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Monday, December 11, 2023
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Gar Pardy

The Canadian ship of state leaks again

  • It is an easy strategy to transfer blame onto other nations when your own failures are so evident. Meanwhile, we stumble in the dark with
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 23, 2023
In the House recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed Canadian security groups 'have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,' carrying enormous implications, and without evidence. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Canadian ship of state leaks again

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 23, 2023
  • It is an easy strategy to transfer blame onto other nations when your own failures are so evident. Meanwhile, we stumble in the dark with

The Canadian ship of state leaks again

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 23, 2023
  • It is an easy strategy to transfer blame onto other nations when your own failures are so evident. Meanwhile, we stumble in the dark with
In the House recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed Canadian security groups 'have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,' carrying enormous implications, and without evidence. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Colonialism continues its brutal reign

  • Colonialism and racism are alive and well in Canada, and the police's refusal to search for the remains of Indigenous women in a Winnipeg
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 9, 2023
The Survivors flag flies on Parliament Hill on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2023. The centuries-long saga of injustice against Indigenous Peoples in Canada continues, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Colonialism continues its brutal reign

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 9, 2023
  • Colonialism and racism are alive and well in Canada, and the police's refusal to search for the remains of Indigenous women in a Winnipeg

Colonialism continues its brutal reign

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 9, 2023
  • Colonialism and racism are alive and well in Canada, and the police's refusal to search for the remains of Indigenous women in a Winnipeg
The Survivors flag flies on Parliament Hill on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2023. The centuries-long saga of injustice against Indigenous Peoples in Canada continues, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Extradition and justice: the case of Hassan Diab

  • Even within the limited requirements of the Extradition Act, a Canadian judge concluded in 2011 that the French authorities' evidence was 'convoluted, very confusing,
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 3, 2023
Justice Minster David Lametti needs to exercise his unique discretion to ensure that a Canadian citizen is not subject to arbitrarily politically motivated justice systems, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Extradition and justice: the case of Hassan Diab

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 3, 2023
  • Even within the limited requirements of the Extradition Act, a Canadian judge concluded in 2011 that the French authorities' evidence was 'convoluted, very confusing,

Extradition and justice: the case of Hassan Diab

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 3, 2023
  • Even within the limited requirements of the Extradition Act, a Canadian judge concluded in 2011 that the French authorities' evidence was 'convoluted, very confusing,
Justice Minster David Lametti needs to exercise his unique discretion to ensure that a Canadian citizen is not subject to arbitrarily politically motivated justice systems, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The RCMP, inquiries, and another musical ride 

  • Over 73 years of investigations, commissions, and inquiries, the RCMP has seen few apparent changes to the way it operates.
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 1, 2023
Former RCMP commissioner Brenda Lucki appearing at the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in 2022, to discuss allegations of political interference in the 2020 Nova Scotia mass murder investigation. Lucki is no longer around to deal with the recommendations specific to the killings in Nova Scotia, notes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The RCMP, inquiries, and another musical ride 

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 1, 2023
  • Over 73 years of investigations, commissions, and inquiries, the RCMP has seen few apparent changes to the way it operates.

The RCMP, inquiries, and another musical ride 

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 1, 2023
  • Over 73 years of investigations, commissions, and inquiries, the RCMP has seen few apparent changes to the way it operates.
Former RCMP commissioner Brenda Lucki appearing at the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in 2022, to discuss allegations of political interference in the 2020 Nova Scotia mass murder investigation. Lucki is no longer around to deal with the recommendations specific to the killings in Nova Scotia, notes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ukraine war’s first anniversary comes and goes with no end in sight

  • Russia's 2022 invasion represented a blatant violation of the established global standard on the inviolability of states.
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | February 23, 2023
A rally in support of Ukraine takes place in front of the Russian Embassy in Ottawa on Feb. 27, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Ukraine war’s first anniversary comes and goes with no end in sight

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | February 23, 2023
  • Russia's 2022 invasion represented a blatant violation of the established global standard on the inviolability of states.

