David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 49 others Methinks Mr Prime Minister Trudeau The Younger cannot deny that statement # 83 of Federal
Court File No T-1557-15 is ever so more important these days N'esy Pas?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference in Ottawa on
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, flanked by Transport Minister Marc Garneau
(left), Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Gen. Jonathan Vance. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says most of the passengers on
the Ukraine International Airlines flight that crashed in Iran this
morning, killing everyone aboard, were destined for Canada.
"At
least 63 Canadians were on board and a total of 138 passengers on that
flight were connecting to Canada — all people who won't be coming home
to their parents, their friends, colleagues or their family," Trudeau
told a press briefing in Ottawa this afternoon, hours after 176 people
on Flight PS752 from Tehran to Kyiv — including Canadian families,
academics and students — were killed.
"While no words will erase your pain, I want you to know that an entire country is with you. We share your grief."
Trudeau
repeated his promise to make certain the crash — one of the deadliest
disasters involving Canadian citizens in decades — is thoroughly
investigated. He said Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe
Champagne will soon speak with his Iranian counterpart to drive
home that point.
"Canadians have questions and they deserve
answers," he said, flanked by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Transport
Minister Marc Garneau and Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan
Vance.
Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau offers his condolences to everyone affected by
the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 which crashed
shortly after the aircraft took off from the Tehran airport. 3:5
Neither Trudeau nor Garneau would speculate on the cause of the incident.
Trudeau
was asked if he could categorically say that the crash, which happened
just hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases
housing U.S. soldiers, was not shot down.
"I cannot. It is too early to speculate," he said.
At
first, both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a
mechanical issue brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, but the
Ukrainian Embassy in Iran later said any previous comments about the
cause of the crash were not official.
Garneau,
a former astronaut, says satellite data suggest the Boeing 737-800
aircraft took off normally, but officials lost contact with the flight
almost immediately after.
"We lost contact with it, suggesting that something very unusual happened, but we cannot speculate at this point," he said.
"There
are a number of possibilities and we will have to wait to obtain more
information, perhaps from the black boxes or from other intelligence,
but at this point it's too early to speculate."
Canada's
Transportation Safety Board said Iranian officials will lead the
investigation and it will appoint a Canadian expert to receive and
review information from the probe.
"The TSB remains available to
provide any technical assistance requested by Iranian and Ukrainian
accident investigation bodies," says the agency's statement.
Garneau
tweeted this morning that Canada has been in touch with
its international counterparts and is offering to help with the upcoming
investigation.
Transport
Minister Marc Garneau says that Canada has offered to help with the
investigation of the crash that claimed the lives of at least 63
canadian victims. 0:56
Ukraine International Airlines, which has suspended flights to
Tehran indefinitely, issued a statement saying the aircraft was built in
2016 and underwent its last scheduled maintenance Monday.
Situation evolving: foreign minister
Champagne
has called the situation "extremely fluid" and said the number of
Canadians confirmed dead could change as more information becomes
available, including news on dual citizens.
"I
have been in touch with my Ukrainian counterpart and will continue to
speak to all relevant authorities," he said in a media statement.
"We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves."
At
least 27 people from Edmonton are believed to be among the dead. There
are also reports of victims who lived in Nova Scotia, Quebec and
Ontario.
A Ukraine International Airlines worker reacts during a
briefing at Borispil International Airport outside Kyiv on Wednesday. A
Ukrainian airplane carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday shortly
after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, killing all aboard. Ukraine's
foreign minister says 63 Canadians are among the dead. (Efrem Lukatsky/The Associated Press)
"We lost a significant portion of our community, and everybody
in Edmonton that's of Iranian descent will know somebody that was on
that flight," said Payman Parseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian
community in the Alberta provincial capital.
Ukrainian Foreign
Affairs Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Iranian, Ukrainian, Swedish,
Afghan, British and German nationals were also aboard. Read more about the known victims:
Ukraine's
ambassador to Canada, Andriy Shevchenko, said his country is working
with Iranian authorities on the ground to identify the bodies and help
the families.
"My heart is broken," he said. "We will have to go through this terrible pain together with our Canadian brothers and sisters."
The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa is shown with
the Canadian flag at half mast to honour the victims of flight PS752
from Tehran to Kyiv which went down with 176 passengers and crew on
board including 63 Canadians. (Marc Robichaud/CBC)
Trudeau said he spoke with number of leaders, including U.S.
President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime
Minister Boris Johnson, who offered their condolences.
So did domestic party leaders and premiers.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said the victims' families "deserve clear answers."
"But
whatever the cause, this is devastating," he said. "Love to their
families, friends and communities, and to everyone touched by this
tragedy."
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer called it the
crash a "horrific tragedy," while Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry
Bellegarde tweeted a reminder that "life is precious."
"Today is a sad day for our country," said Scheer.
Travel advisory for Canadians
Global
Affairs Canada says friends and relatives of Canadian citizens believed
to be on board can contact Global Affairs' emergency watch and response
centre. Canadian citizens in Iran requiring consular assistance should
contact the Canadian Embassy in Ankara or call Global Affairs Canada's
emergency watch and response centre.
Canada is urging Canadians
to avoid non-essential travel to Iran "due to the volatile security
situation [and] the regional threat of terrorism."
"Canadians,
particularly dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, are at risk of being
arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained," the warning adds.
Debris is seen from an Ukrainian plane which crashed as
authorities work at the scene in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital
Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)
"Iran does not recognize dual nationality and Canada will not
be granted consular access to dual Canadian-Iranian citizens.
Canadian-Iranian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of
travelling to Iran."
The travel advisory does not mention the plane crash.
