I’m behind the pack in responding to Ignatieff’s article in the Globe and Mail today, but really, there’s not a whole lot to say. As everyone else has already said, it’s pretty well in line with every other candidate–just two weeks later.
The bigger story, which no one seems to have picked up on (I apologize if anyone has and I missed it) is that Ignatieff appears to have a supporter highly placed within the offices of the Globe and Mail. What else could possibly this front page article by Jane Taber that entirely consists of quotes from Ignatieff’s column reported as news, with no additional significant information? If Ignatieff was staking out new territory with his positions, or at least writing something memorable, perhaps there would have been a purpose for the piece. Instead, it only serves to maximize the amount of space dedicated to him in the paper.
The article may have done him a disservice however, because it grossly mischaracterizes his position:
He [Ignatieff] suggests that if Canada lines up with the Europeans and moderate Arab states in calling for a ceasefire, “Israeli forces would withdraw, aerial bombardment would cease and Hezbollah would stop rocket attacks and incursions into Israeli territory.”
Ignatieff suggests no such thing. He states that:
It [the Canadian government] should call for an immediate ceasefire, authorized by the United Nations Security Council. It should line up with the Europeans and moderate Arab states issuing the same call. Under such a ceasefire deal, Israeli forces would withdraw, aerial bombardment would cease, and Hezbollah would stop rocket attacks and incursions into Israeli territory.
Big difference. As Taber characterizes Ignatieff’s view, if only Canada says the magic words the conflict would suddenly stop and peace could be had. Only an idiot would believe that. If I hadn’t read his actual column I would have been left with the impression that Ignatieff lives in a fool’s paradise.
With friends like these…
Article: Ignatieff criticizes Harper, suggests immediate ceasefire
Article: Canada can help stop this march to the abyss
