Russian Politics: Would you like one sentence or two?

Crime as a deterrent for justice: it seems an interesting if not farcical statement, especially given our affection for prosecuting those who dabble in criminal activity. Were you to rob a bank today and be caught, chances are you would face some measure of justice in the courts. The very idea that you could rob a bank in plain sight of police, the crown attorney and a judge as a means of furthering your own interests/power while making obsolete and impotent your opposition is the stuff that Machiavellian rappers and wannabe gang-bangers dream of. Still even the dullest and daftest of those kinds of dreamers would eventually realize that you simply can’t walk away from justice, unless of course you’re talking about Russian politics.

A few days ago, the Russian courts handed down a guilty verdict for the men who were already serving prison sentences for the related crime. Confusing? Let me break it down then: In 2005 oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his business partner Platon Lebedev, were found guilty of fraud and tax evasion. No real surprise that fraud and tax evasion occurred (or still does) within the upper echelons of Russian society, the real interesting point is the timing of the previous trial. Khodorkovsky was a political opponent to Putin and directly financed and supported opposition to his government. It sounds unfathomable, but for an individual – and one would suspect an upper class/government/society – with a “Motherland complex” it is brushed off as defending the interests of Russia against those who would weaken it.

Sure, in all likelihood the two men in question likely did commit some measure of white-collar crime, but here they are effectively being found guilty in a second trial simply because their first sentence was due to expire. Oh and interestingly enough, they’re accused by the prosecution of stealing what adds up to ALL of the oil produced by their company Yukos. They have had many in government and the private sector state in their defence that there is no way they could have stolen some $27-30 billion worth of oil, and even logic seems to be a sound member of their defence team in this matter.

Enter the wild wild West, who have accused the Russian government and judiciary of once again purging the good natured will of democracy for the sake of power and tyrannical rule. It’s not the first time that dissidents have been silenced mind you as those who oppose Russia, or specific individuals to be sure (including those who pen words against their elite), tend to find themselves in a paranoid exile or as an assassination headline. Charming. But nonetheless Secretary of State Clinton said the ruling would hurt Russia’s reputation (which was apparently more Winnie the Pooh than Russian Grizzly), and the German foreign minister said it was a step back from democracy, while others said it was a selective application of justice.     

From a political perspective, the very fact that Russia is acknowledging Western concern over the trial by saying the West is “meddling” lends a lot more credibility to the idea of it being a rigged verdict rather than saying something like “the Russian legal system is separate State actor that has no direction from any special interests or government, and only deals with the merits and arguments surrounding each individual case.” Really, does that sound so difficult? Well to a degree it is, since the implication surrounding the idea of an individual being charged a second time for a crime for which his current sentence is due to expire seems incredibly crooked. But attacking the credibility of your opponent is no way to make friends, while at the same time it exposes you to the same kind of critique.

With this in mind countries like Canada, the United States and Great Britain should be ever mindful of their own shortcomings – both domestic and global – and work towards eliminating or at the very least minimize them before they take pot-shots at other nation’s behaviours. For Canada this can range anywhere from our continued ignorance of aboriginal issues, to the case of Omar Khadr, to our policy of blanket support for Israel. The United States is a bit of an easy target with the war in Iraq, its hot and cold stances towards human rights centered on what one presumes to be either a magic 8 ball or their own interests, or their constant finger pointing towards other governments, as well as their mistress in the form of Israel, not to mention their incredibly selective application of the principles of democracy as they continue to support oppressive governments who stunt democratic institutions. Britain has an issue similar to the latter of the US, as well as their role in invading Iraq, bowing to pressures from Libya concerning the release of the Lockerbie bomber, increased xenophobia around their Muslim communities and so forth.

I’m not trying to suggest that Russia is an angel, nor am I going to label them a pariah in the global community. Their government actively contributes to areas of genuine good and cooperation at times – for what intention is almost irrelevant – but should embrace change and transparency in an attempt to soothe the discontent both at home and abroad. Oppression is a marvellous tactic for the unimaginative and insecure, maybe that’s all this whole situation really comes down to. Think of it as high school in that it’s the guys who act with the most bravado and ignorance that are really the most insecure; and yet the girls somehow fall for them and end up unhappy in later life. This time the guy is represented by Russian politics, and the girl is somehow represented by the Russian people. Let’s just hope that the Motherland doesn’t get too upset when her daughter comes home crying and wondering how it could have gone so wrong. While he continues to exert authority and influence over Russian domestic and foreign policies, it is important to realize that until there is a stronger image of justice and mature behaviour from other nations, such criticism of any individual or government will be met with the same wave of the hand. Putin may go the way of the Czar - and what a shame it would be to miss out on Russia’s James Dean - but we too must leave what is our worst in pursuit of higher virtues.    