Ukraine war’s first anniversary comes and goes with no end in sight

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | February 23, 2023
  • Russia's 2022 invasion represented a blatant violation of the established global standard on the inviolability of states.
A rally in support of Ukraine takes place in front of the Russian Embassy in Ottawa on Feb. 27, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Rethinking monarchs and democracy

  • For the United Kingdom and those of us in Canada, who are constitutionally connected to the marriage of monarchs and democracy, it is a
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 21, 2022
For the United Kingdom and King Charles III, pictured during a visit to Ottawa in 2017, the issue is how united the kingdom is in the aftermath of the decision to leave the European Union The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Rethinking monarchs and democracy

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 21, 2022
  • For the United Kingdom and those of us in Canada, who are constitutionally connected to the marriage of monarchs and democracy, it is a

Rethinking monarchs and democracy

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 21, 2022
  • For the United Kingdom and those of us in Canada, who are constitutionally connected to the marriage of monarchs and democracy, it is a
For the United Kingdom and King Charles III, pictured during a visit to Ottawa in 2017, the issue is how united the kingdom is in the aftermath of the decision to leave the European Union The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

O’Bonsawin a prime ministerial appointment better than most

  • There is an urgent need to create some measure of certainty in the representation of Indigenous people in the central power structures.
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 31, 2022
Michelle O'Bonsawin, Canada's first Indigenous Supreme Court justice, is set to take her seat on the bench on Sept. 1. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

O’Bonsawin a prime ministerial appointment better than most

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 31, 2022
  • There is an urgent need to create some measure of certainty in the representation of Indigenous people in the central power structures.

O’Bonsawin a prime ministerial appointment better than most

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 31, 2022
  • There is an urgent need to create some measure of certainty in the representation of Indigenous people in the central power structures.
Michelle O'Bonsawin, Canada's first Indigenous Supreme Court justice, is set to take her seat on the bench on Sept. 1. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The scary world of nuclear weapons

  • July 16 was the 77th anniversary of the world’s first explosion of a nuclear weapon. In 2045, there will be two centenaries. The first
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 18, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening the use of nuclear weapons should Ukrainian supporters create increasing dangers for Moscow, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The scary world of nuclear weapons

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 18, 2022
  • July 16 was the 77th anniversary of the world’s first explosion of a nuclear weapon. In 2045, there will be two centenaries. The first

The scary world of nuclear weapons

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 18, 2022
  • July 16 was the 77th anniversary of the world’s first explosion of a nuclear weapon. In 2045, there will be two centenaries. The first
Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening the use of nuclear weapons should Ukrainian supporters create increasing dangers for Moscow, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Joly’s response to Canadian official attending Russia reception insensitive, ignores need for diplomacy

  • Diplomacy, even in good times, is not the most appreciated of government activities. Today, with a nasty war in Ukraine underway, any suggestion that
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 17, 2022
Calling the diplomat's attendance 'unacceptable,' Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was unforgiving in her response, using a large verbal bat on her departmental officials, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly’s response to Canadian official attending Russia reception insensitive, ignores need for diplomacy

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 17, 2022
  • Diplomacy, even in good times, is not the most appreciated of government activities. Today, with a nasty war in Ukraine underway, any suggestion that

Joly’s response to Canadian official attending Russia reception insensitive, ignores need for diplomacy

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 17, 2022
  • Diplomacy, even in good times, is not the most appreciated of government activities. Today, with a nasty war in Ukraine underway, any suggestion that
Calling the diplomat's attendance 'unacceptable,' Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was unforgiving in her response, using a large verbal bat on her departmental officials, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Expert report on national security lacks urgency, offers conflicting yet vague advice

  • There is no shortage of threats and problems preoccupying our daily lives: the first major war in Europe since 1945, a virus that refuses
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 2, 2022
A new report stresses the need to 'enhance governance' of national security by establishing a cabinet-level body chaired by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to give this body the seriousness it deserves, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Expert report on national security lacks urgency, offers conflicting yet vague advice

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 2, 2022
  • There is no shortage of threats and problems preoccupying our daily lives: the first major war in Europe since 1945, a virus that refuses

Expert report on national security lacks urgency, offers conflicting yet vague advice

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 2, 2022
  • There is no shortage of threats and problems preoccupying our daily lives: the first major war in Europe since 1945, a virus that refuses
A new report stresses the need to 'enhance governance' of national security by establishing a cabinet-level body chaired by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to give this body the seriousness it deserves, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ukraine: time for belling the Russian bear

  • The war in Ukraine changes. Today it is not the war of two months ago, when the Russian military marched across an internationally-recognized border
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 2, 2022
Collective action remains the most important factor to try to lessen or put an end to the continuing death and destruction in Ukraine brought about by Russian President Vladimir Putin, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Russian Presidential Press Service

Ukraine: time for belling the Russian bear

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 2, 2022
  • The war in Ukraine changes. Today it is not the war of two months ago, when the Russian military marched across an internationally-recognized border