Planes re-routed over region
Boeing issued a statement on Twitter expressing condolences to the crew, passengers and families affected by the crash.
After
Tuesday's missile attack, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
issued a notice outlining flight restrictions prohibiting U.S. civil
aviation operators from flying in the airspace over Iraq,
Iran and the
waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Transport Canada followed up, tweeting that Air Canada — the
only Canadian air carrier that operates in the region covered by the
U.S. notice — has changed its routes in the region.
A spokesperson for the airline said it's rerouting flights to Dubai and will make further adjustments as needed.
"As
a result of the current uncertain situation in the Middle East, like
many international carriers Air Canada has taken precautionary
measures," reads Air Canada's statement.
"Air Canada has
not used Iranian airspace since mid-last year. These latest adjustments
relate to Iraq airspace, which we will now also avoid."
Edmonton's Payman Parseyan reflects on the 'devastation' after learning people he knew were killed in the Iran plane crash 7:08
Russell
Smith Trudeau
and Canada have no authority in determining what kind of investigation
takes place. He is making promises he can't keep.....again.
Richard Sharp
Reply to @Russell Smith:
BS. Trudeau and his team have handled this as best as can be. Canada
is a respected country with regard to aviation investigations, and has a
good relationship with Ukraine (its airline and plane) and a host of
other countries who have promised to help any way they can. Trudeau
keeps his (campaign) promises, 93% of the time, with explainable
variances. Better then his predecessor by a country mile.
Mark Leinweber
Reply to @Richard Sharp: Ya, the only problem is the crash happened in Iran. So everything else means bumpkiss!
Yesterday within the "Most liked" thread of Mr Speed's you put a nasty twist on my words and posted the following Correct?
"You disbelieve that the PM isn't keeping tab and encouraging de-escalation? How stupid can you get?"
Do you recall my reply?
Darren MacDonald Reply to @Richard Sharp: "Trudeau keeps his (campaign) promises, 93% of the time"
Your beloved Laval folks say 67% promises kept. Why do you misrepresent this?
Is it because Harper was at 78% in the same polimetre?
Richard Sharp Reply to @mark leinweber:
There is no reason to suspect the investigation, except the extreme
prejudice against Iran we see here, which is exactly what the extreme RW
who run the USA wants.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Richard Sharp: Does the cat have your tongue again today?
Michael Trebych Reply
to @Russell Smith: "work closely with its international partners to
ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated." Doesn’t sound like a
promise to me. They are usually prefaced with “I promise”. More fake
outrage generated by politicizing a tragedy. Despicable, but par for
the course with conservatives…
Rob Lehtisaari
Reply to @Russell Smith:
Canadians are dead from this air tragedy, yet some ankle biters want to
engage in partisan personal political attacks...based on their own
personal view of the person & Party they lost the last federal
election too.
Real Sour Grapes make for a Tart Whine for most Canadians palate.
The Menu offered to Canadians from the party who only offers personal attack...again.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Rob Lehtisaari: FYI this was my reply to Sharpy yesterday I presume it should work with you today EH?
"Methinks you and your beloved PM still wish to pretend that you dudes
never read the lawsuit I filed against the Queen when Harper was the the
boss However Harper and MacKay cannot deny that statement # 83 of
Federal Court File No T-1557-15 was a dilly N'esy Pas?
Ron Haverkamp Condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Ron Haverkamp: I concur
Rick Gillis Exactly
how are we going to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated ?
We can't even get wrongly imprisoned Canadians awaiting charges in
front of a judges in that backward cesspool. There have already been
news reports the Black Boxes are in authority's hands in Iran ....and
they are not prepared to allow anyone else access. Mr Prime Minister ,
instead of platitudes, how about telling the truth, you and others will
do their best to find out what happened. But to assure us its going to
be done, when Canada is completely powerless in that country, please
spare me & my fellow Canadians capable of recognizing the male
bovine excrement you are shovelling at us.
Danny
Tanker Reply to @Rick Gillis:
Canada can only go so far. If those who control the black boxes refuse
to play well with others, Canada can't pull an Amerika and invade or
bomb to get them.
We have to do it diplomatically, like adults.
Rick Gillis
Reply to @Danny
Tanker: Sir, there is no Canadian Government office in Iran. period full
stop. The reason for this is widely available on the internet,
Jonathan Moddle Reply to @Rick Gillis: "The reason for this is widely available on the internet,"
Ya, Harper removed our presence there.
Jonathan Moddle
Reply to @Rick
Gillis: what drivel. What do you expect him say? That we'll rain fire
and fury on them before we even know what happened? Give us a break...
Rick Gillis Reply
to @Jonathan Moddle: how about the truth ! You know , something along
the line " that with no diplomatic presence in the country, we will
patiently await whatever tidbits Tehran wishes to impart to us." ALonfg
with the news that Iran has already said they were not allowing access
to the black box info. The nation that has the airline company which
owns the aircraft will keep us updated" ...You know something true. I
know Governments are for whatever reason terrified of just the 'KISS'
method. There is no reason to be putting out garbage platitudes instead
of truth in this situation
David Raymond Amos Reply to @Rick Gillis: I Wholeheartedly Agree Sir
Canada pauses military operations in Iraq amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions
'All necessary force protection measures … have been taken,' top commander says
Murray Brewster · CBC News · Posted: Jan 07, 2020 12:34 PM ET
Canada's top military commander Jonathan Vance says troops will formally
suspend operations in Iraq amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions.
Canada's top military commander has formally hit the pause
button on operations in Iraq as fallout from the U.S. targeted killing
of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad continues.