   

Cote d'Hope




 

What a difference a decade makes in Cote d’Ivore. Didier Drogba has risen from anonymity (unless of course you’re scratching your head) to become an icon for the Ivorian people, economic vitality has returned in the way of foreign investment and trade, and democracy is well on its way. “But Mark,” you say, “aren’t we witnessing something along the lines of civil chaos with the current political turmoil?” Great question hypothetical you; remarkable really given the fact that you’re not even signed up as a follower of this blog (ahem, that means you).

Sure, there are some crucial and grave issues right now given that Laurent Gbagbo (pictured left) has refused to concede the November 28th election to Alassane Ouattara (pictured right), instead setting up his own administrative cabinet. These range from the farcical (Gbagbo tried to order the UN peacekeeping force out of his country, oh him...) to the distressing (hundreds are reported to have been abducted in the night, while the perpetrators were protected by the security services) and the downright deadly (dozens have been killed, with more violence threatened). And so chaos has ensued. This election, which was supposed to have healed wounds endured from the 2002-03 civil war, is instead leaning Ivory Coast towards a national crisis between the ruling and the should-be-ruling.

The recent political history of Gbagbo is incredibly interesting, mirroring a hurricane of political turmoil. Following a failed coup in 1999, in which the leader of the movement fled, Gbagbo ran in a 2000 election. After winning the vote Robert Guei was later deposed following an uprising, which led to Laurent Gbagbo being instated as the President of Cote d’Ivore. Phew. In that decade, there was a considerable amount of xenophobia and racism, violence, civil war and political instability due in part to Gbagbo himself. Now that he is refusing to concede the election, there is much anticipation of renewed polarization of the country along the lines of North (predominately Muslim/former rebel territory) and South (predominately Christian). After all, it was only in 2007 that a power-sharing agreement came into place with a settlement that allowed for a former rebel to act as prime minister and Gbagbo to continue as president, while the recent elections were aimed at moving the process of reconciliation along.

The UN Security Council as well as Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the European Union, African Union and a whole host of other countries have all moved to recognize the winner of the election, Alassane Ouattara, and encourage Gbagbo to step down and allow for a peaceful transition of power. And for the African Union to say “it’s time to go,” then surely the party must be over because they don’t send anyone packing, not even Robert Mugabe and his billion percent inflation in Zimbabwae. What we’re witnessing could well be a “Mugabe” as Gbagbo attempts to assert himself in the hope that a mechanism for his continued presence in power, even power-sharing, can be found to alleviate the crisis. Cheeky if that’s the case.

Back to your initial question regarding the co-existence of democracy and chaos and, from what I can see, there are many reasons to find hope in these prickly events. On the whole, the greater issue remains the state of democracy in Cote d’Ivore and its sustenance regardless of the cost. Despite the chaos, kidnappings, threats of violence from Gbagbo’s youth militia and retribution from the Ouattara-backing rebels, democracy is working. The voices of the people are being heard and fought for by the global community and, regardless of the policies of individual countries and organizations, it is a significant declaration. That the election was won by a Muslim from the North is also extremely significant, and gives way to the kind of hope and national unity that was nurtured in Cote d’Ivore prior to the 1999 coup. Only that type of feel-good sentiment can foster the necessary trust to move democracy forward, disarm and disband all rebel /militia groups, and bring the state towards a greater role in African peace making.

Hopefully the standoff in the not so wild west of Africa can come to a peaceful conclusion, sans Gbagbo in my opinion. Anyone who betrays the sentiment of the people, as well as those fragile elements of democracy and national interest, needs to go. Clearly that was the message in the election, and only some political posturing is preventing its activation.

A quick side note about the rebels and militias: I swear they must shop at a military wholesaler who equips them in a style that can only be called “African chique”: guns that are either way too big for the person carrying them or far too small, bullet belts that always find the most intricate ways of being used as clothing, standard camouflage pants and then shirts that range from camo green to sleeveless plain t-shirts or old soccer jerseys, not to mention the diversity in hats, jewellery, and even the footwear (flip flops optional). Are rebel movements so unprofessional that they can’t even take pride in their appearance or uniformity? Say what you like about the Marxist fighters of old, at least they had it together.

Coming up on Africa's Next Top Rebel: The role of accessories.



 

Sarah Palin's Whacky World

When I think of the word ‘empire’ and all that is associated with it, a lot of different images and concepts come to mind. Being a bit of a romanticist, they generally have to do with things like a strong military, economic power, scientific progress and development, assertive and mature foreign policy. Perhaps the most essential image for empire though, is the leader. When you picture Rome a young Caesar, perhaps even a Marcus Aurelius, comes to mind. Britain would likely have you imagine Queens Victoria and Elizabeth and so on. There is always a certain sense of the right strengths to undertake the task of ruling such vast empires from people of strong character.