Ukraine: time for belling the Russian bear

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 2, 2022
  • The war in Ukraine changes. Today it is not the war of two months ago, when the Russian military marched across an internationally-recognized border
Collective action remains the most important factor to try to lessen or put an end to the continuing death and destruction in Ukraine brought about by Russian President Vladimir Putin, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Russian Presidential Press Service

Countering Russian bombing, artillery, and missile attacks should top NATO’s agenda

  • In the 75 years since the Second World War ended there has not been a war quite like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 28, 2022
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg officially opens the meeting last week in Brussels to address Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Photograph courtesy of NATO

Countering Russian bombing, artillery, and missile attacks should top NATO’s agenda

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 28, 2022
  • In the 75 years since the Second World War ended there has not been a war quite like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The

Countering Russian bombing, artillery, and missile attacks should top NATO’s agenda

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 28, 2022
  • In the 75 years since the Second World War ended there has not been a war quite like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg officially opens the meeting last week in Brussels to address Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Photograph courtesy of NATO

Canada should back Ukraine no-fly zone request

  • A number of assertions, if not conclusions, have emerged after three weeks of war in Ukraine, including about the action of the countries directly
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 16, 2022
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pictured during a virtual address to a packed House of Commons on March 15. Zelenskyy's request for a no-fly zone over Ukraine should be considered by NATO, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of ParlVu

Canada should back Ukraine no-fly zone request

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 16, 2022
  • A number of assertions, if not conclusions, have emerged after three weeks of war in Ukraine, including about the action of the countries directly

Canada should back Ukraine no-fly zone request

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 16, 2022
  • A number of assertions, if not conclusions, have emerged after three weeks of war in Ukraine, including about the action of the countries directly
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pictured during a virtual address to a packed House of Commons on March 15. Zelenskyy's request for a no-fly zone over Ukraine should be considered by NATO, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of ParlVu

Russia, China testing American commitments to the independence of Ukraine and Taiwan

  • The United States is intimately involved in the ongoing foreplay of war in the Ukraine and Taiwan. In both situations the Americans have historic
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 27, 2022
The United States political system, now led by President Joe Biden, has been battered by a series of lost and inconclusive wars, writes Gar Pardy. Flickr photograph by Gage Skidmore

Russia, China testing American commitments to the independence of Ukraine and Taiwan

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 27, 2022
  • The United States is intimately involved in the ongoing foreplay of war in the Ukraine and Taiwan. In both situations the Americans have historic

Russia, China testing American commitments to the independence of Ukraine and Taiwan

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 27, 2022
  • The United States is intimately involved in the ongoing foreplay of war in the Ukraine and Taiwan. In both situations the Americans have historic
The United States political system, now led by President Joe Biden, has been battered by a series of lost and inconclusive wars, writes Gar Pardy. Flickr photograph by Gage Skidmore

Under Joly, Canada continues wait-and-see foreign policy approach with China

  • Like Europe, in Asia talk of war is evident and the predictions are as dire as those assessing Ukraine’s future with Russia moving troops
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 17, 2022
Canada, as with most countries, has adopted a wait and see approach on specific policies towards China and Asia, writes Gar Pardy. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, pictured in December 2021, recently said she will soon provide details on a 'new strategy' for the 'Indo-Pacific.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Under Joly, Canada continues wait-and-see foreign policy approach with China

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 17, 2022
  • Like Europe, in Asia talk of war is evident and the predictions are as dire as those assessing Ukraine’s future with Russia moving troops

Under Joly, Canada continues wait-and-see foreign policy approach with China

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 17, 2022
  • Like Europe, in Asia talk of war is evident and the predictions are as dire as those assessing Ukraine’s future with Russia moving troops
Canada, as with most countries, has adopted a wait and see approach on specific policies towards China and Asia, writes Gar Pardy. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, pictured in December 2021, recently said she will soon provide details on a 'new strategy' for the 'Indo-Pacific.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Russia and the threat of war

  • There is Russian humour ending with the line the country has an “unpredictable history.” Given the ongoing historical myth making by successive Russian governments,
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 10, 2022
By putting troops along the Ukranian border, Russian President Vladimir Putin has created conditions, in the minds of many, that, potentially, could lead to a larger conflict involving both European countries and the United States, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of the Kremlin

Russia and the threat of war

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 10, 2022
  • There is Russian humour ending with the line the country has an “unpredictable history.” Given the ongoing historical myth making by successive Russian governments,

Russia and the threat of war

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | January 10, 2022
  • There is Russian humour ending with the line the country has an “unpredictable history.” Given the ongoing historical myth making by successive Russian governments,
By putting troops along the Ukranian border, Russian President Vladimir Putin has created conditions, in the minds of many, that, potentially, could lead to a larger conflict involving both European countries and the United States, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of the Kremlin