The chief
of the defence staff, Gen. Jonathan Vance, released a letter on Twitter
Tuesday that says Canadian operations in both the NATO training mission
and the U.S.-led coalition hunting the remnants of the Islamic State,
known as Operation Impact, have been suspended.
The letter was addressed to family members of those serving overseas.
Vance said all necessary measures to protect forces have been taken and security for the troops is constantly being evaluated.
"The
situation in Iraq is complex and it is best to pause our work there in
order to fully concentrate our attention and efforts towards the safety
and security of our personnel while the situation develops," Vance
wrote. "Simply put, we're doing this to ensure their safety and
security."
The U.S., similarly, said a few days ago that it was also
pausing anti-ISIS operations in order to concentrate on defending bases
and American facilities.
Speaking Monday on CBC News Network's Power & Politics, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some non-essential personnel had been moved out of Iraq.
Vance's
letter confirmed the move and said they will be relocated to Kuwait and
also indicated that the leave plans of some personnel may be
interrupted.
Canada has about 500 troops in Iraq performing the two separate missions.
The
Iraqi parliament voted last weekend on a non-binding resolution calling
on the government to expel all foreign troops from the country after
the killing Soleimani and several others in a U.S. drone strike last
weekend. It still has to be signed by the caretaker-prime minister, Adel
Abdul-Mahdi, but there are questions about whether he has the legal
authority to do so.
On Monday, Abdul-Mahdi called for U.S.
co-operation to prevent war with Iran and to work the interim government
to bring about the exit of American troops from his country.
U.S.
Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters in Washington that the U.S.
is not seeking war, but he conceded he expects Iran to retaliate. He
called on Tehran to "de-escalate" and warned that the Americans would
defend not only their interests, but also their allies in the region.
U.S
Defense Secretary Mark Esper says that the United States is not seeking
war with Iran, but will defend their allies and partners should they
face retaliation from Iran. 0:49
Canada's former military representative at NATO, retired
vice-admiral Bob Davidson, said the Iranians may have political reasons
to avoid targeting the Canadian-led alliance training mission in
Baghdad.
That mission involves a number of European
troops, whose countries still back a nuclear deal, which U.S. President
Donald Trump walked away from last year. The agreement, which was made
under former president Barack Obama, tried to limit Iran's nuclear
program. But with Washington out, Tehran has been walking back its
commitment.
European countries are mulling whether to reimpose sanctions or opt for the agreement's dispute resolution mechanism.
'Rather foolish'
The Iranians may not be eager to anger those countries, such as Germany, with a direct attack on NATO forces, Davidson said.
"If
you think about the efforts of France and the effort which has been
applied to finding solutions, I think for the Iranians, slamming that
door by attacking NATO forces is rather foolish," he said.
"The
real challenge is whether NATO forces are in close proximity to U.S.
forces. And are the actors on the ground sufficiently sophisticated
enough to know the difference between the targets?"
Iran's use of proxy forces, such as Iraqi militias and Hezbollah in Lebanon, also introduce a degree of uncertainty.
"There are a lot of wild cards that could come out as well, so you cannot discount the threat," he said.
Trudeau talks with foreign leaders
Since
returning to Ottawa over the weekend, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has
worked the phones with other world leaders, including one call on
Monday with Charles Michel, president of the European Council.
The
two leaders "expressed their shared support for preservation of the
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," the nuclear deal with
Iran.
It is a signal that Canada is sticking close with its European allies.
Trudeau also spoke on Tuesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Jordan'sKing Abdullah II.
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan on the fallout from the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. 9:49
Murray
Brewster is senior defence writer for CBC News, based in Ottawa. He has
covered the Canadian military and foreign policy from Parliament Hill
for over a decade. Among other assignments, he spent a total of 15
months on the ground covering the Afghan war for The Canadian Press.
Prior to that, he covered defence issues and politics for CP in Nova
Scotia for 11 years and was bureau chief for Standard Broadcast News in
Ottawa.
Jed Eckert In
my humble opinion, this is a good call by Canada. There should be
enough local soldiers who can now train their fellow citizens. Canada
should withdraw our soldiers sooner rather than later.
Vern Jules Reply to @Jed Eckert:
But think about the Kurds....
Charles Mitz
Reply to @Vern Jules:
we stopped supporting the Kurds in Iraq when they turned away from
fighting daesh and started attacking Iraqi soldiers
Darnell Rockmart
Reply to @Vern Jules: Won't someone think about the KURDS!!!!!
Aaron Morris
Reply to @Jed Eckert:
What evidence do you have that there are now enough soldiers trained? Have you shared that information with General Vance?
Jed Eckert
Reply to @Aaron Morris:
I admit, I'm making an assumption. It's based on the time boots have been on the ground.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Aaron
Morris: Trust that I sent a copy of my lawsuit against the Crown with
General Vance as soon as I filed it in 2015.
Alexander Graham Reply
to @Jed Eckert: when the going gets tough pull out. That's a good idea
to you ha . That's the worst idea . We have lost lives helping these
people and now in thier time of need pulling out is irresponsible.
Restoration of the Euphrates River Valley and delta will take sacrifice s
and it's worth it to possibly restore Eden to the original place of
Eden which has been let go to desert by a war mongering religion with a
false prophet.
Byron Melchford
Reply to @Alexander Graham: Holy loaded-with-baggage viewpoints, Batman!
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Alexander Graham: Methinks you and the Yankees should consider this strike one N'esy Pas?
Iran missile strikes: Canadians safe, no known U.S. casualties
U.S. President Donald Trump tweets 'All is well!'
The Associated Press · Posted: Jan 07, 2020 6:41 PM ET
Ken Likness
Reply to @Jed Eckert: Did the Iranians get an erroneous message that Trump was visiting the troops there?
