Canada avoids criticizing Trump over Jerusalem provocation
By
Roger Jordan
13 December 2017
Canada’s Liberal government has stood almost alone among Washington’s western allies in refusing to condemn President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
While Ottawa’s muted response was in part due to concerns about antagonizing the Trump administration in the midst of the NAFTA “renegotiation,” it was also bound up with Canadian imperialist strategy in the oil-rich Middle East.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada would not follow Trump’s lead in moving its embassy to Jerusalem. However, both refrained from criticizing Trump and were at pains to emphasize Canada’s steadfast support for Israel. Asked by a journalist if he would join British Prime Minister Theresa May in passing on his concerns to Trump, Trudeau refused to answer the question, merely noting that Canada would remain engaged with international partners over the Middle East.
Trump’s announcement was a deliberate provocation, effectively bringing an end to Washington’s backing of the seven-decade-long fraud of a “two-state solution.” It is part of Washington’s comprehensive plan for an escalation of tensions throughout the Middle East in preparation for war with Iran.
Washington’s move triggered sharp denunciations from the European powers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain’s May all criticized Trump. This is not an isolated dispute, but reflects a growing rift between the former Trans-Atlantic allies that has grown rapidly in recent months on a host of issues, including Trump’s plans to scuttle the Iran nuclear deal, his opposition to the Paris climate change…