The politics of language and the Quebec premier’s quest to revive hockey

  • Language is “humanity’s greatest invention” but with it came controversy and the two are never far apart in either lexicon or politics. Their long-standing
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | December 30, 2021
Premier of Quebec François Legault, pictured in September 2020, recently struck a 14-member investigating committee to examine why there are fewer successors for the Richards, Lemieuxs, and Roys in the NHL. The premier is right to see if something can be done to alter the power internationally, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of language and the Quebec premier’s quest to revive hockey

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | December 30, 2021
  • Language is “humanity’s greatest invention” but with it came controversy and the two are never far apart in either lexicon or politics. Their long-standing

The politics of language and the Quebec premier’s quest to revive hockey

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | December 30, 2021
  • Language is “humanity’s greatest invention” but with it came controversy and the two are never far apart in either lexicon or politics. Their long-standing
Premier of Quebec François Legault, pictured in September 2020, recently struck a 14-member investigating committee to examine why there are fewer successors for the Richards, Lemieuxs, and Roys in the NHL. The premier is right to see if something can be done to alter the power internationally, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada playing bystander role in debate on NATO’s future

  • There was an under-reported detail during the recent France-United States contretemps concerning nuclear-powered submarines for Australia. While U.S. President Joe Biden conceded publicly American
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | November 24, 2021
National Defence Minister Anita Anand, pictured Oct. 26 when she was named to the new post. In 2007, a senior American official said 'everything is NATO’s area.' That view is not shared by many of the alliance's European members and it is not clear whether it is one that is shared or even understood in Ottawa, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada playing bystander role in debate on NATO’s future

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | November 24, 2021
  • There was an under-reported detail during the recent France-United States contretemps concerning nuclear-powered submarines for Australia. While U.S. President Joe Biden conceded publicly American

Canada playing bystander role in debate on NATO’s future

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | November 24, 2021
  • There was an under-reported detail during the recent France-United States contretemps concerning nuclear-powered submarines for Australia. While U.S. President Joe Biden conceded publicly American
National Defence Minister Anita Anand, pictured Oct. 26 when she was named to the new post. In 2007, a senior American official said 'everything is NATO’s area.' That view is not shared by many of the alliance's European members and it is not clear whether it is one that is shared or even understood in Ottawa, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Another foreign minister, but is there a foreign policy?

  • Canada has a new foreign minister in Mélanie Joly, but there is no indication, so far, of any fresh thinking on Canada’s relationship with
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | November 10, 2021
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, pictured on Oct. 26, 2021, on the Hill after the swearing-in of the Liberal cabinet. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Another foreign minister, but is there a foreign policy?

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | November 10, 2021
  • Canada has a new foreign minister in Mélanie Joly, but there is no indication, so far, of any fresh thinking on Canada’s relationship with

Another foreign minister, but is there a foreign policy?

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | November 10, 2021
  • Canada has a new foreign minister in Mélanie Joly, but there is no indication, so far, of any fresh thinking on Canada’s relationship with
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, pictured on Oct. 26, 2021, on the Hill after the swearing-in of the Liberal cabinet. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

China and its seas: possible zone of conflict

  • China is lapped by two seas. In the years since the death of Mao in 1976 these seas, the East and the South China,
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 25, 2021
China's President Xi Jinping, pictured. Central to China’s ambitions offshore is Taiwan, writes Gar Pardy. Today it is a politically and economically progressive island of 24 million people, most of whom see little interest in becoming another Hong Kong. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

China and its seas: possible zone of conflict

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 25, 2021
  • China is lapped by two seas. In the years since the death of Mao in 1976 these seas, the East and the South China,

China and its seas: possible zone of conflict

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 25, 2021
  • China is lapped by two seas. In the years since the death of Mao in 1976 these seas, the East and the South China,
China's President Xi Jinping, pictured. Central to China’s ambitions offshore is Taiwan, writes Gar Pardy. Today it is a politically and economically progressive island of 24 million people, most of whom see little interest in becoming another Hong Kong. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Afghanistan faces uncertain days ahead

  • The fighting is mostly over in Afghanistan and the lingering moral and political responsibilities of the invading Western forces are playing out, not as
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 14, 2021
Afghan national police and army personnel and U.S. army soldiers patrol in July 2009 in Zabul province, Afghanistan. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army