Don Cheer
Reply to @Ken Likness:
Trump is too cowardly to go there.
It was a measured response to see what Trump will respond with.
My bet is Trump won't respond other than twitter rhetoric
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Alexander Graham: Methinks many would agree that there are no coincidences N'esy Pas?
Trudeau says plane crash in Iran that killed 63 Canadians will be 'thoroughly investigated'
PM offers 'deepest condolences' to the 176 crash victims
Catharine Tunney · CBC News · Posted: Jan 08, 2020 7:40 AM ET |
Kath Ayres Imagine if Twitter went down. it would sure leave Trump in a bind. No more snap decisions that leave the world more unstable.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Kath Ayres: Methinks our Generals obviously rely on Twitter as well N'esy Pas?
Andrew Wisdom Hey
Jonathan! What's Canada doing in Iraq? What are the two missions
we're performing? Will you respect the democratic government of Iraq
that we helped set up that want us to leave now? Canadians have died
and will continue to die needlessly as long as we go along with
America's war agenda and their puppet organizations such as NATO
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Andrew Wisdom: Good questions Good luck getting answers
Border officers rally for 'respect' as contract negotiations go into second year
Union members want to be able to retire after 25 years of service with no penalty
Hadeel Ibrahim · CBC News · Posted: Jan 07, 2020 3:52 PM AT |
Joey Dunphy, the third national vice-president for the customs and
immigration union and a bargaining team member, said the team has been
negotiating with Treasury Board for almost two years. (Hadeel Ibrahim/CBC)
Border Service officers rallied in support of their contract
negotiations in Saint John on Tuesday, demanding respect and a better
work-life balance.
Border services officers and members of the
Customs and Immigration Union of the Public Service Alliance of Canada
stood outside the government office building on Canterbury Street. They
waved flags and chanted "respect," demanding a better relationship
between managers and workers.
Joey Dunphy, the third national
vice-president of the customs union and a bargaining team member, said
the team has been negotiating with Treasury Board for almost two years,
and they've heard a lot of negative feedback.
"Everything we bring forward is a big no," he said.
He
said the team is fighting for a streamlined grievance process, as well
as a "25 and out" pension reform, where employees would have the option
to retire after 25 years of service without penalty.
The union representing border services is asking that officers to be able to retire after 25 years of service. (Hadeel Ibrahim/CBC)
Dunphy said this pension option is available for the RCMP, and
saying no to that demand means the federal government doesn't respect
border officers as much as other law enforcement.
"We're the second biggest armed force in Canada. We're asking to be treated as such," he said.
"Our
personnel have to go to training every year with their sidearm and when
you get up there in age sometimes you can get injured. This is an
option for a member to retire."
Dunphy said if they continue to
disagree on contract conditions, they could potentially ask for a strike
vote as early as this summer. Seventy-five per cent of border officers
are considered "essential," and can't walk off the job, but Dunphy said
there are ways they can put pressure on the government.
"We would never put the safety of Canadians at risk," he said.
Around 18 border services officers and members of the
Customs and Immigration Union of the Public Service Alliance of Canada
stood outside a federal government office building on Canterbury Street
in uptown Saint John. (Hadeel Ibrahim/CBC)
"We want this contract to settle as quickly as possible."
Dunphy
said the union is headed back to the negotiating table in two weeks. He
said they chose to have this demonstration in Saint John because the
city has the most border services employees in the province.
Dunphy said the union represents 325 agents in the province, and 11,000 across Canada.
According
to the federal government website, a Canada Border Services trainee
makes $64,234 to $71,525 a year. After training is completed, the
annual salary increases to $69,486 to $82,411.
MP on side
Before
heading out to the demonstration, the team first met with Saint
John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long, who said he'd convey their concerns
to Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos.
"Certainly I had
my eyes open today with respect to the challenges they face, how they
really aren't at the same level of respect with respect to law
enforcement officers," Long said.
Saint John is a port city with a large number of border officers, he said.
"Every
day these officers are faced with people trying to smuggle guns,
smuggle drugs, illegal aliens what have you … you take it for granted.
They're more than, you know, border clerks," he said.
In
response to questions, Treasury Board spokesperson Bianca Healy sent a
statement saying the government "remains committed to bargaining in good
faith and to reaching agreements that are both fair to employees and
reasonable for Canadian taxpayers."
She said this was demonstrated by the recent agreements signed with 34 bargaining units.
David Raymond Amos Methinks every Minister of Public Safety since 2004 must know what a joke this is to me N'esy Pas?
Joe Campbell
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: So what is the joke?
David Raymond Amos@DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos@Kathryn98967631 and 49 others Methinks folks concerned about the Afghanistan papers and NATO etc
should Google my name and Federal Court File No T-1557-15 then scroll
down to Statement # 83 ASAP N'esy Pas?
Trump already told us he sees war with Iran as a distraction from a faltering presidency: Keith Boag
Before drone strike, forcing a stricter nuclear deal was U.S. president's goal for Iran
Keith Boag · CBC · Posted: Jan 06, 2020 4:00 AM ET
In media appearances prior to the 2012 U.S. presidential election,
Donald Trump speculated that Barack Obama would start 'some kind of a
war-skirmish or conflict with Iran' in order to win re-election. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Take note of some of the things we can be sure were
sloshing around in U.S. President Donald Trump's head last week while he
was also making his momentous decisions about Iran: his impeachment,
his Senate trial, the November election.
If you think it's possible none of that was on his mind, check his Twitter account. It's all there. He's an open book.