Now, the United States has experienced a sort of empire for multiple decades now, being one of two empires that remained since World War II and, until China’s recent rise in power and influence, the sole ‘superpower’ in existence following the collapse of the USSR. Pretend for a moment they are leaderless, without Obama at the helm, and have a bit of an imagine...done? Good. Now whoever you pictured, as the head of state for the world’s main power, replace with Sarah Palin. You just felt your stomach turn didn’t you? And I’ll bet you didn’t have any under-cooked Heff meat.

Sarah Palin, America’s darling of the moment, is really stirring the pot of politics in the US. She is attacking Democrats as well as senior Republican leadership in her bid to galvanize an incredibly passionate grass-roots movement, as well as establish herself as...erm...something.

You see, the issue is that she doesn’t really appear to have a strong enough grasp of the qualities for leading the US, like knowing for instance that it is South Korea, NOT North Korea, who are their allies. But at the same time, she has a gift for the gab and has shown that she genuinely knows how to connect with middle class America; at least those that like to shoot and say folksy things anyways.

The problem is the system in the States. People are either fiery about politics and stick to their base, or are independents and getting tired with the polarization of their political system. So when someone who has genuine appeal comes along and appears to be a straight-shooter – who also drops the gloves with both parties – then they have a great possibility of doing very well. The thing with Mrs. Palin is that what she says doesn’t have to be accurate or responsible, as long as she is passionate and throws in a little twang with her voice, she’s good to go.

That’s called populism and it tends to work in democracies, even in Canada, which is a bit of a shame really. The same reality that allows for kids to lose student council elections because of one spectacle or token promise is that same that sees the capable lose to those who pander to the masses. Ideally, we would be seeking statesmen and women for office, not glorified street performers with the same capacity for grasping political realities as the girls on The Hills. As a matter of fact, I would even like to have a go at Mrs. Palin and think I would be able to field questions with intelligent responses better suited for office than she could – unless of course she decided to know the difference between rhetoric and reality.

Just a thought here, but maybe we should ask more of our elected officials than a resume filled with gun ranges, foreign policy gaffs, knee-jerk right-wing commentary and a bit of folksy sass. George W won campaigns on the basis that he was the guy you’d rather have a beer with. Shouldn’t we instead – and forgive my idealism – ask more of those entrusted with the policy of our nations? I mean, I would think that someone with strong credentials, goals and objectives aimed at the greater good is more important than the guy you’d rather have a beer with. Because if quality time over a beer is all that it comes down to, then a few of me mates are looking strong contenders for Prime Minister’s Office in the next election.

Making it Acid Rain Y'all

A report recently revealed at the UN Climate Change Conference in Mexico has stated Canada is ranked 54th out of 57 nations for their efforts to halt climate change. Now, I know what you’re thinking...”Hey Mark, I love warm weather, what’s so bad about that?” Great question Geoff, and we’ll also tackle the new feature you’ve inspired for this blog at the end of this article.

Climate change doesn’t necessarily mean warm weather, but it does bring a lot of issues for you individually, Canada as a nation, as well as having some harmful global implications. First off, the root causes of climate change include some pretty harmful stuff. Consider things like carbon dioxide and the toxins emitted from a whole range of industries and necessities (farming, oil procurement, transportation, manufacturing, Scotland – though not so much a necessity, more a means of hot air and scabby nipples). Now, I’m not suggesting that we interrupt any of those areas, but there needs to be a real re-think on our approach to them. Think of the lungs as our atmosphere and the processing of society’s needs as cigarettes: The more we smoke (produce using current methods) the worse off our lungs (atmosphere) will become.

I know you’re doubting this because either a) you smoke and don’t see how that should really matter to anyone else and are completely missing the point of this analogy, b) you’re John Paul Bell Jr. and happen to have the lungs of a mythical creature that smoking somehow makes more efficient, or c) there really aren’t a whole lot of alternatives that approach a level of cost-effectiveness and common sense that would make changing our habits viable, or even d) you’re ignorant to the levels of human suffering and death attributed to climate change – in which case how dare you!

Ranking so poorly reflects a level of ignorance that we as Canadians should be ashamed of. We have a vast country whose natural landscape and wildlife is already suffering irreparable damage because of climate change. Furthermore, it’s having a negative impact on our position in global politics. Recently Canada lost its bid to become a member of the UN Security Council to both Germany and Portugal. Germany makes sense considering they are one of the world’s largest economies and contribute to international systems and governance in a relatively responsible manner. But Portugal? Portugal hasn’t done a whole lot and they somehow managed to usurp Canada’s spot. One reason cited was that those members of the UN who are island nations voted in favour of Portugal because Canada has ignored its own climate change initiatives under the Conservative Government and Mr. Harper. Since island nations will certainly feel an immediate impact of climate change, it was an easy choice for them to make a statement against such failures.