Afghanistan faces uncertain days ahead

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 14, 2021
  • The fighting is mostly over in Afghanistan and the lingering moral and political responsibilities of the invading Western forces are playing out, not as

Afghanistan faces uncertain days ahead

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | October 14, 2021
  • The fighting is mostly over in Afghanistan and the lingering moral and political responsibilities of the invading Western forces are playing out, not as
Afghan national police and army personnel and U.S. army soldiers patrol in July 2009 in Zabul province, Afghanistan. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army

AUKUS deal showcases stupidity at the highest levels

  • It is not often stupidity at the highest levels of foreign policy is so apparent. But the announcement last week of the agreement of
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 20, 2021
The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Anzac and USCG Cutter Munro sail in formation, during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2021. The deal involving the United Kingdom and Australia adds little to resolving the overall security issues in the region, ut the price for European, Canadian, and Asian allies could be steep, writes Gar Pardy. The deal suggests a narrowing of American interests and abilities and, as such, the weakening of any consensus on issues involving China, Photograph courtesy of the Royal Australian Navy

AUKUS deal showcases stupidity at the highest levels

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 20, 2021
  • It is not often stupidity at the highest levels of foreign policy is so apparent. But the announcement last week of the agreement of

AUKUS deal showcases stupidity at the highest levels

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 20, 2021
  • It is not often stupidity at the highest levels of foreign policy is so apparent. But the announcement last week of the agreement of
The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Anzac and USCG Cutter Munro sail in formation, during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2021. The deal involving the United Kingdom and Australia adds little to resolving the overall security issues in the region, ut the price for European, Canadian, and Asian allies could be steep, writes Gar Pardy. The deal suggests a narrowing of American interests and abilities and, as such, the weakening of any consensus on issues involving China, Photograph courtesy of the Royal Australian Navy

Notwithstanding the Charter, the state, and religion

  • The summer nears its end with the pandemic still ubiquitous, the results of the federal election clouding our equanimity, and the menace of a
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 10, 2021
Quebec Premier François Legault's government introduced Bill 21, which purports to ensure the neutrality of the government by insisting no one in a position of authority be allowed to wear ‘religious symbols’ while exercising their functions. Photograph courtesy of CAQ/Instagram

Notwithstanding the Charter, the state, and religion

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 10, 2021
  • The summer nears its end with the pandemic still ubiquitous, the results of the federal election clouding our equanimity, and the menace of a

Notwithstanding the Charter, the state, and religion

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 10, 2021
  • The summer nears its end with the pandemic still ubiquitous, the results of the federal election clouding our equanimity, and the menace of a
Quebec Premier François Legault's government introduced Bill 21, which purports to ensure the neutrality of the government by insisting no one in a position of authority be allowed to wear ‘religious symbols’ while exercising their functions. Photograph courtesy of CAQ/Instagram

A thousand days pass with Kovrig and Spavor in prison

  • Sunday, Sept. 5, will see the thousandth day Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have spent in the prisons of China. To mark the day,
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 5, 2021
Michael Spavor, left, and Michael Kovrig, right, were detained in December 2018. There is silence in both Ottawa and Beijing on any action that might see the two men released and returned home, writes Gar Pardy. Photographs courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

A thousand days pass with Kovrig and Spavor in prison

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 5, 2021
  • Sunday, Sept. 5, will see the thousandth day Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have spent in the prisons of China. To mark the day,

A thousand days pass with Kovrig and Spavor in prison

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | September 5, 2021
  • Sunday, Sept. 5, will see the thousandth day Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have spent in the prisons of China. To mark the day,
Michael Spavor, left, and Michael Kovrig, right, were detained in December 2018. There is silence in both Ottawa and Beijing on any action that might see the two men released and returned home, writes Gar Pardy. Photographs courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

Federal leaders stuck in the past with empty statements on Afghanistan

  • Election campaigns rarely illustrate the better side of our political leadership. The 2021 contest is no exception as, so far, their performance suggests it’s
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 23, 2021
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, pictured in January 2020, said Canada has 'no plans' to recognize the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan, he removed the legs from Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau, left, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Federal leaders stuck in the past with empty statements on Afghanistan

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 23, 2021
  • Election campaigns rarely illustrate the better side of our political leadership. The 2021 contest is no exception as, so far, their performance suggests it’s

Federal leaders stuck in the past with empty statements on Afghanistan

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 23, 2021
  • Election campaigns rarely illustrate the better side of our political leadership. The 2021 contest is no exception as, so far, their performance suggests it’s
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, pictured in January 2020, said Canada has 'no plans' to recognize the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan, he removed the legs from Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau, left, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Canada, international community must remain steadfast in support of Afghanistan’s rebuilding