Trump
admitted years ago that he saw war with Iran as a clever ploy to
distract attention from a faltering presidency in an election year. At
the time he was speculating that's what Barack Obama would have to do to
win in 2012. His analysis is preserved for us on video
Trump
was, of course, wrong. Obama won re-election handily without making war
on Iran. Now it's Trump's turn: his re-election prospects are
uncertain; Iran is in the crosshairs. Is he, as he's boasted before, "cocked and loaded"?
Of
course, we can't ever be sure about his motives or anyone else's. We
will likely never know everything that led the president to decide to
escalate the Iran situation. But as the world waits nervously to see
whether the U.S. stumbles into another Middle East war, it's possible to
understand how we got to this point even if we aren't exactly sure why
we're here now.
The Iran strategy until now
The Trump administration's Iran strategy was straightforward — ignore the advice of most of America's allies and unilaterally:
Break
the 2015 nuclear deal agreed between Iran and the leaders of the
world's great powers, most notably Obama (even though Iran has been in
compliance with the deal's terms);
Apply "maximum pressure" on Iran, mainly by restoring the economic sanctions that had been lifted under the Iran deal, so as to;
Force the Iranian regime into a corner of "increasingly difficult choices" and thereby;
Compel the regime to return to the negotiating table and accept a new and stricter nuclear agreement dictated by Trump.
Occasionally,
Trump has behaved as though provoking the overthrow of the Iranian
regime was his real intent. But officially, the goal remained to get a
deal curbing Iran's nuclear program that Trump could tout as a better
deal than the one Obama got.
U.S. troops wait before they head out for a deployment to
the Middle East on Saturday, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Soldiers
from the Immediate Response Force of the 82nd are part of the
approximately 3,000 troops being deployed as tensions increase with Iran
in the region after a U.S. airstrike killed Soleimani. (Andrew Craft/Getty Images)
So far, it has not worked. Rather than capitulate to the Trump
strategy, Iran applied its own form of "maximum pressure," including
repeatedly attacking oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and shooting down a U.S. drone.
Soon
after that drone went down last June, Trump ordered a retaliatory
airstrike. Then, 10 minutes before launch, he abruptly cancelled it. He
said he'd just found out the strike could kill as many as 150 people. He
wasn't soft-hearted; he just felt the response was disproportionate to
the offence. Or so he said
A dark corner for Trump
But
to Iranian leaders it might have looked as though Trump had simply lost
his nerve. Maybe they felt emboldened. In any event, they continued
with provocations leading up to the events in Iraq that roused Trump to
respond last week with the order to kill Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani — a
move many analysts have criticized as massively disproportionate.
For decades, Soleimani had been Iran's pre-eminent mastermind behind plots
that killed enemy combatants and innocents alike. His exalted stature
in the Iranian regime means that the avenging of his death could result
in a lot of spilled blood — maybe American blood. How Trump will react
to that raises the possibility that the president has now recklessly
backed himself into a dark corner of "increasingly difficult choices."
It
was a given that after Trump had him blown up, even Trump's harshest
critics would grant that the Iranian general had it coming. But the
issue is not whether the strike was warranted, but whether it was wise.
Was there suddenly a compelling new reason to take out Soleimani that
hadn't already existed for years, decades even? After all, both Obama
and President George W. Bush reportedly passed up opportunities to kill
Soleimani, believing it could provoke a destabilizing reaction that the
U.S. would not be able to control. What changed?
Gen.
Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds military force, was killed
early last Friday morning, along with officials with Iran-backed
militias, in a drone strike on their two-car convoy that was leaving
Baghdad International Airport. Trump said the general 'was plotting
imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military
personnel.' (Mehdi Ghasemi/ISNA/AFP/Getty Images)
Initially
last week there were a few sensational reports that Soleimani was
planning an imminent coup against Iraq. Something like that could
explain the U.S. response.
But then the Trump administration
made unspecified claims that Soleimani was making plans for imminent
attacks on Americans. In that case, why take out the planner and not
deal with the attackers?
The overriding message from Trump and
his team was that Soleimani was a bad guy and the world's now better
off. Virtually everything else they brushed off with some version of
"trust us, we know what we're doing" reassurance.
But
it's important to note not even Iraq is buying that message. Yesterday
the Iraqi parliament voted to expel all foreign troops from its soil at
some unspecified time. A clear rejection of Trump's tactics at a
critical time, and a decision that would be welcomed in Tehran.
And that gets to the heart of the problem.
On
the first full day of Trump's presidency, when Sean Spicer used his
television debut as press secretary to lie about the size of Trump's
inauguration crowd, wiser heads warned of a day when the handling of
something important like national security — or even war — might depend
on the trust and credibility of the president and his team.
If things head sideways with Iran, as it appears they might, and there's American blood involved, that time will have come.
One
of the CBC's premier political reporters, Keith Boag is currently based
in Washington, D.C., following stints in Los Angeles and on Parliament
Hill in Ottawa.
7659 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
John Sollows The sweetest revenge for Iran would be a much better-educated American public.
Rob Bondar Reply to @John Sollows:
Im hoping that the lies of 2003 and the Afghanistan papers have had an effect making them more critical. We'll see...
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @John Sollows: YUP
David
Raymond Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Rob Bondar:
Methinks folks concerned about the Afghanistan papers and NATO etc
should Google my name and Federal Court File NO T-1557-15 then scroll
down to Statement # 83 ASAP N'esy Pas?
Alvin Merlot "Stumbling into a war......"
That is what Americans get when they elect Republican governments,
except there is nothing "stumbling" about it. Republicans are very
deliberate in getting the USA into war after war.
Rob Bondar Reply
to @Alvin Merlot: True but the train kept rolling under Obama too with
Libya and Operation Sycamore. The Dem establishment also removed
ammendments from the defense bill that would've prevented Trumps
escalation against Iran. Both parties are war parties.