From a business perspective, the key to success is innovation. Our failure to adapt and seize the opportunity to become global leaders in the emerging market of green technology innovation and application is a massive detriment that will only weaken our economy in the long term. Think of the jobs that could be created if there was a sustainable push towards renewable energy, emerging green technologies and more efficient green transportation. Instead, we’re likely to be importing technology from foreign countries and will continue to be reliant on commodity export that will eventually become irrelevant in the global marketplace.

Moral of the story gang, is that we need to do better. “But Mark, I’m not politician, so what can I do?” Well, you could write your MP, which is likely a fruitless exercise in idealism. There are lots of things you can do; here are some links that have some neat and cost-saving ideas:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-simple-and-cheap-green-ideas.html#

http://www.greenfootsteps.com/

http://greenlivingideas.com/

Ultimately, it starts with all of us making a conscious effort to do some good. My perspective is that this can best be expressed at the municipal level, because in the provincial and federal arenas there are too many hurdles and interest groups that can get in the way. So, I think a good challenge is for a community like Cambridge to push for the status of being Carbon-Neutral, which basically means balancing low emissions with renewable energy to bring the two levels on par. While some intelligent cities in the world have already achieved this, and some incredibly ambitious and responsible national governments are making it a matter of domestic policy, little has been advanced towards such a goal in Canada. Having said that, if anyone would like to work on a pilot project for Cambridge, let me know and we can get a group going that can address such an issue. Thanks for the read.

Back to Geoff’s contribution to this blog, he will soon be publishing updates from his soon to be cook-book “Cooking with Heff.” Make sure you watch for the “sliders” recipe, it’s pretty delicious!

Restrepo's Lessons

My apologies for having not written for quite some time, but I’m back and hopefully we can have some more comments from global leaders past and present.

In 2007, a platoon of US Airborne soldiers was stationed in the Korengal Valley of Southern Afghanistan for a 15-month period. In the harsh mountainous terrain, they endured some of the fiercest combat the US has seen since the invasion of Afghanistan. Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington were embedded with those men, on-and-off for several months during their tour, filming and writing about the combat they experienced, as well as their personal interactions, how they dealt with emotions and so much more. WAR by Junger, and the documentary Restrepo by he and Hetherington are the product of their time there.

Watching the doc last night for the first time, my esteemed colleague Capt. Heff pointed out, that the platoon commander – a captain himself – was a “meat-head.” Sure, he came across as incredibly tough, devoted to his interpretation of the mission, as well as his men and the true essence of what America considers its invention, manoeuvre warfare. But, as the documentary developed we watched as he fumbled words and showed incredible levels of disrespect and ignorance towards local elders. Frustrated he may be, his soldiers were being shot at, some killed or having limbs blown off, he failed to grasp the key principles of counter-insurgency (COIN). Locals worked for or with the Taliban, harbouring them, feeding them, likely even being related to them. However, the brash and abrasive attitude the Captain took did much to undermine his role with the locals, as well as that of the ISAF, the Afghan Government and Afghan Security Forces. While speaking to tribal elders, the governing class in tribal Afghanistan, he was constantly shown to be yelling/swearing at them, reacting with insincere and sarcastic body language, and effectively alienating the very men he needed to win over. This fragile relationship was further placed under duress through air strikes against suspected targets within a civilian population, which led to several deaths and a number of children being wounded. The next day, the elders declared they would join the jihad against the Americans.

Coalition forces need to be more astute in their undertaking of COIN operations in regions of Afghanistan – or for that matter the Congo, Sudan, Somalia, the Balkans or wherever else such operations might occur in the future – where tribal and ethnic groups supersede any sense of “nationalism.” Conducting police actions through military force without first accounting for the difficulties the relationship between an abstract idea of national government and local leadership structures established centuries ago shows a profound sense of ignorance and naiveté. It’s a shame that nearing a decade of military operations in Afghanistan, that concept is still being ignored. Even Canada’s top commander in Kandahar who is returning home, recently claimed “victory” for Canadian and Coalition troops in Afghanistan. Idiot.