  • The recriminations and debate associated with the American debacle in Afghanistan is already underway even before the last troops have left. This sort of
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 17, 2021
U.S. Army soldiers are pictured in 2011 working with Afghan security forces to build stability in Wardak Province in central Afghanistan. The recriminations associated with the American debacle in Afghanistan is already underway even before the last troops have left, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army/Sgt. Victor R. Everhart

Canada, international community must remain steadfast in support of Afghanistan’s rebuilding

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 17, 2021
  • The recriminations and debate associated with the American debacle in Afghanistan is already underway even before the last troops have left. This sort of

Canada, international community must remain steadfast in support of Afghanistan’s rebuilding

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 17, 2021
  • The recriminations and debate associated with the American debacle in Afghanistan is already underway even before the last troops have left. This sort of
U.S. Army soldiers are pictured in 2011 working with Afghan security forces to build stability in Wardak Province in central Afghanistan. The recriminations associated with the American debacle in Afghanistan is already underway even before the last troops have left, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army/Sgt. Victor R. Everhart

Settling Spavor’s prison sentence will take political will

  • The sentencing decision following the conviction of Calgary businessman Michael Spavor for 11 years imprisonment is within the normal confines of Chinese law. The
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 11, 2021
Michael Spavor’s imprisonment will be settled only by political decisions by the government of China, just as the problems of Meng Wanzhou in Canada will only be settled by political decisions by the Government of Canada, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Twitter

Settling Spavor’s prison sentence will take political will

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 11, 2021
  • The sentencing decision following the conviction of Calgary businessman Michael Spavor for 11 years imprisonment is within the normal confines of Chinese law. The

Settling Spavor’s prison sentence will take political will

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 11, 2021
  • The sentencing decision following the conviction of Calgary businessman Michael Spavor for 11 years imprisonment is within the normal confines of Chinese law. The
Michael Spavor’s imprisonment will be settled only by political decisions by the government of China, just as the problems of Meng Wanzhou in Canada will only be settled by political decisions by the Government of Canada, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Twitter
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The Afghan war and the aftermath of defeat

  • As the American war in Afghanistan comes to a close, it is forgotten it began with large American failures associated with the 9/11 attacks. Those
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 11, 2021
American soldiers are pictured with members of the Afghan national police in Zabul province in 2009. Canada and the allies all had good reasons to show solidarity with the U.S. post-9/11 that had very little to do with their security, but had much to do with demonstrating a measure of understanding with a psychologically damaged American government and people, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army

The Afghan war and the aftermath of defeat

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 11, 2021
  • As the American war in Afghanistan comes to a close, it is forgotten it began with large American failures associated with the 9/11 attacks. Those

The Afghan war and the aftermath of defeat

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 11, 2021
  • As the American war in Afghanistan comes to a close, it is forgotten it began with large American failures associated with the 9/11 attacks. Those
American soldiers are pictured with members of the Afghan national police in Zabul province in 2009. Canada and the allies all had good reasons to show solidarity with the U.S. post-9/11 that had very little to do with their security, but had much to do with demonstrating a measure of understanding with a psychologically damaged American government and people, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army

A lament for Afghanistan

  • It is time to begin again our lamentations for the people of Afghanistan.The catastrophic failure of Western policy over the last 50 years is
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 6, 2021
The last Canadian soldiers to leave Afghanistan in 2014 were greeted by then-governor general David Johnston and other dignitaries on the Ottawa airport tarmac. Afghanistan represents  the largest casualty figures for the Canadian military since the Korean War, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

A lament for Afghanistan

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 6, 2021
  • It is time to begin again our lamentations for the people of Afghanistan.The catastrophic failure of Western policy over the last 50 years is

A lament for Afghanistan

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | August 6, 2021
  • It is time to begin again our lamentations for the people of Afghanistan.The catastrophic failure of Western policy over the last 50 years is
The last Canadian soldiers to leave Afghanistan in 2014 were greeted by then-governor general David Johnston and other dignitaries on the Ottawa airport tarmac. Afghanistan represents  the largest casualty figures for the Canadian military since the Korean War, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Canadians captured abroad face an unhelpful government

  • One of the great shibboleths of Canadian foreign policy is that the government is there to help when you are in serious trouble in
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 21, 2021
Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau, pictured February 2020, commenting that the release of a woman detained in Syria was not a ‘Canadian initiative’ reflects a lack of initiative by this government with other Canadians detained by other countries. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians captured abroad face an unhelpful government

