudan is now unravelling, threatening to engulf the Darfur conflict throughout the entire region. Humanitarian aid is no longer enough.

Darfur – Time Running Out

"Mr. Speaker, for the people of Darfur, time is running out.

In late August my wife and I adopted two more children from Darfur. Each night I hear their nightmares and I am challenged as a father to know how best to respond.