One last thing I would like to comment on when it comes to Restrepo, is the level of courage and tenacity demonstrated by the soldiers. This is the true lesson of the film, for those men fought day after day in unrelenting pressure from those who tried to kill them. Surely that is a testament of the warrior ideal more so than any pro-athlete flattered with the same term. Facing fatigue, hunger, cold and heat, wounds of the body as well as mind and soul, they fought with love in their hearts for their brothers in arms, and for those whom they longed for at home. We as a society should always be cautious for how we treat those ready to sacrifice for our ideals, or national security, or whatever you want to call the casus belli. That we only commit to conflict when absolutely necessary, not for the luxury of playing with expensive toys, international dick-swinging, special interest groups or ignorance of uneducated politicians, should be written in stone. Ultimately, the men and women asked to fight have volunteered, but that does not give anyone the right to misuse that courage.

And so, with that, I thank you for reading and if you’re interested in watching some clips from Restrepo, you can check out http://www.restrepothemovie.com/. There’s actually a really interesting clip up right now about the first living Medal of Honour recipient since Vietnam, who was a member of the platoon filmed in the documentary.

True North, Strong and Free

Years ago I found myself wandering through the autumn of England and France, with thoughts of emigrating to one of those nations on my mind (I also went to Wales, but come on). It was not a lack of love in Canada that led to such flirtations, but what I saw there that stirred me. There was wealth of history, the un-changed beauty of such diverse landscapes, the simplicity of life and the passion of football – not to mention the idea of a beautiful woman with a muse of an accent. I just felt there was more for me overseas than there would ever be in Canada, that the sense of nationalism and identity in Europe was more encompassing of my ideals. It’s not that Canada lacks nationalism and identity, but they are generally portrayed as things of little consequence that make for funny beer commercials.

Then something happened. I was biking along the coast of Normandy, touring the sites and battlefields of the 1944 invasion with little more than a pack and a flat tire. After moving through the British sectors, I spotted a Canadian flag flapping from the winds that skipped off the English Channel; then another. Gradually, I saw a dozen or so maple leaf flags, standing vigilant watch over the fallen and the free. There was a strangeness to it, as never before had I seen my home country’s flag in a foreign land so predominately displayed. I spent that night in a hotel on the outskirts of Courselles-sur-Mer, happy for the warm bath and fresh linens. I was knackered, and just getting over being fatigue-induced illness.

The next morning I awoke at dawn, organized and packed my belongings, dropped the key off at the front desk and grabbed my bike from the courtyard. Leaving the hotel I slowly walked west along the main coastal road, looked left and was in a state of disbelief. There amongst a beautifully kept garden, with a floral design in the pattern of the Canadian flag, was a D-Day tank. It was taken from the Channel after the invasion and was home to an unfortunate crew that didn’t even have a chance to storm the beaches of the Canadian sector named Juno. As my focus loosened its grip from the relic, I saw something that struck my conscience. There, along the main street of this tiny French village, were hundreds of Canadian flags. Suspended along wires that stretched from one side to the next, they flapped and snapped in the salty breeze. It wasn’t tourism season, far from it actually since I had hardly met anyone travelling and many of the coastal business that normally cater to such crowds were closed. Yet there they were, those hundreds of maple leafs, the mark of an ever grateful town – one of the first to be liberated in all of Europe.

After touring the rest of Juno Beach, I travelled into the country-side to visit a plot of land. Along the way to Beny-sur-Mer, I looked on as cattle sought refuge from the coastal winds in the scars of WWII bomb craters. Turning down what looked to be a seldom used dirt road, I came upon the Canadian Military Cemetery. It was here that I sat and looked upon the waters that these men had crossed to fight a resolute enemy, knowing that death was very much a reality – especially given the Canadian sacrifices at Dieppe two years earlier. I walked through the rows of headstones, reading the inscriptions of the men who were killed in the Normandy campaign. Many were in their late teens or early twenties and experienced either minutes or days of combat before their lives were cut short. It was as chilling as it was moving, to think that so many had the courage to fight for their country and what was right.

Canada is more than a defined territory with borders, trees, lakes and rivers. It is a collection of people that have within them the ability to achieve and the humility to hold ideals and principles above all else. We must be vigilant in nurturing a sense of who we are and our application for what is right, remembering there are places in the world that will forever show their gratitude for what it is to be Canadian. Let us ensure we ourselves don’t lose sight of that same gratitude for the true north.

Happy Canada Day

The Gerrard Factor

No doubt many of you are enjoying the beautiful game, letting it tease and excite as though it were your mistress. She is incredible, non? Graceful and elegant at one moment and in an instant all together a different animal full of raw passion and intensity. If only your girlfriend/wife/friend-that-you're-dating-but-claim-you-aren't could be that for you. With a wealth of talent gracing the pitch, the choice of fantasy is limitless. But, for just a moment, let us entertain one in particular that marries fortune and fate.