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 21, 2021
  • One of the great shibboleths of Canadian foreign policy is that the government is there to help when you are in serious trouble in

Canadians captured abroad face an unhelpful government

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 21, 2021
  • One of the great shibboleths of Canadian foreign policy is that the government is there to help when you are in serious trouble in
Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau, pictured February 2020, commenting that the release of a woman detained in Syria was not a ‘Canadian initiative’ reflects a lack of initiative by this government with other Canadians detained by other countries. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conflicts in South Africa, Mali, Ethiopia reveal differing paths toward effective government

  • In recent weeks, there have been three stories emerging out of Africa as hopeful examples for a continent still struggling with the legacy of
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 14, 2021
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, pictured, was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his reforms within Ethiopia and is now under regional and global pressure to bring the war with Tigray to an end. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

Conflicts in South Africa, Mali, Ethiopia reveal differing paths toward effective government

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 14, 2021
  • In recent weeks, there have been three stories emerging out of Africa as hopeful examples for a continent still struggling with the legacy of

Conflicts in South Africa, Mali, Ethiopia reveal differing paths toward effective government

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 14, 2021
  • In recent weeks, there have been three stories emerging out of Africa as hopeful examples for a continent still struggling with the legacy of
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, pictured, was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his reforms within Ethiopia and is now under regional and global pressure to bring the war with Tigray to an end. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

Canada can, and must, do more to help Kovrig and Spavor

  • The obduracy and obscurity by the government in its actions in support of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor continue. Shortly after the passing of
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 7, 2021
Michael Kovrig, left, and Michael Spavor, right, have now been imprisoned by Chinese authorities for more than 940 days. Unfortunately, writes Gar Pardy, there is less an effort to limit those days of imprisonment than there is in any effort to limit the rhythm of the sun. Photographs courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

Canada can, and must, do more to help Kovrig and Spavor

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 7, 2021
  • The obduracy and obscurity by the government in its actions in support of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor continue. Shortly after the passing of

Canada can, and must, do more to help Kovrig and Spavor

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | July 7, 2021
  • The obduracy and obscurity by the government in its actions in support of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor continue. Shortly after the passing of
Michael Kovrig, left, and Michael Spavor, right, have now been imprisoned by Chinese authorities for more than 940 days. Unfortunately, writes Gar Pardy, there is less an effort to limit those days of imprisonment than there is in any effort to limit the rhythm of the sun. Photographs courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

Leaked documents and the case for nuclear control in a modern age 

  • Three weeks ago, Daniel Ellsberg, of Pentagon Papers fame, released another sequestered paper that he took with him when he left the Pentagon in
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 10, 2021
Leaked documents reveal U.S. military pressured then-President Dwight Eisenhower, pictured, to consider the possibility of the United States using first strike nuclear weapons against China during the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1958. There is a new crisis over Taiwan, and today the dynamics in the region are different but some of the key ones have not changed or have become more pronounced, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Leaked documents and the case for nuclear control in a modern age 

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 10, 2021
  • Three weeks ago, Daniel Ellsberg, of Pentagon Papers fame, released another sequestered paper that he took with him when he left the Pentagon in

Leaked documents and the case for nuclear control in a modern age 

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | June 10, 2021
  • Three weeks ago, Daniel Ellsberg, of Pentagon Papers fame, released another sequestered paper that he took with him when he left the Pentagon in
Leaked documents reveal U.S. military pressured then-President Dwight Eisenhower, pictured, to consider the possibility of the United States using first strike nuclear weapons against China during the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1958. There is a new crisis over Taiwan, and today the dynamics in the region are different but some of the key ones have not changed or have become more pronounced, writes Gar Pardy. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Kovrig and Spavor: 900 days in prison and still counting

  • Inexorably, we near 900 days with no end in sight. At the end of the month, 900 days will have passed and Michael Kovrig
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 26, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured left, in March 2021, and Canadian political leaders have shown obduracy and obscurity on this file for too long, pretending they are protecting false principles that have little relevance in a world where the well-being and lives of two citizens, Michael Kovrig (middle) and Michael Spavor (right), hang in the balance, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

Kovrig and Spavor: 900 days in prison and still counting

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 26, 2021
  • Inexorably, we near 900 days with no end in sight. At the end of the month, 900 days will have passed and Michael Kovrig

Kovrig and Spavor: 900 days in prison and still counting

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | May 26, 2021
  • Inexorably, we near 900 days with no end in sight. At the end of the month, 900 days will have passed and Michael Kovrig
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured left, in March 2021, and Canadian political leaders have shown obduracy and obscurity on this file for too long, pretending they are protecting false principles that have little relevance in a world where the well-being and lives of two citizens, Michael Kovrig (middle) and Michael Spavor (right), hang in the balance, writes Gar Pardy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