Douglas Holden Reply to @Rob Bondar:
In what way does that explanation of recent history justify the current actions of the US administration?
Rob Bondar Reply to @Douglas Holden:
In what way does my comment indicate an attempt at justification? I was
pointing out that both sides of the left/right political paradigm
embraces war
Douglas Holden
Reply to @Rob Bondar:
It’s usually best to respond to the first line of inquiry before opening
a second. Typically, doing otherwise is thinly-veiled attempt at
confusing people, and I’m sure none of us want that.
Gina Davis
Reply to @Alvin Merlot: Its not a partisan issue. Its a US issue of constant conflict and war.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Gina Davis: I agree
John Sollows Canada
needs to distance itself from the lunatorcracy to our south. Hope we
are having some long talks with various folks across the pond.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @John Sollows: Methinks many agree that we should have pulled out of NATO before the first Gulf War N'esy Pas?
Gina Davis
Reply to @David
Raymond Amos: And its obvious with todays statement from NATO they are
playing both sides. they are not innocent in the ME.
They need to go.
Tom Jones Reply to @John Sollows:
NATO is pausing its mission in Iraq due to the ongoing events. US forces
are pausing their anti-ISIS activities for the same reason. We need to
pull our 500+ men and women right out of the area while we safely can.
NATO Article 5 is not about being drawn into a war that a members is
frantically trying to start.
Gina Davis Reply to @John Sollows: Russia denounces the US for what they have done.
Trudeau and Freeland wont.
So who is Trumps buddy now.
Len Evans
Reply to @Gina Davis:
NATO needs to go? Sorry, but you couldn't be more wrong in my opinion.
We need all the moderating voices and allies we can find. Saying
anything different is to ignore our current realty.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Gina Davis: "So who is Trumps buddy now"
Go Figure
U.S. denies it plans to withdraw from Iraq as NATO stands firm on training mission
U.S. officials downplay leaked letter from general that cast doubt on future of mission supported by Canada
Murray Brewster · CBC News · Posted: Jan 06, 2020 1:23 PM ET
U.S. denies it plans to withdraw from Iraq as NATO stands firm on training mission
U.S. officials downplay leaked letter from general that cast doubt on future of mission supported by Canada
Murray Brewster · CBC News · Posted: Jan 06, 2020 1:23 PM ET
A Canadian special forces soldier, right, speaks with Peshmerga fighters
at an observation post Monday, February 20, 2017 in northern Iraq. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)
The future of Canada's military mission in the Middle East was
thrown into confusion Monday as a leaked letter — later dismissed by the
head of the U.S. military as merely a draft — suggested the U.S. was
prepared to withdraw its troops from Iraq and move them elsewhere.
Media
reports about the letter from a senior Marine Corps brigadier general,
led by the Reuters news agency, said the pullout would happen over the
next few days "in deference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq" —
and comes in response to the Iraqi parliament passing a resolution over
the weekend calling for the departure of all foreign forces.
But
according to Reuters, U.S. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, later told a group of reporters that the letter
was a draft meant only to inform the Iraqi government of increased U.S.
troop movement and there was no withdrawal being planned.
"Poorly worded, implies withdrawal. That's not what's happening," Milley said.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, listens as Secretary
of Defense Mark Esper delivers a statement on Iraq and Syria Dec. 29,
2019. (Evan Vucci/The Associated Press)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper also insisted that the
U.S. has no plans to pull out of Iraq. "There's been no decision
whatsoever to leave Iraq," Esper told Pentagon reporters on Monday,
adding there also have been no plans issued to prepare to leave.
Canada
has a contingent of elite special forces soldiers, intelligence
officers and helicopters in Iraq supporting the U.S.-led coalition
mission to hunt down the remnants of the Islamic State. They're located
in the northern Kurdish city of Erbil — and presumably would be covered
by any order to withdraw.
A spokesman for Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was unable to say how a U.S. withdrawal might affect the Canadian mission.
The
notion of an American withdrawal appeared at odds with the hopeful
noises NATO's secretary general was making about the future of the
alliance's separate military training mission in Baghdad.
In
Brussels on Monday, Jens Stoltenberg suggested the mission was going to
remain in place and hopefully resume operations as soon as possible.
The
work of the mission's roughly 500 multinational soldiers, who are
training Iraqi Army trainers in various military skills, was halted
following the drone strike ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump that
killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday.
Iraq's
parliament voted over the weekend in favour of a non-binding resolution
calling on the government to expel foreign troops from the country.
Stoltenberg said that while the safety of the alliance's troops is paramount, they're ready to get back to work.
"We
have suspended our training mission now because of the security
situation on the ground, but we are ready to restart the training when
the situation on the ground makes that possible," Stoltenberg said at
NATO headquarters following a briefing for the military alliance's
ambassadors. "We are in close contact with the Iraqi authorities, with
[the] Iraqi government."
U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens
Stoltenberg wait to take their seats prior to a NATO leaders meeting at
The Grove hotel and resort in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, Dec. 4,
2019. (Frank Augstein/The Associated Press)
His comments suggest there's some hope
still that the training mission — which is separate from the U.S.-led
coalition that has been hunting the remnants of the Islamic State in the
region — will be permitted to continue because of the value the Iraqi
government has placed on it in the past.
"The Iraqi prime
minister stressed the importance of NATO support, coalition support to
the Iraqi security forces," Stoltenberg said, referring to a recent
meeting with the Iraqi leadership prior to Soleimani's death.
"It's
important for Iraq, but it is also important for us, because when we
train them, help them in fighting ISIS and international terrorism,
we're making our own countries safe and secure."