It is that England is ready, that the stars have aligned and finally, fatefully, it is time. The manager is a strict tactician, a philosopher-sculptor who has crafted a squad from something raw and unrecognizable into an image of his ideal. That statue, lionized by the manager, has all of the elements necessary: a daring and aggressive strike-force, dominant and enveloping midfield, bulwark and pressing defence, and a keeper who’s name suits the country (no Gabe, not David Seaman).

But there is one more feature that fate has blessed this entity with, a young Scouse who’s club nickname is Captain Incredible, Steven Gerrard. Why is this such a factor you ask? What bearing does this have with such celestial notions of fate? Allow me to explain. Several years ago, I watched Liverpool play FC Porto in Toronto wif me mate Jordan. It was there that fate and fortune first conspired. As the teams had finished warming up and were walking off the pitch, I leaned over the railing and yelled “Steven will you sign my England kit?” He obliged. From that day forward, I have held a devotion to Gerrard that can only be rivalled by the likes of Rooney and Becks. I’ve had a picture of him in my wallet for four years and bought his jersey two years ago. A man that plays for Liverpool, the arch-rivals of my club Manchester United, I respect him as being separate from that faction. Some might call it a man crush, others that he is my doppelganger.

Now, as England embarks on a campaign to re-capture the World Cup, that same man has again been chosen by fate. JT, England’s former captain and lion on defence, was caught in a scandalous affair with ex-clubmate Wayne Bridge’s ex-fiance (complicated right?) = captaincy stripped. Rio Ferdinand, the vice-captain elevated to wearing the armband, has been so injury-plagued that he is no longer able to compete in the World Cup Finals = captaincy deferred. The next in line, the true heir was none other than Stevie G. The man who once signed my England jersey is now the captain of that same country.

England has a proper heart for its captain, a man who knows how to win, capable of grabbing a game by the throat and doing with it as he pleases. Time and time again he has proven this to be the case for Liverpool; who could ever forget that emphatic display he orchestrated against AC Milan those years ago to come from 3-0 down to win the Champions League. And so, with the stars aligning, my choice for England captain is finally a reality. Whether or not it pays dividends we will see, but remember this in the coming weeks: Gerrard will do with fate as he pleases. All we need now is for him and Frank to get along.

Today's match prediction: England 4, USA 1

Football is Not Flat

For decades, North America has viewed football (read soccer) as a one-dimensional, European based and South American conquered sport. To the masses and the media that maintains an ignorance/constant lack of depth in coverage of the game, football is flat. Not in the sense of a sport that was once fizzy, capturing the imagination of the masses, only to allow time to stale its appeal, no. North America sees football as flat, as people once saw the world. It possesses no fullness, not possibly having a global appeal worthy of continued interest in the US or Canada. Football is a game on a field, featuring players who run around and kick a ball in the net, there’s nothing more to it, full stop.

In seventeen short days, years of anticipation will culminate in an explosion of footy-fever. It will be an event filled with the grandeur and pageantry of athleticism, with billions of viewers globally, and a month of dedicated media coverage, as though it were something that CBC and the likes would have you convinced they adored to cover. Covet is perhaps a better word, since so many will become fans once again. And I do mean fans. You see, in football, the true followers of a club/country, are called supporters. The rest, the occasionally-follow-the-game fans, well they’re just that.

As we near the World Cup, I think it best to proceed with caution. The media coverage, especially from North American broadcasters, will be hugely misrepresentative of the beautiful game with an understanding of the sport like that off a fish out of water. Even if the gracious hosts of Soccer Central happen upon the air, no doubt Dobson will fumble over terms, players and what has actually transpired in the match, while Craig Forrest will entertain lush fantasies of his playing days at West Ham with a young Frank Lampard. The only broadcasters I will give any support to are those of the Footy Show on the Score, and shame I don’t anticipate they got the call from CBC for post-match analysis; them or any other foreign-born broadcaster with even a remote understanding of the game.

But the media isn’t even the worst of it. True, they perpetuate a lack of understanding and appreciation, pretending to be heralds of something they so falsely love. It’s when I hear someone with splash-in-a-puddle shallow understanding of football take up its banner for one month, every four years – two if they should happen to follow the Euros – that my heart really cringes. They wear the badge of certainty when they boast of their team, maybe even possessing the uncanny ability to name one or two starlets along the way. Bravo. Maybe they even checked the FIFA website, or ESPN so that they could have conversation points covered in advance. But when such people assume a position of knowledge that allows them to spew nonsense about the game and what should/will/does/could/did happen, that’s when I really draw the line. They’ve once again decided that their culture or the excitement that others have merits interest for a few weeks in something they care little for, and because of it the true passion of the game takes a knock in Canada. We have 4th world football, with developing nations far exceeding our own grasp and hopes with ease.