Kovrig and Spavor: the injury continues

  • The days pass in rapid succession for us. But for Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in almost total seclusion in the prisons of China,
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | April 19, 2021
Michael Kovrig, left, and Michael Spavor, right, have been detained by Chinese authorities since December 2018. It’s past time for the Canadian government to demonstrate the well-being of two Canadians is worth sitting down with China to end it, writes Gar Pardy. Photographs courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

Kovrig and Spavor: the injury continues

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | April 19, 2021
  • The days pass in rapid succession for us. But for Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in almost total seclusion in the prisons of China,

Kovrig and Spavor: the injury continues

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | April 19, 2021
  • The days pass in rapid succession for us. But for Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in almost total seclusion in the prisons of China,
Michael Kovrig, left, and Michael Spavor, right, have been detained by Chinese authorities since December 2018. It’s past time for the Canadian government to demonstrate the well-being of two Canadians is worth sitting down with China to end it, writes Gar Pardy. Photographs courtesy of Twitter and the International Crisis Group

Biden faces looming deadline on Afghanistan withdrawal

  • In a month from now, American forces are to leave Afghanistan.  In a deal negotiated at the end of February 2020 by the Trump
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | April 7, 2021
U.S. President Joe Biden says 'it would be hard to meet the May 1 deadline,' but went on to note 'it was not his intention to stay there for a long time.' Photograph courtesy of Joe Biden's Twitter profile

Biden faces looming deadline on Afghanistan withdrawal

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | April 7, 2021
  • In a month from now, American forces are to leave Afghanistan.  In a deal negotiated at the end of February 2020 by the Trump

Biden faces looming deadline on Afghanistan withdrawal

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | April 7, 2021
  • In a month from now, American forces are to leave Afghanistan.  In a deal negotiated at the end of February 2020 by the Trump
U.S. President Joe Biden says 'it would be hard to meet the May 1 deadline,' but went on to note 'it was not his intention to stay there for a long time.' Photograph courtesy of Joe Biden's Twitter profile

Competition and cooperation, not containment, is likely to dictate West’s approach to China

  • The recent discussions between the Americans and the Chinese in Anchorage, Alaska, have not had the impact of the discovery of gold near the
News | BY GAR PARDY | March 26, 2021
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, face global skepticism following their previous president’s nasty display of American exceptionalism, which still rankles not only in the Asian context but also throughout the world. Photograph courtesy of Facebook

Competition and cooperation, not containment, is likely to dictate West’s approach to China

News | BY GAR PARDY | March 26, 2021
  • The recent discussions between the Americans and the Chinese in Anchorage, Alaska, have not had the impact of the discovery of gold near the

Competition and cooperation, not containment, is likely to dictate West’s approach to China

News | BY GAR PARDY | March 26, 2021
  • The recent discussions between the Americans and the Chinese in Anchorage, Alaska, have not had the impact of the discovery of gold near the
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, face global skepticism following their previous president’s nasty display of American exceptionalism, which still rankles not only in the Asian context but also throughout the world. Photograph courtesy of Facebook

Is Afghanistan where empires go to die?

  • The 2020 film The Outpost tells the story of 53 American soldiers supported by an Afghan Army unit deployed to an isolated and undefendable
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 1, 2021

Is Afghanistan where empires go to die?

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 1, 2021
  • The 2020 film The Outpost tells the story of 53 American soldiers supported by an Afghan Army unit deployed to an isolated and undefendable

Is Afghanistan where empires go to die?

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | March 1, 2021
  • The 2020 film The Outpost tells the story of 53 American soldiers supported by an Afghan Army unit deployed to an isolated and undefendable

‘Country-agnostic’ declaration denouncing arbitrary detentions is nothing more than governmental flimflam on Kovrig and Spavor

  • It’s now been more than 800 days since Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were imprisoned by the Chinese authorities, and there are few to
Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | February 17, 2021
Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau unveiled a declaration on Feb. 15, 2021, calling upon all states to 'take concrete steps to prevent and put an end to harsh conditions in detention, denial of access to legal counsel, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Country-agnostic’ declaration denouncing arbitrary detentions is nothing more than governmental flimflam on Kovrig and Spavor

Opinion | BY GAR PARDY | February 17, 2021
  • It’s now been more than 800 days since Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were imprisoned by the Chinese authorities, and there are few to