Stoltenberg said he expects "to have close dialogue with the Iraqi government" over the coming days.
Canada
has about 500 troops in Iraq. About half of them provide support to the
NATO training mission, while other half — mostly based in Erbil — are
involved in the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition.
Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau tweeted that he met with both Sajjan and Chief of the
Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance Monday morning, but did not address
the future of the Canadian missions.
"The safety of Canadians in
the region is our top priority," Trudeau said. "We will continue to
monitor the situation closely and encourage de-escalation."
A 'de-escalation of tensions'
Foreign
Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne spoke Monday with his
Iraqi counterpart, Mohammed Ali al-Hakim, according to a statement from
Global Affairs Canada.
"The minister reiterated Canada's ongoing
commitment to a stable and united Iraq and to ensuring the enduring
defeat of Daesh," said the statement, using a common Arabic word for
ISIS. "The two ministers agreed that a de-escalation in tensions is
necessary as peace and stability are key to pursuing the political and
economic reforms underway in Iraq."
The message of de-escalation
was echoed by Stoltenberg, who said American military and diplomatic
officials contacted other NATO members to explain the rationale for
killing Soleimani.
He
ducked questions about whether the alliance supports the U.S. action
and pointed out how Iran has long played a spoiler role in the Middle
East.
"What was clearly expressed at the meeting today was a
call for restraint and de-escalation," he said. "All allies have several
times expressed their concerns about Iran's destabilizing activities in
the regions, including Iran's support for different terrorist groups.
"And
of course, all allies agree that Iran should never be able to develop
nuclear weapons and we have also expressed again and again our concerns
about Iran's missile programme, missiles which are able to reach also
many European allied countries."
Murray
Brewster is senior defence writer for CBC News, based in Ottawa. He has
covered the Canadian military and foreign policy from Parliament Hill
for over a decade. Among other assignments, he spent a total of 15
months on the ground covering the Afghan war for The Canadian Press.
Prior to that, he covered defence issues and politics for CP in Nova
Scotia for 11 years and was bureau chief for Standard Broadcast News in
Ottawa.
Content disabled Reply
to @Joe Speed: "The safety of Canadians in the region is our top
priority," Trudeau said. "We will continue to monitor the situation
closely and encourage de-escalation."
Yea Right
Gina Davis Reply to @David Raymond Amos: Trudeau needs to stand up and condemn trump for what he has done and do what iraq is asking.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Gina Davis: YUP
Richard Sharp Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
You disbelieve that the PM isn't keeping tab and encouraging de-escalation? How stupid can you get?
David Raymond Amos Reply to @Richard Sharp: "How stupid can you get?"
Methinks you and your beloved PM still wish to pretend that you dudes
never read the lawsuit I filed against the Queen when Harper was the the
boss However Harper and MacKay cannot deny that statement # 83 of
Federal Court File No T-1557-15 was a dilly N'esy Pas?
Al Johnson If the Iraqi government wants us out we should leave. After all, it is their nation.
Gina Davis Reply to @Mark O'Brien: Those damn Iraqis stealing American oil in iraq.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Al Johnson: YUP
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Gina Davis: Remember when we traded food for oil?
David Raymond Amos Reply
to @Rob Bondar: "Im hoping that the lies of 2003 and the Afghanistan
papers have had an effect making them more critical. We'll see... "
Methinks folks concerned about the Afghanistan papers and NATO etc
should Google my name and Federal Court File NO T-1557-15 then scroll
down to Statement # 83 ASAP N'esy Pas?
Brian Cohen
Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
"N'esy pas" is gibberish in both official languages
Malcolm Scott This is all predicated on Trumps massive inferiority complex regarding Barack Obama.
Donald has every reason in the world to feel inferior to Obama.....
David Raymond Amos Reply to @Malcolm Scott: NOPE
Gina Davis
Reply to @Malcolm Scott: It is true Obama and Trump did the same things.
Relating to this though it was Obama that was a part of the JCPOA. It
was Trump that pulled out of it. I think it was the best thing Obama
ever did. The worst is what he did to Libya and Syria. If partisan
people are looking for innocence they wont find it with either of them.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Gina Davis: YUP
Richard Sharp
Reply to @Gina Davis:
Canada did it to Libya too. It was our armed forces that took part in
disabling Gadhafi's LAND convoy and advising the rebels where to find
(and kill) him, in direct contravention of our mandate, which was to
maintain a no fly zone/
Gina Davis
Reply to @Richard Sharp: we led the bombing campaign I know.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Richard Sharp: Shame on you for bragging about it
David Raymond Amos Reply to @Malcolm Scott: Methinks the Yankees should consider this strike one N'esy Pas?
Iran missile strikes: Canadians safe, no known U.S. casualties
U.S. President Donald Trump tweets 'All is well!'
The Associated Press · Posted: Jan 07, 2020 6:41 PM ET
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Malcolm Scott: Methinks many would agree that there are no coincidences N'esy Pas?
Trudeau says plane crash in Iran that killed 63 Canadians will be 'thoroughly investigated'
PM offers 'deepest condolences' to the 176 crash victims
Catharine Tunney · CBC News · Posted: Jan 08, 2020 7:40 AM ET |
Methinks
folks are ignoring the obvious The USA is not at war with Iran yet
N'esy Pas?
Imagine if something like this happened on the soil of Russia or any
country within NATO against one of their generals What would happen
next?
#nbpoli#cdnpoli
U.S. military killed top Iranian general on Trump's order, Pentagon says | CBC News
The
U.S. Pentagon has confirmed the U.S. military killed Gen. Qassem
Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds Force and architect of its regional
security apparatus, at Baghdad's international airport...