So don’t carry on under the pretext that you’re a passionate fan of footy, when all you do is follow it once every few years. Between people like that and the media, which is comprised of people like that, it could be a long and agonizing few weeks for the avid football supporter. When moments like that come along, I wish the world were flat, and that such people would manage their way over the edge, ta.

Exit Strategy

Recently there has been a considerable amount of opinion on Canada's mission in Afghanistan from a variety of sources. Secretary of State Clinton recently commented that she would like to see Canadian troops remain beyond the 2011 withdrawal date, military commanders in NATO have argued for the same action, and most tellingly, a vast majority of the bereaved families of the Canadian fallen have asked that Canada stay. However strong the arguments might be for the above perspectives, they should not infuence the action to remove combat troops from Afghanistan.

As an operation involing strong elements of counter-insurgency, political reform and economic development, NATO and Canada have largely failed to accomplish any significant movement towards sustainable peace, reform and development. This is no reason for packing up and calling it quits, in fact it normally inspires nations and political figures to redouble their efforts. But there are other nations belonging to NATO or it's allies who are as capable and maintianing the current security dimension in the region. Many countries within NATO have failed to carry the burden of combat and related threat-exposure, insisting instead that their soldiers remain in relatively peacful regions with strict Rules of Engagement (ROE) that prevent them from effectively entering combat. Still, there are more pressing reasons for Canada's withdrawal.

Currently, Canada has suffered 142 killed and many more wounded in the conflict in Afghanistan. While this number is relatively low considering the length, nature and ferocity of the militatry operations, it is still cause for national mourning. However as a nation, we as Canadians have been well acquainted with significant causalties. In the First World War, we lost roughly 67,000 killed, while for the Second World War that number stood at more than 45,000; both numbers are almost unrelatable to our current national view of military conflict. We have come a long way since the trenches of the Western Front, or from the landing at Dieppe and the invasion of Normandy (the latter two I have visited on multiple occassions). While some have suffered loss through the conflict in Afghanistan, we must not allow emotional appeals to constitute our foreign policy related to military intervention, or its continuance. That we remain to prevent the sacrifice of the deceased from a vain exercise is without reason. Having lost someone I love dearly in combat is not something I have had to experience and I understand the suffering and anguish of those that have. We must look past our grief, both personal and national, and come to an understanding of what is in the best interests of Canada: Afghanistan after 8 years is not.

Our military is drained of resources and personnel, to the point where we don't even have enough officers to train enlisted soldiers. Last fall I applied to the Canadian Forces in the hope of finding a position as an officer in the Army. My application wasn't even looked at however, on the basis that they were not hiring any infantry until at least the Spring; and this was at a time when political figures were talking about adding tens of thousands to the number of army, navy and air force personnel. The reason I was given? We don't have enough officers to train new recruits, because most of them are busy either in Afganistan, training to be deployed, or have just returned. Shame. Our military needs a breather and our political leaders need to find consensus on the real issues surrounding military intervention and conflict so that we can have sound direction from Ottawa.

But still, we have not hit the real reason why Canada should leave its combat role in Afghanistan: Africa. As a nation who once prided itself on intervention for the sake of peace keeping and protecting human life, we have somehow lost our way over the last decade and change. Somalia was a PR nightmare for Canada in the early 90's, a poorly equipped, politically constrained military found itself reeling from the torture and execution of a Somali boy. It was a deserved shame for our country and military. But then we continued to make mistakes. We disbanded the Airborne, a staple in manouvre warfare and of a sophisticated military. We failed to make the appropriate adjustments because of the difficulties in Somalia and we ALLOWED the genocide in Rwanda to occur, despite one of our brightest generals being present and asking for assistance. We continued this trend by allowing Sierra Lionne to spiral into bloody chaos, watching the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) become the world's deadliest conflict since WWII, and standing by deaf and dumb to the atrocities in Sudan and the Darfur region. So, why should Canada exit Afghanistan? Becuase the obligation should be Africa. Somalia is a hornets nest just waiting to extend itself into other regions of the globe, as it is already doing in East Africa. Sudan needs a strong, well-equipped military intervention to maintain a fragile and peace and prevent renewed violence (the AU troops there are seen as inept at even protecting themselves).

Canada should take a deep breath, study and learn from the vast amount of recent counter-insurgency and urban warfare experience (which is a blessing to have), mandate language and cultural training related to strategic hot-spots (like Sudan, the DRC and Somalia) and show some courage. Africa needs it. The people trapped in chaos, war and death deserve it. Who knows, we might even find ourselves in a region where people genuinely want our help if we take the right steps to get there. Because if we want to make the world safer and better for tomorrow, we have to realize that there is a very large continent that we're neglecting.