U.S. military killed top Iranian general on Trump's order, Pentagon says
Gen. Qassem Soleimani, killed at Baghdad airport, was head of Iran's elite Quds Force
The Associated Press · Posted: Jan 02, 2020 6:40 PM ET
Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, seen here in September 2006, has been
killed in a rocket strike in Baghdad, the U.S. Pentagon confirmed
Thursday. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via The Associated Press)
The United States killed Iran's top general and the architect
of Tehran's proxy wars in the Middle East in an airstrike at Baghdad's
international airport Friday, an attack that threatens to dramatically
ratchet up tensions in the region.
The targeted killing of Gen.
Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, could draw
forceful Iranian retaliation against American interests in the region
and spiral into a far larger conflict between the U.S. and Iran,
endangering U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and beyond.
The U.S.
Defence Department said in a statement that it killed Soleimani because
he "was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and
service members in Iraq and throughout the region." It also accused
Soleimani of approving the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
earlier this week.
An adviser to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani quickly warned U.S. President Donald Trump of retaliation from Tehran.
"Trump
through his gamble has dragged the U.S. into the most dangerous
situation in the region," Hessameddin Ashena wrote on the social media
app Telegram. "Whoever put his foot beyond the red line should be ready
to face its consequences."
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that a "harsh retaliation is waiting" for the U.S.
Iranian
state TV carried a statement by Khamenei also calling Soleimani "the
international face of resistance." Khamenei also declared three days of
public mourning for the general's death.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that "harsh retaliation" awaits the U.S. (Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters)
Trump was vacationing on his estate in Palm Beach, Florida,
but tweeted an American flag shortly after Suleimani's death was
confirmed.
The US' act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation.
The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.
The strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander
of Iran-backed militias in Iraq known as the Popular Mobilization
Forces, or PMF, the officials said. The PMF media arm said the two were
killed in an American airstrike that targeted their vehicle on the road
to the airport.
Citing a Revolutionary Guard statement, Iranian
state television said Soleimani was "martyred" in an attack by U.S.
helicopters near the airport, without elaborating.
The dramatic
attack comes at the start of a year in which Trump faces both a Senate
trial following his impeachment by the U.S. House and a re-election
campaign. It marks a potential turning point in the Middle East and
represents a drastic change for American policy toward Iran after months
of tensions.
U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Nancy Pelosi, was critical of the attack in a statement, saying it was
done without an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against
Iran and without the consultation of the Congress.
"The full
Congress must be immediately briefed on this serious situation and on
the next steps under consideration by the Administration," she wrote,
"including the significant escalation of the deployment of additional
troops to the region."
The tensions are rooted in Trump's
decision in May 2018 to withdraw the U.S. from Iran's nuclear deal with
world powers, struck under his predecessor.
A senior Iraqi
politician and a high-level security official confirmed to The
Associated Press that Soleimani and al-Muhandis were among those killed
in the attack. Two militia leaders loyal to Iran also confirmed the
deaths, including an official with the Kataeb Hezbollah, which was
involved in the attack on the U.S. Embassy this week.
A photo released by the Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office
shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following
the airstrike in Baghdad. (Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office via The Associated Press)
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said
al-Muhandis had arrived to the airport in a convoy to receive Soleimani
whose plane had arrived from either Lebanon or Syria. The airstrike
occurred as soon as he descended from the plane to be greeted by
al-Muhandis and his companions, killing them all.
The officials
spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the
subject and because they were not authorized to give official
statements.
The senior politician said Soleimani's body was identified by the ring he wore.
Rumoured dead before
Soleimani,
who has led the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guards and has had a
key role in fighting in Syria and Iraq, acquired celebrity status at
home and abroad.
He was instrumental in the spread of Iranian
influence in the Middle East, which the United States and Tehran's
regional foes Saudi Arabia and Israel have struggled to keep in check.
He
has been rumoured dead several times, including in a 2006 airplane
crash that killed other military officials in northwestern Iran and
following a 2012 bombing in Damascus that killed top aides of embattled
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. More recently, rumours circulated in
November 2015 that Soleimani was killed or seriously wounded leading
forces loyal to Assad as they fought around Syria's Aleppo.
Supporters
of Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary groups stormed the U.S. Embassy in
Baghdad on Tuesday following U.S. air raids Sunday against Kataib
Hezbollah militia bases in retaliation for missile attacks that killed a
U.S. contractor in northern Iraq last week.
The two-day embassy attack which ended Wednesday prompted Trump to order about 750 U.S. soldiers deployed to the Middle East.
Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a commander in the Popular
Mobilization Forces, on Dec. 31, 2019. Muhandis was also killed in the
airstrike. (Thaier al-Sudani/Reuters)
It also prompted U.S. Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo to postpone his trip to Ukraine and four other
countries "to continue monitoring the ongoing situation in Iraq and
ensure the safety and security of Americans in the Middle East," State
Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Wednesday.
The breach
at the embassy followed U.S. airstrikes on Sunday that killed 25
fighters of the Iran-backed militia in Iraq, the Kataeb Hezbollah. The
U.S. military said the strikes were in retaliation for last week's
killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi
military base that the U.S. blamed on the militia.
U.S. officials have suggested they were prepared to engage in further retaliatory attacks in Iraq.
"The
game has changed," Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday, telling
reporters that violent acts by Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq —
including the rocket attack on Dec. 27 that killed one American — will
be met with U.S. military force.
He
said the Iraqi government has fallen short of its obligation to defend
its American partner in the attack on the U.S. embassy.
The
developments also represent a major downturn in Iraq-U.S. relations that
could further undermine U.S. influence in the region and American
troops in Iraq and weaken Washington's hand in its pressure campaign
against Iran.
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