Oh Jerusalem

Poor poor Jerusalem, again at the center of more discontent and posturing than it should be. Israel has gone against international sentiment and decided that it will pursue the expansion of the city's eastern settlements, with 1600 new homes on the way. PM Netanyahu even at one point in the past week referred to Jerusalem as Israel's capital, with an ignorance to the Israeli occupation of the city's east side. Tsk tsk.

This has angered Palestinians, who view Jerusalem as their proverbial home. The moderate (read: tends to agree with the West's) Fatah political party, who normally leads the call for dialogue rather than arms has recently, at the Doha Debates, opened the possibility for a renewed call to armed resistance of the Israeli occupiers. Such a move would have them sleeping with Hamas relatively soon, at least for the sake of their own guilty pleasure of firing rockets with the effectiveness of almost nil. Tsk tsk.

I'm not sure which direction the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will move or if the two parties are even close to the climax. But I do think that it is a sad state of affairs when Israel, who has clearly been the aggressor for decades, isn't reined in. That's not to say Palestinians are princesses, they too have had more than their fair share of violence and terror. However Washington is upset with their BFF in Tel Aviv, but they look as helpless as anyone to do anything about it. While the U.S. sends $3 billion worth of mainly military aid to Israel every year, Israel sends back a cold shoulder. There isn't even the argument for strategic influence, since the Cold War has finished and Israel has demonstrated that it is quite effective at losing ground wars...cough...Hezbollah...cough. Nor does the U.S. need Israel to blunt Syria (since there is currently a thaw in their relations), or to tackle Iran (the U.S. possesses enough Sunni Muslim allies in the region who are concerned about Shia Iran's weapons program and growing influence, not to mention their own extensive naval and air power along with some really cutting-edge munitions). So why Israel?

They have used tactics and weapons in dense, civilian rich urban centers that have caused some to call for war crimes and crimes against humanity. They have time and time again rejected European and other Western criticisms of their domestic policies such as constructing large concrete walls, indiscriminate road blocks, targeted assassinations of political figures, settlement construction and so forth. Oh, and they have caused the Palestinian peoples to become the world's largest refugee population. For what? To fulfill scripture? The whole concept of "peace in the Middle East" is a joke. As long as one nation is allowed to impose itself over others, there will never be peace, and the current conflict is far too asymmetric in nature. If you want peace pit and Israeli and a Palestinian against one another with nothing more than a pea-shooter, eventually they will tire.

As for Canada, shame on us. Our foreign policy has been for decades so pro-Israeli that we're forgetting the humanity of the issue. We've become ignorant to the Palestinians because frankly they don't have a country. Who are we afraid of upsetting? The Israelis? The Israeli lobby? Of losing the Israeli vote? There was a time Canada did the right thing in the Middle East for the right reason. We took a stand against British, French and Israeli political interests and sent a military force to maintain peace during the Suez Crisis. Where has that spirit gone? Where is the understanding that as a member of the international community Canada has simply become a shadow of its former self? Shame.

I'm not necessarily pro-Palestinian on this issue, but I do think they are getting the short end of the stick, and it's hitting them all too often. Were I living in Gaza or the West Bank right now, watching my kids struggle, my family suffer, my friends die and I felt that no one outside of the Palestinian territories was ready to do anything about it, I don't think it would take me too long to reach for a fallen AK and express my discontent. Would you? Let's hope someone with a sense of reason can interject in Jerusalem and move to make it a city that no side can claim as their own. After all, isn't it the home of all three desert religions?

If you're looking for an interesting approach the broader conversation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, check out 'Death in Gaza' which is an amazing documentary. And please I would love your feedback on this blog. Thanks.

A Quick Hello

Hello and welcome to my first blog. I'm excited to get started and express my thoughts on a variety of different issues and topics. It is the very idea of an intellectual commonwealth that has moulded humanity throughout history. Ideas have transcended borders, languages, political affiliations and sympathies, religion and have done so across the ages. Arguments that the likes of Socrates or Marcus Aurelius made thousands of years ago are no less relevant today, with new generations challenging their assertions and compounding their thoughts through them.

So I hope you enjoy the ride. I'll let you know straight-away that there is no plan for this blog; there will be no set dates, or agenda of topics/interests. I understand that many of you may be critical of what I write, which I hope you are as doing so will force me to re-evaluate my views and ideas. Please do be gentle though as I do write with a touch of hopeful ignorance to the more blunt realities of the world that surrounds us. And if you're wondering where my inspiration for beginning this little expressive adventure began, I'm sure you'll discover that as you read along.

Thank you kindly,

Mark Anderton